Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)

Subject: Dancan Williamson had a stroke
From: Mick Tems
Date: 04 Nov 07 - 09:25 PM

I saw Taffy Thomas MBE at the Wales Milennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, and he had some bad news: Duncan Williamson, the Scottish traveller and story-teller, who is Taffy's mentor, had just had gone into Kirkcaldy Hospital with a stroke. At the moment he was without speech.

Taffy was caller, leader of Magic Lantern and then the instigator behind The Fabulous Salami Brothers. At the age of 36 he had a massive stroke, which put paid to his eating fire, dancing barefoot on broken glass and other tricks which the Salamis used to pull. He reinvented himself as the world's biggest liar-cum-storyteller. He was down at the WMC lauching a book, Storytelling and Emotional Literacy, with he co-wrote with consultant clinical pyschologist Dr Steve Killick.

On stage, Taffy said that the greatest tribute he could pay Duncan would be to tell one of the great man's audacious tall tales, to keep the tale thriving. Don't let the tale die!

Subject: RE: Dancan Williamson: Stroke
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 08:04 AM

Sad to hear it. Duncan is a mentor to the entire storytelling community & I am honoured to have met and shared a tale or two with him over the years, although not for too long a while, alas.

And that handshake! I can still feel it yet.

Subject: RE: Dancan Williamson: Stroke
From: Mick Tems
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 10:48 AM

I'm sorry for the literals in this post: after all, it was 3am! The subject was DUNCAN Williamson - Joe Offer, can you help to alter the subject box, pretty please?

No, but your friendly, local, neighborhood, Clone can do it. Just a second---Okay, there you go. Happy to oblige.---Fat Clone

Subject: RE: Dancan Williamson: Stroke
From: Peace
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 11:53 AM

I like his face. It has character. A brief bio mentioned he knows over 3000 stories.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke
From: Cats
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 02:59 PM

I have just heard that Duncan has some movement in his right leg, which is an improvement as he was totally paralysed down his right side. Apparantley he's a bit miffed at not being able to speak at the moment.... but I'm sure there will be a story there. I'll post again as soon as I hear any more.

Subject: RE: Dancan Williamson: Stroke
From: Tig
Date: 05 Nov 07 - 03:08 PM

Big HUGS on their way to Duncan immediately. A very special person who must be finding his life unbearable at the moment with no voice.

Luv and hugs
Tig
xxxx

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke
From: GUEST,Northerner
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 12:52 PM

Thank you for the news about Duncan.

I was at the storytelling festival in Edinburgh and just returned yesterday. While there Donald Smith (Director of the Scottish Storytelling Centre) told a group of us at Jan Blake's workshop that Duncan had had a stroke. Later in the afternoon I asked the Centre staff to check that Taffy had been told. Later on they told me that it had been done.

I only had the bare information, that Duncan had had a stroke, nothing more. I phoned Stanley Robertson with the news this morning. His comment was "Duncan is resilient."

Duncan was one of my inspirations to start storytelling. I was lucky enough to be able to tell him a riddle and a couple of stories at the Guid Crack Club in Edinburgh a couple of years ago, and was rewarded with a pat on the shoulder and a peck on the cheek.

I have some gigs lined up from the end of this month onwards.

Let's keep the stories coming!!!

Diane Taylor

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke
From: maeve
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 02:37 PM

Duncan is one of the people I've wanted to meet. Thanks for the updates.

maeve

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke
From: Scotus
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 04:04 PM

Duncan has been a good friend for many years and I visited him only a month ago at his house in Ladybank. He was recovering from a bout of shingles and was not his usual self.

This is bad news but as has been said he has qite a reputation as a 'come back kid' so here's hoping!

Although he's best known as a storyteller, he also has a wonderful repertoire of songs and ballads.

His 80th birthday is next April - may he be fully recovered for it.

Jack

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Paraig & Alison MacNeil
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 06:10 PM

Duncan is oor faither and match-maker. We travelled Scotland together 1988-89. What can I say.

Had there been no Duncan, there would have been no us!

He seemesto have taken a turn for the worst. We are off to Kirkcaldy to see him tomorrow.

