Ray Fisher unwell (Dec 2009)-died 31 Aug 2011

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: janemick
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 06:05 AM

Get well soon, Ray. We havent seen you since one of the National folk Festivals some years ago, but we still talk about the hilarious night we had when you came and joined in with the session til the wee small hours. Jane & Pete Mickelborough

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Brian Peters
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 10:05 AM

Me again.

Hello Ray, I'm still following your progress and hoping you're through the worst now. I saw a mention earlier on of the 'Black Hoose' on Barra, where Margaret and I spent happy times two summers running, many years ago. Happy memories. I understood the 'Mingulay Boat Song' much better after that!

Request list for next time we hear you sing:
Over Yonder Banks... Miller to my Trade... Waiting for your Valentine... Willie's Lady (THE version!).

Very best,
Brian

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,EKanne
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:14 AM

Well, if Brian Peters can put in requests in advance, so can I! So how's about The Bonnie Hoose o' Airlie, Eence upon a Time and The Lum Hat Wantin' a Croon? Or - even further back - Run, Come See Jerusalem!
Thinking of you both with love and best wishes.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: KathWestra
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 10:36 PM

Thinking about you, and continuing to wish you well. Hope the infections clear and that health and strength return.
All best,
Kathy Westra

p.s. I had a whole gang of bright red cardinals at the bird feeder today, and have instructed the lot of them to hang around until your next visit.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 12:05 PM

Ray's singing of "Willie's Fatal Visit" is peerless - so can I request that, please?

And a second performance of the Bunny Girls' Rapper when you're up and about?

Keep up the resilience!

Love - Jim & Georgina

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: DebC
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 12:24 PM

Hi Ray,

Here's hoping that you have a speedy recovery and I look forward to hearing you sing again. Your rendition of Mill O'Tifty's Annie at the National in 2005 was amazing and it was good to connect with you there.

Happy holidays to you, Colin and the rest of your family.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Stephanie Smith
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 01:54 PM

I join everyone else in sending positive thoughts to Ray and Colin, and wishing Ray a speedy recovery. I visited them while in the UK in September and got to hear about Ray's trip to Whitby which sounded wonderful. We also did some reminiscing about Willie Scott and a road trip to several London area folk clubs with him.

Love and best wishes to you, Ray and Colin!
Steph aka Goldilocks

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 07:26 PM

We're still here, Ray. With every stick of firewood hauled inside, every song I sing, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 04:26 PM

I played my fiddle today, Colin and Ray. I reckon if Ray can work hard to get well, I can work on playing fiddle again. So, bow by bow...thoughts and prayers surround you and the rest of the family.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Pat Ryan
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 06:05 PM

Come on Ray. You can do it. Want to see you at Whitby next year. It's a long time since we met at Rotherham Folk Festival & Did the Highland fling. Memories of new Years at Archies' & at Cilla & Arties. Also remember Dranouter ?????

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 01:01 PM

This sunny day makes me think of Ray's blazing, troublemaker-in-action smile. I'm hoping Ray and Colin and family are getting some rest when they aren't working together for Ray's recovery.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 02:29 PM

I'm afraid I've just received the following message. Colin writes:

" I saw the surgeon today. Ray has a
terminal condition with the growth in the liver so we are trying to
arrange for her to be looked after at home by McMillan
nurses."

(McMillan nurses are part of a UK charity that provides care for cancer patients, in case that's a UK thing)

I know no more at present: I'm trying to find the strength to ring Colin, and I'm clean out of words.

Paws / Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,wheatman
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 04:02 PM

What desperately bad news our thoughts and prayers are with all.
Brian and Christine Kell

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 06:27 PM

My heart is full. Thank you for telling us, Julia.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,marc marnie
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 12:00 PM

Hi Ray,
It's a few years since we last met but whenever I think of you & your music it warms my heart. I wish you the very best.
Love & good wishes,
marc

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Sheena Wellington
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 02:08 PM

Ray, Colin and the family, you are in our hearts and prayers at this time. much love, Sheena & Malcolm

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:34 AM

Oh Dear.

My Father has just had his kidney removed due to cancer, he was just starting to recover and yesterday they found a growth on his lung.

Best wishes to Ray and the entire family, we know what you are all going through.

Steve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:43 AM

Oh dear, my worst fears are confirmed. There are times when the last thing you want to hear, that your fears are confirmed.
Knowing Ray, she will cope with this chapter of her life with the same spirit as she has lived it so far.
We love you Ray.

John MacKenzie

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: henryclem
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:54 AM

We had a visit from Ray, with Di, not so very long ago at Swindon Folksingers Club and it was a real delight for everyone fortunate enough to be there to share their company and songs. Ray has been a good friend and inspiration to so many over the years and I would like to pass on to her not only my own gratitude for that, but also good wishes from Ted & Ivy, Eric, Luke, and all at the Swindon club.

