It was with great sadness that I heard Chris Gorniak had passed on.
He was a decent individual, a fine architect, and an outstanding folk singer.
I had the privilege to have known Chris for about eighteen years and first encountered him
at a small but superbly organised village festival he founded in Framsden , where he lived for many years.
Chris had a bon viveur character and enjoyed nothing more than a good singaround session. Anyone who heard him sing 'Twankydillo' or 'Pleasant and Delightful', or any of his comprehensive repertoire of folk songs, would have been impressed and moved by the power and richness of tone of his voice and the ability make the listener believe they were actually involved in the song.
I had the good fortune to sing with Chris for many years as a member of the shanty choir 'Capstan Full Strength', which we co-founded. It was his enthusiasm and mentoring which inspired me to sing in public, so I am forever in his debt.
Also an enthusiastic member of Shellbacks, Navy Cut and latterly (with one lung) LT42,
Chris was unstoppable in his passion to do what he liked to do best of all – SING…!

To see a picture of Chris in action and good health (he's on the right)
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/capstanfullstrength/index.html


Speaking for Capstan Full Strength - deepest sympathies go to his wife Gywnneth, and sons Jamie and Oliver