Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)

Subject: Obit: Bob van Gaalen
From: s&r
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 06:12 PM

From Sue

Unfortunately I have some very sad news. I'm afraid my lovely Bob died yesterday. He had a catastrophic coronary "event" on Tuesday evening and despite the best efforts of the amazing ICU, he never regained consciousness.
He was definitely one of the good guys and I've no idea how we'll cope without him, I guess it will be one breath at a time.

Stu

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen
From: GUEST,Linda Kelly
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 06:32 PM

For those of us who were privileged enough to know Bob can share the memory of a kind generous person for whom nothing was too much trouble. He and Sue were the perfect partnership and knowing them has been one of life's rewards. We have travelled far and near from festival to folk club and laughed so much together our sides have split. Life will not be the same without this true gentleman and all our love is sent to Sue and Natalie. Hazel and I are devastated.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen
From: Morticia
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 06:50 PM

I am so sorry for your loss, I only met him a couple of times but he seemed lovely.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 06:57 PM

I am so very sad to hear this news. Bob was a lovely man and a true gentleman. He will be missed. My love and thoughts to you and the family, Sue x

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen
From: Geoff the Duck
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 07:21 PM

The above comment was from Jane without a cookie
.
We are sad to hear this news. We have many happy memories of Bob, who we first met at our Mudcat Yorkshire gathering at the Jug. I recall Northumbrian pipes in the beer garden.

Later, we got to know Bob properly. He will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen
From: Noreen
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 08:11 PM

Can't believe the lovely Bob has gone- we're all devastated. Such a kind and generous man and excellent company. The world is a sadder place without him.

Bob (8pints on Mudcat) with his beloved pipes at the Yorks gathering

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen
From: Micca
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 08:19 PM

I am so sorry to hear this, I had the privelege of meeting and hearing Bob Several times over the years ,and always enjoyed his Music, especially his smll pipes. I will miss him muchly and my sympathy and condolences go to his family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen
From: Barb'ry
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 08:32 PM

Bob will always be alive in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He was a loved, loving and honourable man. Love to Sue, Natalie, Jack, James and Bernie and all the people whose lives he touched.

Andy and I will miss you very much.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: SylviaN
Date: 09 Mar 13 - 09:24 PM

Lovely, lovely man. Lots of love and hugs to Sue and family.

xxx Sylvia and Keith

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Little Robyn
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 05:16 AM

So sorry to hear this. RIP Bob.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 05:53 AM

Such sad news. Our love and thoughts are with Sue and family
Carole & Andrew

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 06:10 AM

I knew him through the piping community and he'll be a great loss.

Paws

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Sean Breadin (Sedayne / Suibhne / Blandiver
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 06:19 AM

Bob and Sue were regulars at Les's Chorton singarounds at The Beech which we tried to get to along to as often as we could back in 2007. I remember him as true Gentleman and a fine Piper who stirred the soul of this ex-pat Northumbrian with the sweet personality of his playing.

My thoughts are with Sue, with deepest sympathy & respect.

Sean.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 07:08 AM

Only just regained Mudcat after 2 days' down, but oh what sad sad news.
Bob was such a lovely guy, an immensely kind soul, a true gentleman and all else that has been said above - not least such a valued and loving partner for Sue, to whom my deepest sympathies and condolences.
Bob (and his pipes) will be much missed.
The biggest and warmest of hugs go across the M62 to you, Sue, and your family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: nutty
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 07:10 AM

I'm lost for words. Such devastating news. Bob was such a lovely man it was always a pleasure to be in his company.

My thoughts are with Sue and her family,

RIP Bob

Hazel Bolton

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 07:31 AM

I'm so sorry to hear the news. Bob & Sue were stalwarts of many Manchester song sessions and travelled to Yorkshire to the Ryburn club regularly and were much loved there too.
My sincerest condolences to Sue and family. He will not be forgotten.

Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Snuffy
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 07:42 AM

Such a gentle, loving man: it was always a great pleasure to see Bob again and to hear his playing. We were looking forward to seeing him again at Easter, but it was not to be.

All our love and best wishes to Sue and family, from Vaughan & Rosie

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Willa
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 07:48 AM

I can only add my condolences to those above; not one of the tributes to Bob is an overstatement.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Tim Edwards
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 09:06 AM

I was very shocked and saddened to hear this news. As everyone has said Bob was a lovely man and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with you and your family Sue.
Tim & Carol

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,dunelmian
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 09:21 AM

Joan and I send our condolences to Sue and join with the comments in the above posts. Another piper in that folk club above!

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Mr Happy
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 09:43 AM

Only met him a couple of times, memorably at the Jolly Angler session with the late John Snelson.

Sad news, condolences

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Eileen
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 09:59 AM

We were so sorry to hear the news about Bob. So sad that we will not have the pleasure of Bob's company and music at festivals and holidays but so glad we have shared so many good times over the years. As others have said, Bob was a lovely man, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be sorely missed. All our love to Sue and all the family. Eileen & Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 10:12 AM

This is very sad news indeed; Bob was a lovely friendly natural gentleman with whom I've shared many good times. My deepest sympathy to Sue and Natalie and family; in the words of one of his favourite songs, Bob was truly "a man you don't meet every day."

With love, Matthew

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Malcolm Craven
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 12:34 PM

Such sad news. I have many fond memories of Bob, a kind and generous person who I will miss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Sue vG
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 02:02 PM

Thanks to all of you for your kind words and messages. We can take comfort from the fact that everyone who knew him could see what a lovely, kind and friendly man he was. We are completely devastated to have lost him now but know how lucky we were to have had him for all these years.
As Matthew has said, he truly was "a man you don't meet every day" and he was our man for so many wonderful years.
Sue xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Bernard
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 02:48 PM

So sorry to here of your loss... I was fortunate to have met Bob (and you, Sue) on a number of occasions.

Try to focus on all the happy memories you have, and you'll make it through the worst of it.

Love, Bernard

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Phil Edwards (no cookie)
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 03:01 PM

Dreadful news - I'm so sorry to hear this. My thoughts are with Sue. Bob was a true folkie and (more importantly) a lovely man. I'll think of him whenever I play Sir John Fenwick's.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: John J
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 03:53 PM

What a dreadful shock, Bob was a super bloke - one of the nicest people anyone would want to meet.

I'm quite gobsmacked.

My very best wishes to you Sue.

JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 04:56 PM

So sorry to hear this sad news about a lovely bloke. My thoughts are with you, Sue.

Nigel

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 05:02 PM

Terrible news indeed. Condolences to Sue and family.

Dave.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: My guru always said
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 05:19 PM

So very sorry to hear this news, we only met Bob a few times but others descriptions of him are so true. Sending condolences to Sue and the family.
Hil

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,vectis
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 05:30 PM

So sorry to hear this news. He will be missed by many.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: John Routledge
Date: 10 Mar 13 - 09:14 PM

A great shock.So sad. Thanks for many many great memories.            Our thoughts are with Sue and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 05:59 AM

I have added Bob to the "In Memoriam" Thread.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 11:01 AM

Very sorry to hear the news - all best wishes to Sue and family.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Pistachio
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 11:55 AM

There's a hole, there's a space
there's a void in this place;
Bob.
Such a wonderful Man, such a thoughtful face,
Nothing would worry him, he'd battle through
with the right words to say and the right things to do
with the wisest advice, and the wisest wife
Oh Darling Sue, We'll help you through.

How many hours of fun, laughter and hospitality have we all shared?   It'll be the abundance of happy memories that will see you through. Young Jack is so lucky to have had Bob for his Grandad - .... love and hugs to Sue, Natalie, James and Jack xxxx
Hazel xxxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 11:57 AM

What a shock to hear this terrible news.As many others have already said a lovely man. We have many fond memories.
Thinking of you in the coming days. Look after yourself Sue.
Ian , Suzanne and Hannah.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: nutty
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 03:49 PM

I wrote these words to be spoken at my own funeral but I'm sure, knowing Bob, that he would feel exactly the same.

