Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP (21 April 2005)

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: treewind
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 05:24 PM

Just heard Cyril died this afternoon.
(no other information, sorry)

Anahata

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Hawker
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 05:44 PM

Such sad news, he will be sorely missed.
love and kind thoughts to Rosemary. x

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 05:46 PM

Oh crap......and I never got to hear/see him......

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: MBSLynne
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 05:47 PM

I'm very sad to hear it. A brilliant singer songwriter, and a really lovely man. My thoughts to his family

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: PennyBlack
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 05:49 PM

That is sad news

Please update when anyone has any further information

PB

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Ralphie
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 07:21 PM

Such sad news.
May I add my wishes to remember "One of the best"
Days pass, some are good, some are bad. This is not a good day.
My respects to his family.
Regards
Ralph Jordan

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Morticia
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 07:43 PM

could we start a new thread? Someone with his stature surely deserves his own Obit thread, once this news is confirmed.

---

Now that we have received confirmation, I closed the illness thread and consolidated all the obituary messages into this thread.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Mick Tems
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 07:46 PM

I'm devastated - such sad news. Cyril was a truly lovely man and a songwriting master of his art. My heart goes out to Rosemary.

Mick Tems

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Emma B
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 07:58 PM

A loss to the whole "folk family"
my condolences to those who shared his life as we shared his songs

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: alanww
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 08:47 PM

Oh, no! What a lovely man Cyril was! And he was such a talented, yet modest, composer. At least there are so many fine songs with which we can remember him!
The last time I saw him we had a friendly chat while he was unwinding after he had performed at Lancaster Maritime Festival. He was sitting on the stairs (there was no green room and all the chairs in the bar were occupied!) I said that I really enjoyed singing The Grey Funnel Line and he said that he had originally hoped to be able to accompany himself with an English concertina when singing it but he gave up learning the instrument. It is such a moving song anyway, so singing it now will bring extra tears to my eyes ...
Well at least he is now at rest ...
"... like a floating spar on the open sea!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: curmudgeon
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 09:01 PM

We'll be singing Cyril's songs at the session tomorrow night. And as his songs are kept alive, so is he -- Tom

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 05 - 09:05 PM

One of the best. The gap he leaves is huge, but his legacy even bigger. He WILL be remembered, and fondly.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Wincing Devil
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 12:24 AM

I Heard about this at the Chantey Sing in Annapolis tonight. I've been to http://www.cyriltawney.co.uk, Reuters, CNN and several other sites and can find no particulars. Did you hear this straight from Rosemary?

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Keith A of Hertford
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 03:06 AM

The rain softly falling,
And the Oggie man's no more.

It is years since I saw him, yet feel his loss.
Thank God we have his songs.

Keith.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Moses
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 03:17 AM

So very sorry to hear the sad news. Cyril will be much missed by all who knew him.

My thoughts are with his family

Christine

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: alanabit
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 03:25 AM

An unaffected and charming man, who was is and will be revered by generations of folkies.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST, Hamish
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 04:18 AM

It's strange but this news still comes as a shock.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: RWJ
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 04:24 AM

Sorry to hear the sad news , Cyril will be missed but he will allways be with us in his songs

      Ron

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: breezy
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 04:42 AM

He was there in Leeds when I first became interested in the songs in 1964-5, at the Grove.
In October 2003, after, fervent negotiations he played our club in St Albans.
He arrived at the station at 3.00, checked into his hotel room , asked where the Cross keys was, and was rthere by 4.00
At 8.00pm He received a rapturous ovation as he walked! into the club room in Samuel Ryders old house.
At 11.00 he announced his closing song.
At midnight he concluded his encores
At 2.00 we retired from the bar to bed.
Now he has retired, thank you for the legacy.
Our thoughts are now with Rosemary

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 05:00 AM

Best wishes to Rosemary, a great loss to us all but Cyril is now at peace.

eric

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 05:01 AM

I suppose it's true, but perhaps we shouldn't start an obituary thread until we get certain information. There's no news on his Website or on the BBC Website. We can also change the title of this thread, if and when it's appropriate. Perhaps that would be better than starting a new thread.

I had heard his name for years, and I'm so glad I was able to talk with him briefly and to hear him perform several times at Whitby Fowk Week a couple of years ago. His concert I liked best was the one he put on for the children and families. He had a mischievous twinkle in his eye, and the concert was lots of fun. He was a gracious man and a wonderful performer.

Hey, and he even had some nice things to say about Mudcat.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Madam Gashee
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 05:14 AM

To a gentle man, a fond farewell.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST,surreysinger
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:00 AM

Sad news. There is a notice on Musical Traditions News page which states that Cyril passed away on 21 April - they also have no further information as yet.

Sadly I never got to see him perform live as far as I can recall, but I certainly used to sing a number of his songs in earlier years, and he has left an enduring legacy behind him.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 06:09 AM

The funeral is on Tuesday 3 May at 11am in Heavitree Exeter. No further information about arrangements yet. Cyril's website is maintained by Rosemary I think, so not surprisingly there is nothing there about this sad loss.
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 07:11 AM

This is very sad news for the folk world.

Cyril has been part of our lives for many years and his music has inspired many, including me.

Rosemary: I hope you are coping and my thoughts are with you during this very sad time.

Rhiannon

---

Messages from multiple threads combined. Most of the messages below are from a new thread.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Nerd
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 07:23 AM

This in from Rosemary:

Dear Friend(s) and Colleagues


       I am very sorry to have to tell you that Cyril has lost his long
and courageous battle with illness. He died peacefully, whilst sleeping, on
Thursday (21st April), having been in hospital for 9 months. The funeral
will be on Tuesday 3rd May at Heavitree Parish Church, Exeter at 11am.
Details will be on his website as soon as possible: www.cyriltawney.co.uk


Your messages of love and support have been a great help to both of us
through this very difficult time, and you have my wholehearted thanks.


