Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Little Robyn
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 04:04 PM

That's too much sadness for one family.
I guess Sandy is with Kaelan now.
Much love to Caroline and family.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Crowhugger
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 04:30 PM

Sad, sad news. I had only "met" him here on Mudcat, and I'm grateful that so much of his wisdom, knowledge & humour was shared here. Condolences to Caroline and family and friends.

~CH~

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Nancy King
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 04:55 PM

What devastating news this is! And what a terrible blow to the Paton family, especially coming so soon after they lost Kaelan.

Sandy was one of the sweetest guys you could ever hope to meet. I will always cherish the memory of his and Caroline's hospitality to The Boarding Party and its entourage (including me) on their two week-long recording sessions in Sharon in the 1980s. I can still see Sandy sitting at his recording console, flawlessly editing reel-to-reel tape with a razor blade, getting results as good as can be had with digital equipment today. And then there was the hands-and-knees search for the cricket that had gotten into the studio (a huge room that had once been a barn) and was making itself heard at the wrong moments. And "Welcome Boarding Party" spelled out in magnetic letters on the fridge when we arrived -- which somehow morphed into "Bleeding Pity" and "Barfing Puppy" and (my favorite) "Balding Poopy" over the course of the week. He and Caroline made us all feel so welcome and relaxed that the music just flowed.

There was never any question what label the BP's recordings would be on. "Nobody else will let us write a book!" said Jonathan. Folk-Legacy's contributions to the world of traditional music is unparallelled. Their love of the music and desire to share it is simply priceless.

As for Sandy himself -- a dear, sweet man with a beautiful tenor voice (go listen to "When You and I Were Young, Maggie" on one of the Mudcat CDs), a grand sense of humor, and a remarkable recording skill.

I didn't see Sandy often in recent years (though I've talked to Caroline on the phone -- always a treat -- a few times), but whenever I did, I was greeted as an old and dear friend, just as was everyone else in the folk community.

We've lost a really special one, friends. Caroline and the whole Paton family are in my thoughts.

Nancy

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: GUEST,Alan Oakes
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 05:01 PM

I first met Sandy and Caroline in California in 1968. Sandy was a handsome young man and Caroline a beautiful young woman. We had a wonderful visit. They came to my house, and among other things, they helped me to catch a few more hard-to-understand words from an old County recording I had of "Going Down the Valley." They suggested that to get more of the words I should come East to the next Fox Hollow festival and talk to a man named Joe Hickerson. I did. Joe had not heard the song, but he did, later, find the words and recorded the song on a Folk Legacy record in 1969.

I have since learned that this was a pretty typical first meeting with Sandy and Caroline. The visit was fun, they were helpful about folk music and it was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Now 41 years have gone by. We saw each other 3 or 4 times a year at folk festivals. We always found time to talk. We sang together after concerts. I got lots of hugs from both of them. After I moved East in 1972, we occasionally visited each other's homes. During the last 20 years, or so, one of the common topics of Sandy's and my conversations was how we were each doing with our respective heart problems. It was a joy to grow old together.

Farewell Sandy. You were a good friend and a good man. I miss you very much.

Caroline, all my love.

-Alan Oakes

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Don Firth
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 05:11 PM

I first became acquainted with Sandy Paton in 1952 (give or take a couple of months) while I was attending the University of Washington. I'd just caught the folk music bug from a girl I was dating at the time, and it was because of her that I first took in a concert by Walt Robertson. At about the same time, I met a whole bunch of other people:   Sandy Paton, Ric Higlin, Dick Landberg, Bob Clark, several others. . . .    Most of these folks lived in a ramshackled old rooming house in the University District generally referred to by its inmates as "Cockroach Manor."

Sandy was into acting and painting at the time, and he was also busily learning folk songs, mostly from song books as I recall, and teaching himself to play the guitar. It wasn't very long after I first met him that he decided to head Back East to make his mark in the world.

A couple of years later, in summer of 1954, he hitchhiked back to Seattle. While he was here, we had lots of good song fests (we called them "hootenannies," or simply "hoots," a term we used to refer to free-for-all folk music jam sessions, not public performances).

Word was that Sandy had arrived in Seattle with what he was wearing, and carrying his guitar case, in which he also had a couple of packs of cigarettes and a change of socks. As I recall, he stayed with Ric Higlin and his new wife, Freddie (Alfreda), in Cockroach Manor. It was said that, periodically, in the dead of night, he would sneak down to the local Laundromat in the dead of night in a borrowed bathrobe, wash his clothes, and sneak back. In fact, I think it was Sandy who told me so.

Late in August of 1954, Sandy decided to hang out his thumb and head Back East. The night before he left, we had one helluva "hoot." Toward the end of the evening, one of the attendees, Donnie Logsdon, a former childhood street-corner preacher (who had long since de-frocked himself), preached a sermon about the sin of sending our brother Sandy out into this wicked world with a minimum of funds, and took up a collection for him. While the sermon was going on (a real tour de force on Donnie's part) Sandy sat there with his face in his hands and shaking his head, highly embarrassed. But—we did manage to send him off with a fair amount of funds. Sandy told me later that he was able to eat a lot more regularly on the trip than he would have otherwise. In the words of Donnie Logsdon, it was a love offering.

The next time I saw Sandy was in 1958. I was flipping through the folk records in Campus Music and Gallery, and there he was, looking up at me from the front of a record jacket. "The Many Sides of Sandy Paton." He'd obviously been busy since I'd last seen him.

