So sad and shocking and sudden. We have lost a wonderful singer and a hell of a great human being.

The last time I saw Barry was at the Green Briar session this past spring. He'd gotten me into going to it this past year, even though I don't live in Boston anymore. But when I was commuting to teach he said it was a good singers' session and he'd like to see me there, so being the friendly sort he is he got the session leader to let me sing one so I could get my "foot in the door"--I always appreciated how supportive Barry was of other peoples' singing.

First met him in the days of the Boston Singers' Club; then when that disbanded, I kept seeing him at various places; Barry got around! there was Mudcat and the huge house party Barry and Justine hosted. Then Old Songs and random sessions in Boston. He kept trying to get me to go to the Getaway, and I really wish I had. he asked if I was going to Old Songs this year as there was a young singer he thought I'd really like (Elizabeth Laprelle). He said Justine didn't like camping much anymore so I invited them to stay at our house near Altamont when Old Songs came around, though in the end they didn't make it.

I remember visiting him when he was in hospital, in rough shape waiting for his transplant. He looked kind of miserable and I thought the best thing to do would be to get him to sing, but he wouldn't sing unless I did. I didn't know many sea chanteys at the time but I got him to join me in General Tayor and some others I can't recall. It was hilarious the way the nurses kept poking their heads in the door suddenly to see what all the racket was.

Barry gave me a ride home after that Monday session at the Green Briar. It was an "off night" with people wandering off and having conversations and not really listening when songs were being sung, and he was a bit annoyed because he knew I didn't get to come there very often. But we still had fun, he introduced me to some new friends. I can't recall what we talked about in the car. I assumed I'd see him again within a few months. Barry was a Facebook pal and often commented on my updates. When I announced I'd be back teaching in Boston again this coming spring, he piped up "On Mondays???". This made me happy, looking forward to singing again and hearing songs from Barry's massive repertoire.

Despite being gifted with some extra years of life he may not have had, given his health problems at the time of his transplant, Barry prevailed and jumped right back into his full life. I took it for granted he'd be around for many years. I will miss this kind, generous man, his lusty voice, his no-nonsense politics, his straight talk about just about everything, his easy friendship, his love of music and zeal for life. I am sad but I am inspired to go forward by his bright light and big heart.