Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Willie-O
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 11:55 AM

Damn.

Knew his stuff. There are none so knowledgable, articulate and opinionated.

Well, "damn few and they're all deid."

Thanks for the 9000 posts, Malcolm! They will be useful forever.

Damn.

Bill

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: masato sakurai
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 10:20 AM

Malcolm has been my mentor on the web. I've learned a lot from his erudition.

Masato

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Folkiedave
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 10:19 AM

Malcolm's Funeral will take place on Thursday April 2nd at 2.00pm.

It will be at Grenoside Crematorium, North Chapel, Skew Hill Lane, Grenoside, Sheffield, South Yorkshire S35 8RZ.

There will be a session afterwards - details not yet confirmed but be prepared to bring your instruments and voices.

If there is any coming who is able to let me know in advance please PM me.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,Sheila
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 09:32 AM

God bless you, Malcolm. You steered me to "Ae Fond Kiss" after much fruitless searching.

Sheila

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,MC Fat (at work)
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 07:43 AM

Malcolm produced the programmes and publicity material for Sheffield Folk Festival from 2003-2007 and they were indeed of great quality. I'm sure the standard of the work was one of the reasons we acheived good audience numbers from the start. He was, as my colleague there has reported, in the background beavering away but when he had a comment to make it was always pertinent and usefull never trivial. A wise man indeed, who as this thread has shown will be greatly missed

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Spillers
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 06:57 AM

I had the pleasure of working (and occasionaly playing) with Malcolm between 2003 - 2007 as part of Sheffield Folk Festival team.

Among other things Malcolm was reponsible for designing the programmes where his tirless attention to detail, vast knowledge and graphic skills ensured that these publications will be collectors items.

Apart from the 2004 programme, where there was "a bit of space to fill" Malcolm's work was largely uncredited which is how he preferred things.

The folk world in general and the Sheffield area in particular will miss Malcolm enormously.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Joybell
Date: 25 Mar 09 - 12:57 AM

I've just remembered -- it was Malcolm who came up with the words to "Sleepers Awaken" when I needed them. Nobody else remembered them. Not anyone anywhere. I just had the few bit's from True-love's memory. It was this song that made my production special. Now I can't get the words out of my head along with the thoughts of the special person we've lost.
Joy

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: IvanB
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 10:25 PM

Coming to this thread late, I can only echo many of the sentiments expressed here. As I've mentioned several times in other threads, when I joined Mudcat specifically for help on some lyrics, Malcolm was the first to answer, not only with the line in question but background information on the poem and its writer.

I soon learned that, most often, the most learned and considered response to any "squabble" on Mudcat would come from Malcolm. I already miss him. Although I did have the opportunity to meet him once I knew him far better from his online persona.

My tribute for a life well spent, Malcolm. May your onward journey be filled with even better and greater quests.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Alice
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 07:03 PM

Oh, this is sad news. I learned so much from Malcolm.



Alice

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,John Moulden
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 06:51 PM

I much regret the passing of Malcolm Douglas. When I had time to be a regular contributor to this forum, it was he and Bruce Olsen who had the best things to say. Bruce's work (website) has been preserved by the Department of Folklore at the University of California in Fresno. It is to be hoped that a similarly appropriate memorial will commemorate Malcolm.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: alanabit
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 04:32 PM

He was one of Mudcat's most rigorous intellects. I did not know him at all personally, yet I have no doubt that he will be hugely missed by anyone who knew him in any capacity. My condolences to all those who knew him better.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Bearheart
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 04:26 PM

Malcolm's contributions here enriched my musical and intellectual life immeasurably.

Mudcat is a treasure, and Malcolm is one of the people who has made it so. It is a joy to be connected if only by the Net to so many people who share a passion for the music. And many who take it seriously. Yet even here, not so many of us have had the drive, the dedication, the resources (inner and outer), and the brilliance to track down the music to the extent Malcolm did.

There was something deeply satisfying about the way he could illuminate a tune or a song, bringing it to life in one context or another, that made it easy to acknowledge one's own limitations or biases. I never felt chided by his corrections, never felt that they were motivated by anything other than a desire for truth and understanding.

There is a lot not to like in the world sometimes; I feel deeply blessed when I think about Mudcat, and Malcolm. Integrity, passion, intellectual excellence, and a sense of not being alone in the things that really matter, the things that feed the soul.

