2015 Obit: Jasper King (The Chipolatas)

Subject: Obit: Jasper King
From: Vic Smith
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 05:24 AM

A brief message from Matt Quinn states that the hugely talented and very likeable character, Jasper King of The Chipolatas has died.
No details, but Matt is depping with our band tonight so I will try to find out more then.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jasper King
From: GUEST,#
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 11:06 AM

Obit and retrospective here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jasper King
From: Vic Smith
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 11:07 AM

Sad details shared by Sharon King -
PLEASE SHARE.

R.I.P 'Jasper' Gareth King

It is with the deepest of sorrow that I share this news.

Jasper left us on Good Friday at 1pm. He was peaceful, sleeping and held close by myself, his dad and Kate. I sang him on his way.

We are going to take some time now. I will be back in touch once we have the details for Jaspers funeral.

With love. x

Subject: RE: Obit: Jasper King
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 01:57 PM

Very sad news .... I saw him last year at Towersey... memories of many happy times watching the Chipolatas at festivals and following their international career... condolences to Sharon and the rest of Jasper's family.
Derek

Subject: RE: Obit: Jasper King
From: GUEST,nickp cookieless
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 02:14 PM

Such a shame. He was great fun.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jasper King
From: John J
Date: 04 Apr 15 - 03:50 PM

What a dreadful shock. Jasper has always been something of a legend in our house.

Such characters are rare in this world of manufactured entertainment.

My condolences to his family - and of course to everyone else who knew him.

Such a loss.

JJ

Subject: RE: Obit: Jasper King
From: GUEST,Brimbacombe
Date: 08 Apr 15 - 06:03 AM

The likes of Jasper King (and the recently departed Richie '3 Balls' Taylor) have been offering variety and wonderful entertainment in folk festivals in the UK and beyond for decades. Jasper's death is such sad, sad news. A lovely man, hugely talented with no ego whatsoever. My condolences to everyone who knew him and loved him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jasper King
From: Bugsy
Date: 08 Apr 15 - 10:34 PM

I must be one of the few who didn't see him perform. Many of my friends speak highly of the Chipolatas.

My condolences to his family.

Does anyone know how he died?

Bugsy

Subject: RE: Obit: Jasper King
From: Vic Smith
Date: 09 Apr 15 - 05:50 AM

Bugsy,
He died after being in Liberton Hospice so you can probably guess the cause.

Subject: RE: Obit: Jasper King
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 09 Apr 15 - 07:39 AM

Like Bugsy I never got to hear him perform but by all accounts he was one of folk music's "great blokes". I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread. My condolences to all those who knew and love him.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: Jasper King (The Chipolatas)
From: Musket
Date: 10 Apr 15 - 03:53 AM

Always a festival highlight for me. My lads grew up watching The Chipolatas each year.

RIP

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: Jasper King (The Chipolatas)
From: GUEST,leslie cheesman
Date: 10 Apr 15 - 01:55 PM

I t was 1981 when I first met Gareth and his lovely family in Hawkshead Hill Cumbria . I had with me a friend - Brother Ronald - a Franciscan Monk and erstwhile clown. Gareth watched his performance .He was enchanted. The seed of Jasper was planted then . I watched it grow . We had such fun ! Gareth you were never still ! You leapt - ran- cartwheeled - stood on your hands - juggled- sang- swam in the tarn - skied on my boat- and flew through the air ! You were so talented enthusiastic inquisitive and happy. My children loved your company . unfortunately I never saw you as Jasper but I knew him well. You had the confidence to let Jasper out- to bless enchant and capture peoples hearts throughout the world- We loved you and will treasure your memory - The Cheesman Family xxx

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: Jasper King (The Chipolatas)
From: Vic Smith
Date: 11 Apr 15 - 05:08 AM

Leslie Cheesman's tribute is a really moving and worthy one. It captures the great enthusiasm for life that Jasper/Gareth had.

Subject: RE: 2015 Obit: Jasper King (The Chipolatas)
From: GUEST,Peter Train
Date: 11 Apr 15 - 05:10 PM

I first met Jasper at Brathay Hall near Ambleside when he volunteered to work with youth groups there as a 17 year old in the late 1980's. I was struck then by his maturity and sense of fun. He was a real asset to the courses he helped with and the groups loved him. Later i saw him perform with the Fairly Famous Family and the chipolatas. What a superb engaging performer he was. My kids thought he was great and he always made the whole family laugh. At one performance he spotted me in the crowd and dragged my son out to join in with the act. We all still remember that to this day.
My whole family feel deeply saddend to hear of his death and its a tragic loss to everyone. My family's thoughts and good wishes go to Jasper and all his family and friends. He will live on in our memories and I'm sure there are many who feel the same way even if they don't comment on it.