Obit: Ken Caird, Glasgow Folkie

Subject: Obit: Ken (Kenny) Caird, Glasgow Folkie
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 17 Jul 12 - 09:34 AM

Kenny was for years the organiser, promoter, sound engineer, MC and guiding light of the Star and New Dawn Folk Clubs in Glasgow.

He passed away on Wednesday 11th July 2012.

Legions of visiting artists have stayed with, and dined with the Caird family. He knew and could remember more jokes, mostly terrible, than any ten other people you could name.

He was a stirrer-upper. He upset the apple cart. He took pride in turning up to traditional music sessions with an amplifier, electric guitar (with synthesiser attached) and using it to play the digital oompah), but he also played traditional tunes on the concertina with sensitivity and skill. He loved the blues, hated injustice and hypocrisy, was a passionate advocate of rational thought and debunking of mysticism.

A few short weeks ago, with characteristic directness, Kenny told us that he was losing his battle with cancer. The melanoma that took his eye (and led him to create a Youtube persona called "WanEyedFolky") had returned agressively and viciously, causing him to lose the use of his legs. An optimistic prognosis was six to twelve months. That was wildly inaccurate, as it turns out.

A group of Kenny's friends have combined to put on a testimonial music event that will raise a support fund for Kenny's family through this most difficult period and beyond. The title of the day is "Undefeated". That name came from a powerful song by Robb Johnson, one of Kenny's favourites. They organisers have been humbled by, and are extremely grateful for, generous commitments of support from large numbers of people in the Scottish folk music community. So many immediately said: "just tell me what you need", and that in itself is a massive tribute to the regard in which he is held.

Kenny was once described to me as being like Ronseal - "does exactly what it says on the tin".

That pretty much sums him up, for me. He was a man with strong convictions and strong principles and was fiercely loyal to his loved ones and his friends.

What marked him apart from many of us is that he'd hold to his convictions and principles even when it was not convenient, when it caused him or other people problems, even when life could have been much simpler and gentler if he just looked the other way.

In short, he had integrity. And that integrity is in part, I imagine, what had led him to explain just what he was facing.

No window dressing.

No soft soap.

Just the truth.

And sometimes, the truth with unanticipated oompahs.

Ken's funeral will be held at Craigton Crematorium, Berryknowes Road, Glasgow, at 2:30 on Wednesday (18th July).

Ken would want me to say: your prayers are not required.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ken Caird, Glasgow Folkie
From: GUEST,Christine Pert
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 11:17 AM

I am just back from Ken (Cairdy's) funeral.

I have been priveleged to have known him for all my life, having been brought up in a family in Mosspark, whom had the fortunate (or un) as some would say as having a brother called Alan (Perty) and his other mate David (Milky) who so overwhelmingly conducted the service today.

I have to say David McLintock you have my utmost admiration for doing that today, as it must have taken great courage and stamina to do that, but you did said everything from the heart, and that made it easy for us all. Especially as we all stood in that same Crematorium and watched Kenny do the exact same thing for Gemma those years ago.

I shared many memories with Kenny over the years also, again far too many to mention, but I was fortunate enough to have the same eye surgeon in the name of Dr Paul Cauchi, who we both shared with gratitude for the chance of hope.

To Trish and Roisin, my love and thoughts go out to you both, memories will last forever. Ryan my son, who Roisin knows, sends his love too, and share the love with all around you, as your Dad has made such and impact in so many ways into so many people.

He will be sorely missed by many. Only the good die young.

To John McCreadie.......you did your mate proud today Well done.

All my love

Christine (Perty's wee sister) xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Ken Caird, Glasgow Folkie
From: GUEST,Andymac
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 11:43 AM

Stevie,
I've known Kenny for many years and I've never read such a fitting description of him. Well said indeed. I wish I'd written it but I wish even more, that you didn't have to write it.
I couldn't get there today as I'm not due home till next week but I know he'll have had a good send off by all his mates.

Andy

Subject: RE: Obit: Ken Caird, Glasgow Folkie
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 18 Jul 12 - 06:55 PM

No prayers - but rest in peace, Kenny. You're a great guy!

Subject: RE: Obit: Ken Caird, Glasgow Folkie
From: oggie
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 08:23 AM

It was moving and humbling to see how many folks turned up to say farewell, to tell Cairdy stories and support both the family and each other. It's a big loss to the many people who knew him and who he helped over the years.

Both David and John did their old friend proud and I'll never know how John managed to sing Phil Ochs' song "When I'm Gone" without breaking up, breathtaking.

It was still too soon to lose you Big Fella,

Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: Ken Caird, Glasgow Folkie
From: GloriaJ
Date: 19 Jul 12 - 12:32 PM

Subject: RE: Obit: Ken Caird, Glasgow Folkie
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 14 - 10:36 AM

Hi, I never knew Ken passed away...he was a teacher at the East end acadamy in Glasgow and he helped me tremendously! I'd remembered that he'd told me I could use him as a reference on my work applications and I forgot his address so I thought I'd look him up online...imagine my surprise when I found out he'd passed away!! I'm so deeply sorry. He helped me tremendously! I pray you're in paradise, now Ken. Thank you for being a friend and great teacher!--Jill Faucher-Ross