Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Herring)[April 2004]

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: Lorna Doone
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 06:34 PM

Tom, thank you so much for that wonderful image of Merritt "walk[ing] back into the kitchen playing and singing with the guitar body up against his cheek...." It went right into my heart and stayed there. I've been thinking of you a lot.

Bob Deckman, I loved your words, too--I don't know you, but thank you for saying what you did.

When I first started trying to write down memories of Merritt to give Dick Lewis for his PFS article, I didn't get very far. I just kept bursting into tears. I cried for Merritt because he had lost the world, and for the world because it had lost Merritt; for myself, and for anyone else who felt bereft.

Thoughts, photos, and songs are still catching me off guard, and that will probably go on for a while. (Craig Brandis played "There's a Gold Mine in the Sky" during the sing at Kit's last Sunday, and it unraveled me: "Take your time, old mule, I know you're growing lame/ But you'll pasture in the stars when we strike that claim....")

What I've found, though, is that the whole, friendly feel of Merritt is still here, everywhere I turn, warming me like a steady sunbeam, and it feels like a comfort that will endure. So does the music.

I keep having an image of Merritt on a (clover-seeded?) cloud with that mule, as they "sit up there and watch the world roll by...." Merritt looks amused, his guitar is still to hand, and he's singing.

Love,
Lorna "Doone" (Fossand)

* * *
[Below is what I finally sent Dick. It came out sounding more formal than I'd meant it to, but the love and thanks are there.]

MEMORIES OF MERRITT HERRING

I love my first memories of Merritt, because they are shot through with qualities that are at the heart of why I celebrated his presence then, have cherished his friendship, and mourn his loss so deeply. I remember him first at Singtime Frolics, the Portland Folklore Society's annual singing weekend. It was probably 1998, when Larry Hanks was weaving his magic as the featured artist. (I'm guessing we had Merritt to thank for Larry's presence that year, as they'd been friends for a long time.)

What I noticed first about Merritt was his gift for putting even the most tentative, beginning singers at ease and making them feel welcome. He did that often throughout the weekend, and it was lovely to watch person after person bloom under his encouragement. Accomplished singers, too, glowed more brightly when caught in a warm beam of Merritt's praise. I know he cheered Barbara Millikan, and I can still see the pleased, "Aw, shucks" look on Larry's face the evening several of us gathered in Merritt's camper. Merritt coaxed one fine song after another out of Larry, complimenting him all the while and encouraging the rest of us to share in the pleasure: "I just love that wonderful bass voice of his in that song," he'd say. "Isn't it great? I never get tired of hearing it."

At another Singtime gathering a year or two later, I came across Merritt leafing through his song binders in the cafeteria. I joined him and, to my delight, we spent about an hour and a half swapping songs while the rest of the camp swirled on without us. I can still remember the heady feeling of managing to offer at least two songs he hadn't heard. (That experience may be old hat to some of you, but I am a piker in your midst and I was thrilled.)

Later at lunch, he came by my table and said, "Come with me--there's someone I want you to meet." He introduced me to Dick Holstock, saying, "This is the girl I was telling you about. She can really SING!" I nearly looked over my shoulder. That astonishing comment glows within me still, as does all his subsequent encouragement. I doubt I'd ever have had the temerity to try for my first solo gig without Merritt's kind words, and that would have been a shame, as I might never have discovered that the best cure for stage fright is the joy of sharing songs.

With his fine voice, clear, confident presentation, and wealth of songs, Merritt could easily have held center stage at any gathering. Instead, he let the songs and their stories have the spotlight and created a space where each person with a song to share felt worthy. His death has torn such a hole in the fabric of our community. But we shall take the music he loved and weave bright strands to mend it as best we can, and his generous spirit will live on in every strand.

--LSF

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: Deckman
Date: 29 Apr 04 - 07:47 PM

To Joe Offer, and all the other shakers and movers: I'm going to suggest that this thread become "archieved" in the bowels of mudcat. I've noticed several things within this thread, and "lorna doones" posting just above, is a clear example. Merritt touched so many lives in so many ways. Look at the "poetry" that is being written. Quite grand.

