This morning I heard a tune on a local radio station that Lesley used to sing, and so I googled her name to find an email address. I was deeply shocked to learn of her death on October 9, and my wife and I are saddened by the loss of such a wonderful soul.

We first met Lesley in the winter of 1978 while we were students at the U. of Edinburgh. Early in January of that year we attended a delightful evening of Scottish folk music. After the performance we approached Lesley, said how much we enjoyed the music, and inquired if there was a club where we might go to hear more. She was extremely warm and gracious, and invited us to attend the Edinburgh Folk Club. And we did so faithfully each week night while in Edinburgh, and met many, many terrific people through the club. While it has been more than 30 years, we still remember with great affection our evenings with Lesley and her pals - you all became our extended family.

My wife and I returned to Scotland some 18 years later with our two young sons. Ever the friend - even after so many years apart - Lesley insisted we stay with her and Rebecca at her wee flat in Edinburgh during our first week. Such was the nature of this wonderful lady. And we were thrilled to host Becky the next year for a vacation in Western Canada (lots of prairie and a few mountains thrown in for some variety).

Some people affect us in ways that leave us with a sense of wonder and awe. Lesley Hale was such a soul to these Canucks. We will always remember her warmth, her music and her friendship. We extend our sympathies and love to Becky.

With deepest respect and affection, Al and Nancy McCalder, Alberta, Canada