After a long period in and out of hospitals, Ray Croll finally died this weekend at Frenchay Hospital, Bristol.

Ray came comparatively late to folk music, but once he discovered the folk scene (like the late Tom Brown of Norfolk) he embraced it and made it the centre of his social world – all the more so after he lost his beloved Vi.

He was a gentle, gentlemanly soul, who charmed everyone he met.

He sang a wide range of songs, from Rosie Anderson to Buddy Can You Spare a Dime, via You Won't Make Old Bones, in a quiet sensitive manner with guitar accompaniment.

He was known to me from the Nova and Dragon clubs, but I doubt if there is a single folk club within a twenty mile radius of Bristol that will not miss him and remember fondly his frequent visits.

My condolences to June, David and Karen, and their families.

"What is the life of a man any more than a leaf?"

Derek Brinkley