We can pray and be there for him

Paraig & Ali

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 06 Nov 07 - 07:11 PM

I was at the Collessie weekend this year, where it was great to see him in full flow and flight.
Do hope he improves and recovers his speech.
TB

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Northerner
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 11:08 AM

I've sent a Get Well card off to him. His address is on the Scottish Storytelling Centre website.

I understand that it is quite a severe stroke, but that he has recovered some movement.

We wish you well, Duncan.

Diane

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,chris cavanagh
Date: 07 Nov 07 - 09:39 PM

I spent an unforgettable week chauffering Duncan along with David Campbell around Toronto, Ontario and the region when he visited the 1998 Toronto Festival of Storytelling. Duncan left me with songs and stories (allowing me to record many - what a treasure). His presence was magical from the enchanting tales he told at the festival to the bawdy pub songs he was singing before boarding the plane for home. I send love and good thoughts from Canada and will dispatch a letter right away.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Scotus
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 08:37 AM

I've just spoken to Lindsay Porteous and heard the very sad news that Duncan died at 1 am this morning in Victoria hospital Kirkcaldy.

This is terrible and the world has lost another great source of traditional lore.

The Horsieman has gone.

Jack

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: maeve
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 08:42 AM

I'm sorry to read that news. Please send kind regards to his family.

maeve

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Northerner
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 10:40 AM

So sorry to hear this. Please send my condolences to his family.

Diane Taylor

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Tig
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 11:14 AM

Very sad indeed - another 'special' gone to join the festival in the sky. Must be getting crowded up there.

Our condolences to his family.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Crowdercref
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 12:08 PM

Another cruel turn of fate, in my case made even more poignant through the prism of distance. And what it means is a little more responsibility for all of us who have been entrusted with Duncan's tales, to get out there and tell them again and again. For my part - you can expect more seals singing.

Crowdercref

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,flyingcat
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 12:21 PM

Duncan had a great way with him and I feel honoured to have met him. My condolences to his family. Moira Craig

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Mick Tems
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 01:09 PM

I never met Duncan, but it was through Taffy's marvellous tales, listening and learning to the great man's storytelling and sheer art, that I grew to admire and respect him. My condolences to Duncan's family and especially to Taffy and Chrissie.

Mick Tems

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Cats
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 02:44 PM

Duncan was a very special person and, like Crowdercref, will make sure his tales are still told. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Dan Keding
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 04:56 PM

Duncan and I were roommates at the Lakeland Storytelling Festival (produced by Taffy Thomas)about six years ago. We stayed up every night until three or four in the morning swapping tales we had both learned in our families. Then Duncan would wake me up around six a.m. or so with a hot cup of tea and the admonishment not to sleep my day away. I'll miss his voice, his stories. He was a gentleman and a rascal and I'll miss that more than anything.

My thoughts are with his family and the entire storytelling community in Scotland and England.

Dan Keding

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Nov 07 - 10:37 PM

Sorry, sorry news. I knew Duncan only through his books, but I have loved his tales since first reading them. He was a treasure, and reading here I can see how well loved he was by so many friends. My thoughts are with you all.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,arnie dalkman
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 01:20 AM

Duncan was my main inspiration to pick up storytelling. He became a good friend and tutor somewhat later in my carreer. It seems the end of his own tale has come. I'm going to miss him.

My heart and thoughts are with friends and family.

arnie, 'the crazy dutchman'

Subject: RE: Obit: Duncan Williamson (Nov 2007)
From: Mick Tems
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 03:57 AM

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: CannieShieldsLaddie
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 04:07 AM

a href="http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/features/display.var.1820355.0.0.php">http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/features/display.var.1820355.0.0.php

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: CannieShieldsLaddie
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 04:09 AM

http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/features/display.var.1820355.0.0.php">http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/features/display.var.1820355.0.0.php

Sorry, 2nd try at clicky to this

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: maeve
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 06:43 AM

Try this:


http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/features/display.var.1820355.0.0.php

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: oBIT.
From: GUEST,Maxwell MacLeod
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 12:45 PM

I wrote the Herald Obit and have been asked by the Telegraph to file on Sunday ( dont hold your breath they dont always print even commissioned copy)
Now I didn't know him nearly as well as the folk who are writing this thread so please dont hesitate to give me a call on 0131-317-7127 if you want to have a blether or contribute something.
Guys doing my job usually get at least one thing wrong, its not as easy as you might imagine, and I am anxious to get it as nearly right as I can.
Best Maxwell MacLeod.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 04:38 PM

I have just spoken to Lindsay Porteous who tells me the funeral is at 2pm in Strathmiglo.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Jack Campin
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 04:40 PM

...on Tuesday 13 November.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: CeltArctic
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 06:49 PM

I join everyone else in mourning the loss of a great ballad singer and storyteller.