We're all thinking of you and yours, Ray.

Henry

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Booklynrose
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 07:31 AM

Ray our best wishes are with you.
We remember fondly your parformances in the U.S. and good fellowship at New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club events, your beautiful music and marvelous sense of humor.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Booklynrose
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 07:37 AM

Here is a link to a message sent this spring by Jean Ritchie thinking about end of life meanings. I hope others may find it heartening as I did.


http://www.mudcat.org/Detail.CFM?messages__Message_ID=2626780

The link is from the thread "is kytrad ok?" (no, she is also ill.)

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Cath
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 08:13 AM

This is very sad. I have very fond memories of times spent with Ray when she has been to Holmfirth to sing.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Surreysinger
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 10:48 AM

Just wished to send my thoughts, best wishes and support(and those of my sister who is a great fan) to Ray and to Colin.

You wouldn't know it Ray, but you were one of the first people who encouraged me in pursuing the course of standing up in public and singing solo after I had made a contribution to a ballad session at the National Festival that you were a part of in 1999. I remember standing outside the Library in the Sutton Bonington complex immediately afterwards, waiting to get in while another workshop was going on. We were the only two outside, and you took the time to tell me how much you had liked my song. That meant a great deal to me at the time, and I spent the rest of the day in a pleasurable haze. It was only a small thing but it meant a lot, and was one of the stepping stones to my gaining increased confidence to stand up and share the songs that I love with others. Thank you so much for that.


Irene Shettle

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: wendyg
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:08 PM

I am so sorry to hear about Ray. As others have said, a fine singer. And also a very kind person - went so far as to take me home one time when I had nowhere to stay when visiting her local folk club.

very best wishes.

wg

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Anne Lister
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 01:00 PM

So very, very sad to hear this. My thoughts are with the family.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 06:05 PM

All best wishes to Ray, Colin and family, and thanks for good memories.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Ed Rennie
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 08:38 PM

Dearest Ray

You are an inspirational performer and have a peerless attitude. Sharing a stage with you, as I'm sure many will readily agree, is an unnerving experience. Your repost at the National to my revealing that my parents, like the chaps in Fair Flower of Northumberland, were a Scottish Man and an English Women, but without the prison bit. "So your some sort of Half Breed then?" Not so easy singing after that, but there's no-one in the world I rather play stooge to.

As I say, unnerving, but infinitely to be treasured.

All our love and best wishes to you, Colin and the Family.

Ed, Annie and Jacob Rennie

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 12:54 AM

Hi Ray

Hope you're feeling better. Best wishes from New Zealand for your health and for Christmas and 2010

Cheers

Sharyn Staley

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Angie and Ken and all at Four Fools
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 05:43 AM

Would just like to add our good wishes to Ray and say we are rooting for her as well. She has long been one of my favourite singers, and a very very special person.

Every good wish Ray
Angie and Ken

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 03:09 PM

I saw Ray this afternoon, and took in the latest messages, which she reads, and enjoys. The good news is that the antibiotics she's been having for two infections have been stopped and the feed line is getting some nutrition in her.

She's very fragile, but was nibbling cake and sipping coffee. Her doctor came round while I was there, and they're still going to do various scans, presumably to get a more accurate idea of the situation.

I hope to see her again on Christmas eve. I doubt she will be home before the New Year but I could be proved wrong.

Paws / Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Stephanie Smith
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 07:49 PM

Paws/Julia,

Thank you so much for your updates on Ray. I'm so glad that there is some good news from your visit today. Obviously there is an enormous amount of love and caring for her on this forum. There are also many positive thoughts going out on her behalf on the Ballad Listserv and Facebook.

Ray, we are all here for you! Much love to you and Colin and family!

Stephanie aka Goldilocks

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 09:00 AM

One of the audience took this in October:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/45841739@N06/4206314030/

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 09:19 AM

Nice one.

Still thinking of you Ray, as I do almost every day.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Dave (Bridge)
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 02:02 PM

Ray did a fantastic performance at the Bridge Folk Club 50th birthday party in November 2008 and subsequently as a guest with Di at the club earlier this year. Our thoughts go out to her and Colin

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 23 Dec 09 - 05:23 AM

Hi Ray, We're so sorry to hear the latest news but there are no words to really express how we feel. We was so pleased to see you at whitby and when you did your booking at sheila's club. It was great to see you enjoying yourself again. You're such an inspiration to so many, me included. Unforgetable is probably an appropriate description. Malc and I send our love and best wishes to you and the family. We keep you in our thoughts xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 06:08 AM

As we move through Christmas Eve, my thoughts are with Ray, Colin and the family.
all best wishes
Derek

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 06:52 AM

The good news is that Ray is to be allowed home for Christmas Day itself - she has to go back to hospital in the evening. I hope to see her briefly this afternoon and I'll post again when I get back.