He seemed to get so much pleasure from being in the company of others.


Last Words
When my life is o'er and my spirit at rest
And there's naught on this earth that can save me
Don't weep and don't mourn - send me off with a song
And reflect on the pleasure that knowing you gave me

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 06:27 PM

It was such a shock hearing the news from Barbara at the Merry Meet on Saturday - I was with Sue and Bob in the Shellbacks and he was such a kind, gentle man.

We gave out the sad news on Sounds of Folk this evening, and both Bernard and I have sent our love and sympathy to Sue.

Ali xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Pauline Cato
Date: 11 Mar 13 - 07:03 PM

So sorry to hear about Bob. He was a really lovely man. With love to Sue and all the family.
Pauline

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Milly's Mum, Anna, Little Fledglings
Date: 12 Mar 13 - 02:56 PM

I only knew Bob briefly, exchanging conversations at pre-school drop-offs and pick-ups. But, within a short space of time this wonderful man touched my life. What a guy, so happy, so interesting and I'm deeply saddened that I was just beginning to hear some of Bob's story. He made difficult days with a baby & toddler, (who've grown into a toddler and pre-schooler) brighter. Brief as our friendship was, and I hope Bob thought of me as a new friend, I feel grateful to have met him and I will miss him often but will always remember his kindness of spirit, our interesting conversations and I hope to continue to discover some new music. My thoughts are with you Sue, and Jackson - we'll be at Little Fledglings and if I can help in any way please let me know. Warmest regards, Anna Higham xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Sue vG
Date: 13 Mar 13 - 06:59 PM

Again, many thanks for the messages, what a priviledge to have been married to him for 36 wonderful years. Your kind words mean such a lot xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: r.padgett
Date: 14 Mar 13 - 04:13 AM

Only just seen this sad news, a nice lad and devoted to Sue

Will be sadly missed at festivals and shanty do's

Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Sue vG
Date: 14 Mar 13 - 03:35 PM

We now have a time and place for the funeral. It will be at Dunham Massey (Altrincham Crematorium), White House Lane, WA14 5RH, at 2pm on Thursday 21st March and afterwards at Manchester Rugby Club, Grove Lane, Cheadle Hulme, SK8 7NB. We look forward to seeing as many of our friends as possible to give him a really good send off.
For catering purposes, it would be useful to have some indication of roughly how many people might be attending. Perhaps you could let me know.
Sue x

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Noreen
Date: 14 Mar 13 - 08:13 PM

Come hell or high water we'll be there Sue.

Until then, virtual hugs and warm comforting thoughts for you and the family. xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,John D
Date: 14 Mar 13 - 09:48 PM

Sue,
So very, very sorry to hear this terrible news. He will be greatly missed, a true gentleman in every sense of the word. Our thoughtsare with you and the rest of the family. Love from John, Karen and Tom

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: AlanG
Date: 15 Mar 13 - 02:10 PM

So sorry, I'll be travelling back from Suffolk on Thursday, so I won't be able to get to the funeral. But I'll sing "I'm a man you don't meet every day" in the car and think warm thoughts of Bob.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST
Date: 15 Mar 13 - 04:54 PM

Hi Sue, Suzanne and are definitely coming, Hannah is in hospital but is hoping to come as she said " Bob was always really nice to me".
Look after yourself and your family. Ian xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,surreysinger
Date: 15 Mar 13 - 10:48 PM

Sue, I've only just seen this news as I don't come onto Mudcat that often these days. So sorry to hear this. Over the years our paths haven't crossed often enough, but it's definitely Bob's smiles that came straight to mind .Thinking of you and yours, Irene x

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: nutty
Date: 17 Mar 13 - 07:18 AM

Sue - I'm so sorry I won't be able to make it to the funeral but I know you will give Bob an amazing send-off.