I met him all too briefly at the Toronto Storytelling Festival years ago. His rendition of Tamlin inspired me to find a version of the song to sing. I will always think of him when I sing the ballad.

Thanks, Duncan.

Moira

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: andymac
Date: 09 Nov 07 - 08:39 PM

Sad news, I didn't know Duncan personally but spent time in his company, along with the many others of us at the Collessie Traditional weekend over the last few years and I always found his singing fascinating and his stories entrancing.
Now I will only have memories and far too few recordings to remind me of a unique individual.

Andy

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Arnau Vilardebò
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 07:49 AM

Dear all,

I never knew of Duncan Williamson but for your words I understand your feelings and the dimension of this great man.
From Barcelona, my condolence.

Arnau Vilardebò

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Tig
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 10:34 AM

Could a Mud Elf please mark this Obit cos I'm certain a lot of people don't realise he's now died.

Thanks
Tig
xxx

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: RIP (Nov 2007)
From: Dave Hunt
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 08:18 PM

A sad loss of a splendid storyteller who was also a fine singer with some superb ballads. We have had several hilarious/serious/well oiled and memorable evenings/nights together at various festivals over the years, and we will miss him. Condolences to all the family. Dave Hunt

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Maren Hinderlie
Date: 10 Nov 07 - 11:55 PM

Duncan was easy to love. My husband, Bruce and I were immediately taken with him and his stories. It was several months after our first time together that I read his title "National Treasure" of Scotland, and then when I told him I'd heard The Herald had called him, "The bearer of the richest oral tradition in Europe". His reply was, "Yes, and they call me a national monument and you know what the dogs do to them."
Duncan thanked his parents and all the fishermen and crofters who shared their stories with him. He also credits the Travelers' culture which did not count wealth in money or possessions but in stories and songs that could never be lost as long as they were told again. He valued these stories and songs. He listened and learned them and told them. Now he is gone and we are left to listen and learn, to sing and to tell them. Thanks Duncan!

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 04:57 AM

I remember meeting Duncan at our local church hall, where he was performing.

A man with a big presence and lots of stories that captivated peoples imaginations.

Love and light to all his family and friends.

Gillie

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Scotus
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 11:15 AM

This was posted to Springthyme contacts by Pete Shepheard:

Duncan Williamson
Storyteller and ballad singer: Born April 11, 1928, Died November 8, 2007 age 79.

Many will already have heard the sad news that Scotland's great ballad singer and storyteller Duncan Williamson has died after a stroke. Duncan was in hospital in Kirkcaldy for a few days after suffering the stroke which affected his right side and lost him the power of speech and he passed away early in the morning of Thursday 8th November.

His funeral will take place in Strathmiglo Church, Kirk Wynd, Strathmiglo, Fife on Tuesday 13 November at 2.00pm.

Duncan's contribution to the storytelling revival has been immense and he had an important repertoire of traditional Scots ballads and folksongs. Numerous books of traditional tales compiled by Duncan and his second wife Linda have been published worldwide. He has travelled widely since the 1970s taking his storytelling and ballad singing throughout Europe and to the USA.

Jack

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Tommy, his youngest son.
Date: 11 Nov 07 - 05:32 PM

Thanks to all the wonderful people who are writing the kind words in this thread. My father was an amazing man who valued his friends more than his life. I hope to see many of you at the funeral though I know there are some just too far away. All I ask is that his stories be told and the songs sung, carried on for generations to come. Love, Tommy.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 10:29 AM

I am very sad to hear the news that Duncan is no longer with us. Though i only met him quite recently, he was a brilliant man, very kind and hospitable and a wonderful wealth of knowledge. I will miss him and though i've never met his family, i'd like to send them my best wishes.