Rosemary.

Subject: RE: Cyril Tawney - on the tideway (illness, 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 07:24 AM

Derek is right - I have not yet had time to work on the website - was about to contact Mudcat when someone told me the news was out already. Funeral 3rd May 11 am at Heavitree Parish Church, Exeter.

I wish I could put real names and faces to all of you - I am glad that Cyril is at peace now, he would have had no quality of life had he lingered. I think he simply got tired and gave up.

I'm OK and am keeping busy, with masses of support from friends locally and worldwide

Thank you all so much

Rosemary

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: GUEST,H
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 07:31 AM

My deepest condolences Thoughts with you and all Cyril's family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Hawker
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:05 AM

Love to Rosemary and all Cyrils family, A man of great courage and a master songewriter, an inspiration to us all. God Bless,
Lucy

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: GUEST,The Shambles
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:06 AM

Nice one Cyril and thanks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:08 AM

A very sad loss of a great singer and writer

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Rasener
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:08 AM

I am very sad to hear that. Sincere condolences to Cyril's family.

Cyril was indeed the first live folk artist I saw back in the late 60's at the Woodman Folkclub at Kingswinford near Dudley. I bought his LP and still wished I had it. One song from that LP that I still know almost by heart is "Rose in June" and is still a firm favourite of mine.

I had dreams of getting Cyril up to Market Rasen, but alas that can no longer be.

RIP Cyril

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:10 AM

Sorry to hear this. "Sally free and easy" always sends a shiver down my spine.

Rts

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:12 AM

Sad news, a great loss to the world of music. Condolences to Cyril's family.

Brian Hoskin

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:21 AM

Cyril will not be forgotten.

Charley Noble

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: GMT
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:27 AM

A sad loss indeed.

My condolences.

Gary

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:30 AM

It falls to few to leave this world a better place than when they arrived, Cyril definitely enriched all our lives. If there is a Fiddler's Green he'll be there.
Giok

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Micca
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:42 AM

A Great Loss, a man that genuinely expressed, with great skill what it is and was like to be a sailor and to serve at sea, He wrote memorable songs with skill and humour that have been taken for traditional in many places, yet they have added to, and enhanced the Tradition at the same time with their fresness and style.
Truly a sad day,
My condolences to Rosemary and his Family


Well the rain's softly falling and the oggy man's no more
I can't hear him calling like I used to before"

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: greg stephens
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:51 AM

Very sorry to hear this news, and very grateful to have lived at the same time as Cyril and to have had the chance to hear him, and sing with him, so often.
   Many people connected with the English folk revival have written songs, some good, some bad, some indifferent, and it's not always given to mortal man to decide which is which. But I'll stick my neck out(and end up by agreeing with everybody else) and say Cyril was the boy, head and shoulders above all others. He wrote a considerable number of superlative songs, his output is unsurpassed. We all have favourites, but he wrote so many we'ld probably all have great difficulty in deciding which one is our extra-special favourite, he was just too good..
    A unique and wonderful songwriter; and a great singer of traditional songs, as well as his own.
    My thoughts are with Rosemary.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Amos
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:55 AM

His handful of songs is a greater legacy, to me, than all the paper in a presidential library or the trust funds of a Rothschild. I have always thought of him as a mench, a real but quiet hero, because of the undertones of courage in his songs. I am sorry he is gone, and hope he finds exhilaration in his new state.


A

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Abby Sale
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 08:59 AM

He was a good guy. Special by any and all standards.

My sympathies, Rosemary.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: RobbieWilson
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:04 AM

A great loss to us all. I first went to see Cyril Tawney at Chester a few years ago because I remembered he had been a favourite of my Dad in the sixties. I didn't know much about him then, but he did a CT in depth session where he talked about the songs he sang . His warmth, umanity and decency shone through.

Since then I have been to a lot of festivals and almost every good song about life at sea I enquired about turned out to be one of his.

There does not seem to me any doubt that Cril will always be with us.
Robbie

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Stu
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:06 AM

Hi Ho Cyril!

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: kendall
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:11 AM

Another of the greats is gone. But, oh so many lives did he touch and enrichen. My sincere condolences to you all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:14 AM

A sad loss, Cyril was a wonderful man, we will drink to him this weekend and sing some of his songs.

eric

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Leadfingers
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:17 AM

That celestial singaround is getting better all the time !! Cyril will indeed be missed here !!

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: JohnB
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:19 AM

If we all left such a heritage behind, the world would be that full of great songs the rest of us would not know which one's to sing.
"Cyril said it all before" (Tome Lewis)
JohnB

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: Scotus
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:20 AM

I will always remember his kindness to Barbara (Dickson) and myself when we sang for the first time together at Dunfermline Howff in 1964. He was the guest artist that night and gave us young tearaways very gentle and sound advice on style and repertoire - advice that has stayed with me ever since. Judging by Barbara's new CD it stayed with her as well!

Everything else has been said very eloquently by others.

Jack Beck

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:29 AM

A personality that's hard to match, a legacy that's hard to surpass.

And a gap that can't be filled.

R.I.P. Cyril
We remember

Subject: RE: Obit: Cyril Tawney-RIP
From: WFDU - Ron Olesko
Date: 22 Apr 05 - 09:29 AM

My condolences to Rosemary and all of Cyril's family and friends.   I will always cherish the memory of a wonderful conversation that I had with Cyril for my radio show.   Cyril's music and life touched so many of us and we will be forever grateful. His legacy will carry. He will be missed, but not forgotten. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you Cyril.