And again, I also appreciate and enjoy everyone's kind and thoughtful comments.

Merrit's life, as a folksinger, represents something that is unique, as mudcat is unique. As the "Tales of Walt Robertson" thread was saved, I recommend this thread also. CHEERS to all. Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: GUEST,syren
Date: 30 Apr 04 - 01:52 AM

I first met Merritt in San Franciso in the 80's when we were both singing at the Maritime Festivals at the Hyde Street Pier. What a lovely and kind man he was! I was delighted when he moved to Portland and we got to sing together at sea chanty concerts and at Singtime Folics and at song circles...he was a joy to know. But my life drifted away from those lovely times and as my bands got busy and my home life got complcated, I saw him less often. It was only this spring I learned he was ill and then all too soon he was gone. I never got to say goodbye. Yes, there is a hole in the fabric....too big to mend. I will always miss him and that gentle smile.

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: Lorna Doone
Date: 03 May 04 - 12:29 AM

Bob (deckman) Nelson, thank you, and I'm sorry I got your name wrong in my posting. (Given my own mudcat name, you'd think I'd know better than to hurtle to conclusions!)

Cheers,
Lorna (Doone) Fossand

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: Mr Happy
Date: 03 May 04 - 07:10 AM

I don't wish to appear insensitive on someone's passing, but I'm puzzled by the orinal poster on this thread. Are there other m/c's with same name?

thread.cfm?threadid=69382&messages=3

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 May 04 - 10:27 AM

I agree with you, Deckman. This needs to be archived just as the Tales of Walt Robinson thread.

Thanks so much, folks, for sharing with us, painful as it might be. Wish we'd had the chance to know more of Merritt; learning more through your memories gives us a grateful glimpse of the man who posted among us.

Thanks, again,

kat

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: Thomas the Rhymer
Date: 03 May 04 - 10:53 AM

Sorry for the confusion... Merritt Herring did not post to the 'cat, but he inspired and encouraged many who do love singing folk and traditional music. His deep and abiding love for the singer in all of us was always genuine and forthcoming. Thank you all for remembering him to me. With all kindness, and true sadness... please be well, and sing out with confidence and love.
ttr

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: Barbara
Date: 03 May 04 - 02:23 PM

Let me say again, Mr. Happy and all, Mudcat has a currently enrolled "Merritt" who is alive and well. Merritt Herring, alas, is gone.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: Deckman
Date: 03 May 04 - 06:26 PM

I'd like to post an open problem/question to the mudcat directors. As I suggested that you consider archiving this thread, I'm also a valid person to question that same thought. Everyone here knows my respect and admiration for late Merrit Herring, so I need not fear stepping on toes by raising these thoughts.

As mudcat is still somewhat new, and growing constantly in depth and scope, mudcat can continue to expect new challenges every week. I'm wondering, out loud, if mudcat really should be careful about establishing a "precident", if you will, by archiving this thread.

I hasten to add that these are MY thoughts alone, I've talked with no one else about them. But, seeing the number of "obit postings" that happen, I would suggest that the question of "to archive or not" be given a lot of serious thought.

Better heads than mine should prevail here. CHEERS and hugs to all. Bob(deckman)Nelson

---

Please somebody send me a personal message if I'm misunderstanding the request. ALL threads are archived and available for review, from the very beginning of Mudcat.
Since there has been some confusion, I changed the name of this thread so everybody will know which Merritt we're talking about.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: David Ingerson
Date: 03 May 04 - 07:02 PM

The frankness with which Merritt approached life is another aspect of his personality that was so refreshing and inspiring. I happened to be there about ten hours before he died, just as the nurse was leaving. The nurse told Kit, Merritt's wife, it would be just a few days at most before he died. A few minutes later, as Kit was leaving, she told Merritt what the nurse had said. He nodded.