I often send a prayer of appreciation for the departed and good speed when I see an obituary here. It's not often I feel compelled to express it to the community. I couldn't let this one pass without a word for how much Malcolm's presence here meant to me.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,jOhn
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 01:36 PM

Very sad news, we will all miss Malcolm.


John Evans

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Wyrd Sister
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 11:21 AM

It was months (if not years) before I realised the chap who turned up with his fiddle halfway through the session was THE Malcolm Douglas - he really was that unassuming. Also A man of many talents
RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: JohnB
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 10:46 AM

Almost met him last year, I guess I will have to wait a bit longer now.
What a loss to all of the Community's he was involved with.
JohnB.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,Sue Coe
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 10:31 AM

I just wanted to add my thoughts on our huge loss of Malcolm. He was such a knowledgeable friend and so generous with his knowledge and skills.

He built and maintained the Yorkshire Folk Arts website ( as well as the South Riding Folk Network one) - on a totally voluntary basis and was a much valued member of the committee.

Just a very special person who will be so much missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: pavane
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 06:27 AM

I can only add my agreement as to the sad loss, and a devastating blow to Mudcat. Malcolm was very helpful with my own research, and I will always treasure his words.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Dita
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 05:54 AM

Sad news for the world, the folk world and Mudcat.

Kind thoughts to those who knew and loved him.

I only encountered him here, and his contributions were always enlightening, knowledgeable and informative.

If that makes him sound dry, he was anything but.

He always backed up his thoughts with references.

Any time we did cross swords, it was invariably me who was wrong, and it was others, never Malcolm who made sure I knew it.

The world is now a lesser, less knowledgeable place.

John McCreadie

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 01:09 AM

Haven't permitted myself to visit Mudcat much during the last few years (due to its addictive qualities), but when I heard about Malcolm...

I was shocked to hear this dismal news from FolkieDave at a pub sing in Sheffield last (i.e. Sunday) night. Like so many others, I knew he had been ill, but had no idea just how serious it was. We drank to his memory, and Paul & Liz D. sang one of his favourite songs (an Anglicised version of 'Twa Corbies' which, it turns out, was a Scottish version of a song which originated in Yorkshire... so -- very appropriate.)

Earlier today, Ron & Jenny Day assured me that copies of this thread will be shared with Malcolm's family; they think the family will enjoy being able to see the high esteem in wich Malcolm is held by so many. May it provide some comfort...

As for me, while it has already been mentioned here & there above, I'd just like to emphasize the huge part Malcolm played in the Sheffield & Yorkshire folk scene(s). Although I only met him a couple of times myself, I can tell you that he was one of those people who do a great deal of work 'behind the scenes' -- but isn't necessarily one of the better-known faces -- because he didn't do the high-visibility stuff. A lot of people in the folk scene are in it (at least partly) for the attention and/or enjoy the limelight (that's an observation, not a criticism), but Malcolm -- quietly -- did massive amounts of tedious, 'non-glamourous' work, including setting up & maintaining the South Riding Folk Network website; doing the layout for loads of printed materials for the Sheffield Folk Festival; working on 'Stirrings' -- the local folk publication; and no doubt a fair few other things I don't know about.

Not only that, he coped with tight deadlines and the (too often) late supplying of needed info -- with good humour; a model of grace under pressure. IF he received credit for his contributions, it was usually in small print near the bottom (of whatever). I have a special admiration for those who are honestly not bothered about whether or not they receive any recognition for their efforts, and I believe Malcolm was one of those rare souls.

Sometimes it seems like it's the folks we can least afford to lose who get 'taken away' the soonest...

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 24 Mar 09 - 01:00 AM

(Again - Malcolm Taylor, EFDSS Librarian is still with us.)

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Derby Ram
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 10:43 PM

This is very sad and shocking news. Losing Malcolm is like losing a limb. He was the friendly and helpful face of the 'House' from as far back as I can remember always ready to help any and every equirer seeking information from the Library resource - often 'above and beyond. What an immense and tragic loss to us all. He's certainly going to be a hard act to follow.
My condolences to all his closest.

R.I.P. Malc.