Sara

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: Scotus
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 10:46 AM

Tommy - I hope you are still checking this thread.

I know how much you have done keeping an eye on your father over the years and how you helped him to stay comfortable in Ladybank. I feel sure we wouldn't have had him as long as we did if hadn't been for you. We all owe you a debt of gratitude.

Unfortunately it's just too far and too short notice for me to be there tomorrow but I will certainly be there in spirit!

Jack (Beck)

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Pete Castle
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 11:56 AM

As editor of Facts & Fiction storytelling magazine and a storyteller myself I would obviously like to second all the thought re the loss of Duncan. I've already had a couple of tributes and personal memories sent to me for publication and someone has suggested I make the next edition (Feb) a Duncan Williamson tribute. It could happen... I've already got other things lined up but most could wait. If anyone wants to submit anything at all please drop me an [e-mail]
Pete Castle

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Johnb & freddie
Date: 12 Nov 07 - 02:09 PM

we were saddened by duncans passing as he will be sadly missed
at our nights in the Springfield tavern we deem it our pleasure and
privilage to have had him as a friend .our deepest regards to his family

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson
From: GUEST,GUEST: Karen Blair
Date: 14 Nov 07 - 01:14 PM

Like chris cavanagh, I too first met Duncan at the Toronto Festival of Storytelling. Duncan is well loved in the storytelling communtity here, as he is elsewhere. I have twice visited him in Ladybank, staying for a couple of days each time. He told story after story and sang song after song, only stopping now and then for a smoke and a cup of tea. I also had the opportunity to go to the Guid Crack Club with him and to a Ceilidh one St. Andrew's Day. As I was leaving after my first visit, he gave me a small seal ornament, named Mary, and said that he was giving her to me on the condition that I promise to keep her always and never give her away to anyone.
So I shall treasure Mary and regret that I shall no longer have the opportunity to visit with Duncan. May it comfort his family to know how well he was loved, and how much he'll be missed.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,laura simpson
Date: 15 Nov 07 - 05:44 AM

Hi Tommy,
very sorry to hear about your dad, good luck with everything,
take care,
laura simpson

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: sapper82
Date: 16 Nov 07 - 11:14 AM

Duncan is being remembered on BBC R4s Last Words now. It's repeated Sunday and will be on Listen Again for the next week.

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,dantie
Date: 17 Nov 07 - 06:43 PM

duncan was there when i needed him as a great friend and i was there for him, a greater friend i could not find,he was the best company to me,and a really great human being,dantie and donna.x

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Mike Feist
Date: 22 Nov 07 - 07:00 PM

Belatedly learned of Duncan's passing from today's Guardian obituary and greatly saddened by the news. Imme and I have heard Duncan many times , since first learning about him from Linda's brilliant transcription of his tales in the 'The Thorn in the King's Foot', which I would strongly recommend to anyone who hasn't yet read it. Duncan in the flesh was something else and we've greatly enjoyed his stories, his company, mischievousness and sense of humour over the years at the Lakeland Festival (many thanks to Taffy and Chrissie)and in Edinburgh as well as Whitby. We will greatly miss him, but as others have said already, he will live on in us through his stories, riddles amd songs and our memories of how he told them and brightened our lives in doing so.

Tommy, would you please pass on our condolences and best wishes to the rest of the family.

Mike and Imme

Subject: RE: Duncan Williamson: Stroke (Nov 2007)
From: GUEST,Sally Kawamura
Date: 20 Dec 07 - 11:39 AM

Just learned yesterday hearing David and Linda speak on Radio Scotland about Duncan's passing. Very sad to hear it, I met him a couple of times at David's and thought what a lovely man he was, he had a really nice way with him of making everybody feel special when he was talking to them, as he would tell a story, but tell it especially for the person that was listening.

Tommy, I've been thinking of you since last night, and your sister Betsy. Linda, lots of love to you too, you're on my mind and hope to see you one of these days soon.

I hope the Yulefest tonight goes well in honour of Duncan, very sorry not to be able to be there.

Love Sally