I'll be thinking of you all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 17 Mar 13 - 07:23 AM

So sorry to hear this sad news. It's been more than 3 years since we last met, in Banbury I believe. Lovely guy. Vanessa and I send our sympathies.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Verna
Date: 17 Mar 13 - 10:23 AM

Only got news yesterday as not currently at home in Ireland. Sue I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. You and Bob were there for me when I needed you which will never be forgotten. My thoughts are with you.   RIP Bob. Verna West Cork.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Martin Ellison
Date: 18 Mar 13 - 10:50 AM

I'm very sorry to hear this. One always expects to see certain friendly familiar faces around the Lancashire folk scene. Bob was one of those people, I didn't know him well but we always had a chat and he was very supportive and encouraging about my playing.
My condolences to Sue.

Martin Ellison

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: John J
Date: 19 Mar 13 - 06:16 AM

I'll be attending.

JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Julian & Enid
Date: 20 Mar 13 - 06:02 AM

Such sad news. Our love and thoughts are with you.

It was Bob that introduced me to Mudcat...

Julian & Enid

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Mark Dowding
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 01:43 PM

My thoughts were with you today Sue.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: nutty
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 02:42 PM

My thoughts were there as well - it was a lovely sunny and warm afternoon here in the East. I hope it was the same in Cheshire.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 05:45 PM

Me too, Sue - sorry I couldn't make it in the end, have only just got back from Middlesbrough.
Still thinking of you...

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Noreen
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 06:46 PM

We gave Bob a great send off. Sue and family were (and are) surrounded by loving friends and family, and the day went as well as it possibly could.

Lovely tributes to Bob at the crem, with 'The Joy of Living' sung by all- very moving- and 'Crossing the Bar' performed so beautifully by those lovely Hissyfit gals.

Great singing after at the rugby club- of course!

Just wish so much that there hadn't been the reason for this gathering to happen.

Bye Bob x

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,LINDA KELLY
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 06:54 PM

It was a wonderful send off. We will miss hiim.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Pistachio
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 07:00 PM

Delighted that I was able to join Sue and the wonderful, brave van Gaalen Family at the celebration of the life of Bob today - with Linda and Ann. The sun shone, tributes were delivered, songs were sung and with much love the parting glass was raised.
Gone, not forgotten - and always looking on the bright side of life! Hx

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: John J
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 07:48 PM

What Noreen, Linda and Pistachio said. I really don't think the send-off we gave him could have been bettered. Bob would have approved.

One comment I heard repeated today: 'Bob was a lovely, lovely man'.

He most certainly was - and he'll remain in all our hearts forever more.

Cheers Bob!

JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 08:13 PM

Pipers, singers, memories shared, and a chapel filled with so many family and friends. What a fitting tribute to a lovely, gentle man.

Carole & Andrew xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: John Routledge
Date: 21 Mar 13 - 08:26 PM

The affection in which Bob was held was evidenced by an crem full to capacity and overflowing.

The comments of Linda Noreen Pistachio JJ Carole perfectly capture the atmosphere.It was very special.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: Phil Edwards
Date: 22 Mar 13 - 04:05 AM

A wonderful and really moving occasion - I started telling my wife about Hissyfit's "Crossing the Bar" this morning & choked up all over again. I didn't know Bob as well as some there, but I knew he was one of the good guys - a really lovely man (I was probably one of the people JJ heard saying so). Many thanks to Sue for organising such a good send-off.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob van Gaalen (UK, 8 March 2013)
From: GUEST,Ian
Date: 22 Mar 13 - 08:58 AM

I can only echo the comments made above. A really fitting send off for Bob organised by the family.
Lots of memories of time spent with Bob came flooding back, times that will never be forgotten.

Look after yourself and the family Sue.

Hope to see you at a festival soon.
Ian, Suzanne and Hannah. Xxx