Keith & Sylvia

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Desert Dancer
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 10:35 PM

Dave MacKenzie, as often happened, you may be confusing Malcolm Taylor (RVW Librarian) with Malcolm Douglas (editor of Classic English Folksongs, webmaster for the South Riding Folk Arts Network, etc.).

~ Becky in Tucson

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,Dave MacKenzie
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:55 PM

I only met Malcolm face to face a couple of times at Cecil Sharp House but on the too frequent occasions when I phoned the library with a desperate request he always took the time to try to find me an answer. Even though I haven't done it for several years, it was always a comfort to know that Malcolm's patience and knowledge were there.

He'll be sorely missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Barbara
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:19 PM

The world and ours is poorer for his loss.
Condolences to his family, and to us, his Mudcat family.
Blessings,
Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Snuffy
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:15 PM

We are all diminished by his passing: he was simply irreplaceable. I like Bill D's conceit of Malcom and Bruce Olson spending eternity ironing out the minutiae of old broadsides and Child ballads.

Good-night, sweet prince;
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,Scabby Douglas (sadly, no relation)
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:09 PM

His contributions were always precise and scholarly, which occasionally, I believe, irked some others who would much rather take an easier, less exacting path. His devotion to the music shone through, always.

He will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,Jim I
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:00 PM

I think a measure of Malcom's importance to so many is the fact that so many have logged on to regret his passing in such a short time.

I would also like to add my sincere regrets and to say that I cannot believe anyone could ever replace him, either in our thoughts or here on Mudcat.

Jim I

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Gulliver
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 07:00 PM

Sorry to hear this. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 06:53 PM

very sad news indeed. Malcolm was generous with his time and his knowledge. Even though ill, he took time to send me information for the latest issue of English Dance & Song and I was honoured to contribute a piece about Frank Purslowe to Malcolm's new edition of Marrow Bones. he will be very sorely missed.
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: gnu
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 06:51 PM

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: MartinRyan
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 06:46 PM

Just back from a wonderful weekend of singing (Inishowen festival) to hear this sad news. A man of wisdom, intellectual rigour and patience - a great loss.

Regards

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: MikeofNorthumbria
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 05:36 PM

Having access to Malcolm's wisdom on this forum has been a great privilege. We are all the poorer for his passing, and he will be sadly missed for many a long day. But perhaps the best way to honour his memory is for all of us to try a little harder to get our facts straight before we rush into print with our opinions.

Wassail!

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: greg stephens
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 05:17 PM

Very very sad news. Malcolm was the voice of scholarship on Mudcat, immensely knowledgeable, painstaking in his pursuit of truth, quick to pounce on sloppy and ill-considered statements, eloquent in defence of traditional music, always ready to help to point you in the direction of what you were seeking, and occasionally an irascible old bastard. A great man, I shall miss him hugely.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: BB
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 04:51 PM

Such a shock to find this thread. It feels as though we've lost a friend that we thought would always be there. Especially as he had started posting on Mudcat again after his earlier hospitalisation.

It is said that no-one is indispensible - I disagree. In terms of academic knowledge and research in folk song, I can't imagine anyone ever being of such help to so many people. Never getting embroiled in the arguments, sorry, heated discussions that arose in so many threads, but always the voice of calm reason and fact, Malcolm seemed to me to be the most valuable resource any of us could wish for. It saddens me that his work on the 'Marrow Bones' series can't be completed - or will have to be completed by other lesser mortals.

If we feel the loss so much, how much harder must it be for his family and close friends. I hope that the knowledge of the high regard in which he was held will help them in their loss.

Thank you, Malcolm. Rest in peace.

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,Brian Peters
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 02:47 PM

Sorry, above 'Guest' was me, cookieless in Buffalo.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 02:41 PM

It is a strange sensation to find myself so devastated by the loss of someone with whom my relationship existed largely in cyberspace. I fear Malcolm is irreplacable in terms of his huge knowledge and his generosity and patience in sharing it. Many of the above remarks have echoed my feeling that Malcolm's messages on any topic were the ones I would always look out for. He would never rush to comment, but always wait until he was absolutely certain of what he had to say. And those of you who might hold an image in your mind of some dusty academic, would possibly be surprised by some of his musical tastes and the artwork mentioned above.