Several days after he died, I mentioned, in an email to Kit, being impressed at the openness of that exchange. Here is part of what Kit answered:

I certainly couldn't have done it without Merritt's honesty. When he decided not to have transfusions anymore, and we knew it would be only a couple of weeks before he passed, I asked him, "what shall we call this? 'Buying the farm, checking out?'" He said, "let's just call it death." and we did.

He had a clear eye and an honest heart.

David

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt
From: Deckman
Date: 03 May 04 - 07:03 PM

Very moving. Thank You. Bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Merritt Herring)
From: GUEST,Ted
Date: 26 Aug 04 - 02:29 PM

I realize no one has posted to this board for quite some time now, but I just wanted to let everyone who contributed to the memories of Merritt (my dad) that it means a lot to read. I'm now living in New York and stumbled upon this, it's nice to hear everyone's memories.
Thanks
Ted

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Merritt Herring)
From: Deckman
Date: 26 Aug 04 - 06:58 PM

Thank you for re-freshing this thread, Ted.

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Merritt Herring)
From: David Ingerson
Date: 27 Aug 04 - 05:30 PM

Ted,

You'll be pleased to know that at many song circles one of his songs is sung or he is at least remembered. We often sing "The Unclaimed Pint," too, written in his memory by Barbara.

He is remembered and he is missed.

David

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Merritt Herring)
From: Deckman
Date: 27 Aug 04 - 05:40 PM

In all my years of singing, and listening very carefully to singers, I believe it was Merritt's voice and presentation that REALLY focused me. I will never be able to deliver a song as he could. I would that I could. He had an inner glow that shone through. CHEERS, and very pleasant memories, Bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Merritt Herring)
From: GUEST,GUEST--Kit
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 08:45 PM

Howdy, all. I just finished reading all of your comments about Merritt. He died 6 months ago today, and this is the first time I have read your comments. We were married a year and four months before he died, and his voice, his presence, comes to me often. He left his Washburn guitar to his son, Ted. Ted is now in NYC and I have been keeping the guitar. I had it set up for acustic with silk/steel strings, and have been playing it every day. I am singing songs he and I sang together, "Columbus Stockade Blues, All the Baby Chickens", and some that I sing alone. I can't tell you how wonderful it is to be holding his guitar and playing. He encouraged me to sing, and I am feeling so close to him as I do. I'm only sorry I didn't know him longer, we met in 2001 and he passed in 2004. When I think of him, "How Can I Keep From Singing?" Kit

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Merritt Herring)
From: Francy
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 09:27 PM

I remember when you both sang on stage at our Toledo Folk Music Festival and the many times we all sang together in Portland..in Sheridan...At Camp Adams in the springtime and when you both came down and Merritt opened for Holdstock & MacLeod.....I sing many of the songs we both had in common and think of him often...So glad you're singing and playing Kit......Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Merritt Herring)
From: mg
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 09:39 PM

Amen. He is undoubtedly leading the angel band now and then. I think of him often and I'm so glad you and he got married, even though he was taken from you. Please do come to Sunnycamp if you can..I am sure we will do some of his songs.. mg

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Merritt Herring)
From: Deckman
Date: 05 Oct 04 - 10:49 PM

Blessings to you. Bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Herring)[April 2004]
From: GUEST,Wende morgan
Date: 17 Jan 20 - 08:53 PM

It’s a long time’s gone by for a post. I met Merritt when I was in 5th grade and my folks were taking guitar at the live oak center in Berkeley. I know the words to every song we sang then. And I think if him when I hear them now. He showed me what music has to say and he still come up in family conversations. A profound influence and a very precious memory

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Herring)[April 2004]
From: Joe Offer
Date: 17 Jan 20 - 09:13 PM

Thanks for the memories, Wende. He was such a nice man, and such a wonderful singer.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Obit: Goodbye Merritt (Herring)[April 2004]
From: GUEST
Date: 20 Jan 20 - 06:37 PM

So very nice to re-read these posts and remember Merritt Herring. He was such a great encourager of young people, too. I'm going to try to be more like him.