Their eldest son Duncan is staying over Christmas, and their daughter is to visit on 27th.

Julia / Paws

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Mick Tems
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 11:51 AM

All the best to you and to Colin, Ray - here's an old fan who hopes that you'll get better soon! Your LP, The Bonnie Birdie, is a landmark that I'll treasure always; it really thrilled and influenced me to hear such a controlled, strong and gorgeous voice ring out loud and clear. I always look forward to your rare visits to Llantrisant Folk Club, your company and your delightful conversation - or maybe we'll come up and pay you a visit!

Mick Tems

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 12:02 PM

Good news, thanks for passing that on Julia, and a special Merry Christmas to you, you certainly deserve it in my book.

John

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Little Robyn
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 02:14 PM

Merry Christmas from New Zealand Ray!
It's 8:00am here and Santa has been already.
The 3 year old, dressed in Santa suit pyjamas, is just discovering the toys he left behind - Barbies, dresses and a scooter, and your birthday baby, now 4 weeks old, has just fallen asleep.
It's a perfect summer morning, the wind has died down, there's no sign of rain. We were singing carols outside at a friends place last night, not far from where you stayed with Pat and Frank and I was using my Tatay guitar just like yours.
Thinking of you all,
Have a lovely day at Whitley Bay.
Love,
Robyn, Mitch, Trina, Kali and baby Mickayla.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 03:41 PM

Ray was quite cheerful in hospital this afternoon (it's still 24th here, Robyn!), but is going home mid-morning, and returning to hospital late afternoon.

Colin told me he and Duncan were going to cover the house in cards. Ray was concerned they wouldn't manage to cook the dinner "properly", but was looking forward to having a smoke in peace. (I know ...., but everyone, including me, agrees she should be allowed to do exactly as she likes.)

She's going to wear her tiara, and a hat with flashing lights, she says.
Although I didn't take in the last few messages due to rushing about, I told her messages were still coming in and that people round the world were all thinking of her, something she finds a bit overwhelming, but is very happy about.

I hope she has a wonderful time with Colin and Duncan, and then when Fiona comes up on Sunday, although she'll be back in hospital then.

I'll hope to see her again in a few days.

Paws / Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Dave (Bridge)
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 04:41 PM

Enjoy the DVD Ray. All the best from all at the Bridge

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 24 Dec 09 - 04:44 PM

On every occasion when I have seen Ray (rather than only heard her on record) I have been impressed as much by her wit as by her singing. I trust that her sense of humour will help her and her family through this difficult time.

Richard

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Andymac
Date: 25 Dec 09 - 09:20 AM

Ach...I've been hoping for the best and worrying about the worst for the last few weeks, like so many of us have.. Here's hoping the doctors are wrong in their diagnosis.

Your audience and friends (same thing really) are just waiting for your next piece of inspired daftness...

Have a lovely christmas at home with the family around you...

Andymac

ps. love the tiara and flashing lights image...

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Frank & Pat Scaglione
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 04:45 AM

We are so pleased that you were able to spend Christmas at home. We are still thinking of you and sending lots of love.
Our porch has been re-named "Ray's smokotorium" in your honour. Remember how we used to sit in there and enjoy our nicotine fix? (except for Colin of course!)
Lots of love,
Pat & Frank
Haumoana, Hawke's Bay
New Zealand (on a warm and sunny Boxing Day)

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,EKanne
Date: 26 Dec 09 - 06:12 PM

To Ray, Colin and family,
Wishing you every good thought for what lies ahead. And with fond memories of all the lovely music,

Andy Hunter, Gordeanna McCulloch, Anne Neilson and Ian Olson.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: KathWestra
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 11:02 AM

Thinking of you and hoping your tiara (and the flashing lights) shone brightly for you on Christmas day, and that you were surrounded by much love with your family close by. Best wishes to you from Washington, DC.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:34 PM

Further good wishes to you Ray. I hope you'll get qwell and be singing again soon. All best for New Year to you, Coplin and family. Roy Harris, known on Mudcat as Burl.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 12:38 PM

It was good to hear they let you were getting home for the day and we hope you had a great Christmas day. I was beiginning to think you might have had to get a shovel smiuggled in to start the escape tunnel!!   xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 27 Dec 09 - 02:01 PM

Tom Dick and Harry Ray, remember The Wooden Horse?
Hope you had a lovely day yesterday, and I bet you smoked a few cigarettes.
Nearly said fags there, then I remembered that Americans read this.

John ☺