There were few if any in our little world for whom I bore more respect.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,Bob Askew
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 01:45 PM

The world is a smaller place. A great man has gone. I am not a dab hand on the computer, and rarely get a chance to read Mudcat. But these postings underline the immense good work he has done. I was lucky enough to meet Malcolm a couple of times, and he was generous and helpful with his great knowledge. We had a long chat in November at the TSF in Sheffield: he was mentally vigorous, cheerful and positive, but he was obviously very ill and quite weak. We were walking back up a hill, and I suddenly felt that I was drawing ahead. I apologised for going too fast. He said No, It was he who should apologise! A gentleman to the end.

Rest in peace Malcolm         Bob Askew

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Les from Hull
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 01:12 PM

I was so sad to hear this news. What a great loss Malcolm's passing will be to his family and many friends, especially here on Mudcat. I feel privileged to have met him and was impressed by his quiet manner (I'd always been impressed by his encyclopaedic knowledge and his scholarship).

Malcolm taught me an important lesson here on Mudcat - if you're imparting some information, mention where you got that information. Or if it's just your opinion, say that it's just you opinion, or that you might have read it somewhere. People who use the Internet to gain knowledge (not just Mudcat, we are much better than the average) would do well to follow Malcolm's example.

So long, old friend!

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST,Spleen Cringe
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 12:53 PM

Like many others here I never met the man, but thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated and learned so much from his contributions to Mudcat. Sorry to hear this sad news and my thoughts go out to his friends and family.

Nigel

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Bernard
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 10:18 AM

He's achieved one thing we all dream of... he will be fondly remembered, even by people whom he never had the chance to meet.

That's one of the good things about Mudcat - his memory will live on.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Tinker
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 10:14 AM

Just as I picture Rick Fielding with a guitar in the middle of a Jam with a couple of watchful students nearby.... I see Malcom with access to every dusty reference tome (and the original authors) sorting out the true story to be had behind the tune.

Joyful rest and knowledge to one who passed it on with patience and gentle wit.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 10:07 AM

I never had the pleasure of meeting Malcolm, but like many, I regarded him as a friend.

Sincere condolences to Malcolm's family

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Abby Sale
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 09:55 AM

I too am shocked and saddened. I thought Malcolm would always be there and I had plenty of time to meet him or write another PM. Always stunning when I thought I had checked out some song to find there was so much more to it. His understanding for where and how to research humbled and encouraged.

I'm not surprised but actually did not know how highly he was esteemed here and elsewhere. The appreciation shown by so many posters, many of whom I admire as serious and knowledgeable, gives Malcolm's legacy.

Sorely missed already.

Abby

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: MMario
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 09:12 AM

I can't really add anything to what others have said. mY condolences to his friends and family; my grateful thanks for the contributions he made here.

Malcolm was always gracious and responsive to my admittedly non-scholarly approach to tune searches; and his contibutions were enormous.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: A Wandering Minstrel
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:42 AM

So sorry to hear of this. Malcolm was a great scholar of folk music and his posts here were always well worthy of reading and consideration. I shall miss his contribution to many debates.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 08:10 AM

I'm very sorry to hear this sad news. I'm not sure if I ever met Malcolm personally but I read his contributions to this forum and other groups with great admiration and pleasure. I considered him to be a most reliable source of information but also valued his gentle humour and the way that he could point out mistakes without offending.

As is evident by the number of messages above, he will be sadly missed by a great many people besides his family and those who knew him personally. I hope they may be comforted a little by knowing that.

Good night, Malcolm, and thanks.

Yorkie Bartram

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: Christine Dowling (inactive)
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 07:50 AM

I am an avid reader of mudcat. It is my first stop in researching any song and Malcolm's name on a thread always guaranteed a well-researched and thoughtful contribution.

It is a terrible loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 07:45 AM

Very, very sad. RIP, Malcolm.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 07:39 AM

Like so many others I am shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Malcolm Douglas. His posts were always worth reading and his love of the music shone through. The folk world loses a friend. My condolences to his family. Rest in Peace Malcolm.

Subject: RE: Obit: Malcolm Douglas (22 March 2009)
From: fat B****rd
Date: 23 Mar 09 - 07:36 AM

My best regards to Malcolm's family and friends. RIP