In 1960, I attended my first Berkeley Folk Music Festival. The list of performers was impressive, including Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl, John Lomax, Lightnin' Hopkins, Sam Hinton, the New Lost City Ramblers, others—and Sandy Paton. All day workshops and evening concerts along with many informal gatherings. A marvelous experience all the way around. I congratulated Sandy on his Elektra record, but he said he was not real happy with it. As I understood it, apparently they'd been a bit dictatorial about what songs they wanted him to do and how they wanted him to do them. I didn't know Elektra did that sort of thing, but I was also told later that this was one of the reasons that Sandy co-founded Folk-Legacy:    to let the singer do it their own way.

During the Berkeley Folk Festival, there were a fair number of "off-campus" activities, including late-night parties and get-togethers after the evening concerts. Sandy buttonholed me and took me to one of these, where I wound up having a chance to meet and chat with Peggy Seeger and Ewan MacColl.

A long time after that (late 70s or early 80s) Gordon Bok sang a concert in this area, and he mentioned to me that Sandy had had a heart attack.

And it was sometime after that, I recall talking to Sandy on the phone. He was contemplating the possibility of coming out to the Pacific Northwest to see what all was going on in folk music in this area, possibly, as I understood it, with the idea of recording a few people for Folk-Legacy. But unfortunately, it never came off. I would have loved to have seen Sandy again.

Once we encountered each other here on Mudcat, we exchanged posts and PMs from time to time.

Although we've known each other for 57 years, we really didn't know each other closely for that long. Nevertheless, Sandy has been a strong influence on me all this time. His abilities, his enthusiasm, and his dedication have been, and will continue to be, an example to follow, along with his just generally being a friendly and generous person. I regret that I have never had a chance to meet Caroline or any of his young 'uns. But having known Sandy is one of the things in this life that I truly value and cherish.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: ranger1
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 05:33 PM

I didn't know Sandy either long or well, but he gave lovely hugs. My condolences to Caroline and the rest of the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 05:38 PM

A beautiful thread, which says so much about a man who touched so many people in his life.

It's a blessing to be surrounded by your family when those final moments come, especially a loving family. But, it's also a blessing, albeit a sad one for those left behind, for a grandfather to be able to wrap his soul around his much loved grandson, and for his young soul to know his Grandpa is back with him, so near to him once again.

With love to Sandy's family.

Sandy - 'Come Love Come'

(taken from here)

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Deckman
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 05:50 PM

When Walt Robertson passed away, over 14 years ago, I was stuck with the task of writing his obit for Sing Out. I called on several friends to help me. Sandy spent much time with me, helping me assemble some delicious stories in a readable fashion. We exchanged occasional phone calls and e-mails after that. I've always been grateful to Sandy for helping me with that onerus assignment. bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: GUEST,Patricia
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 05:52 PM

I wanted to share this since it made a big impact on me.

A friend once mentioned to me, after a mutual friend had passed away, that it doesn't really work well to tell the other family members, "please let me know if there's anything I can do." or "please call me if there's something I can do for you."

They are in shock and grief and often can't think of what someone could do and sometimes just can't make the effort to reach out to call and say what they might need or like. My friend told me to think about what or how I could offer something (bring food, do errands, whatever), and to just either do it (if it wasn't intrusive) or to call/write with a specific offer.

It's almost like we say that ("let me know if there's anything I can do") because we don't know what else to say. I know we don't say it casually , but even if it's heartfelt, it doesn't often do what we would want it to. I know, because I've said it many times myself, and it's been more because I couldn't think of anything else to say but didn't want to end the conversation.

It's hard to just say "I am so very sorry for your loss." It's just not enough.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton
From: GUEST,Guest David Jones
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 06:09 PM

I heard this heartbreaking news while here in England. As I read these messages, many from old friends, Roy, Kendall, Art, George, Kathy, Lisa, I feel I should be back home to be able to talk to folks who knew and loved Sandy. Sandy and Caroline have done so much for all of us who love the old songs, I guess the best way we can thank them is to keep singing those songs. Around 1968 Sandy and Caroline came into a folk club in San Francisco I used to sing at, it was called the Singers Circle, run by Alan McCloud, they sang us some good old songs, they were beautiful. That was the first time I met them and I have had the pleasure of knowing them ever since. Spare special thoughts for David, in a few short weeks he has lost his son and his father, it is so much to bear.
Much love to Caroline and all the Paton family.
David

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Jan and Ken
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 06:22 PM

From the other side of the pond - Sandy and Caroline were very special people and we are totally devastated at the news - so soon after Kaelan's death - we would give anything to be able to give Caroline a big hug, but instead send our love and grateful thanks to them both for the inspiration and help they gave us.Along with others at the Seafest we were talking of Sandy with Debra, Ken and Barry.

A true gentleman

Goodnight and God bless

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: C. Ham
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 06:24 PM

I didn't really know Sandy Paton but I did have a long conversation with him about music a few years ago at the Champlain Valley Folk Festival

Mike Regenstreif blogged about Sandy a little while ago.

Mike's blog.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Joe Offer
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 06:27 PM

I checked Mudcat last night just before I went to bed, and I found this thread about an hour after it started. I was shocked and saddened at the time, and it was hard to get to sleep. Since then, though, I've been thinking happy thoughts of Sandy. I met him when I was 51 years old, and he has always called me "lad." Thinking of that makes me smile.

Since I heard of Sandy's death, two songs have been going through my head. One is Put It on the Ground, which is the first and only song Sandy and I ever sang as a duet - sitting at a picnic table at the Getaway in 1999, about fifteen minutes after I first met him in person. There may be an obvious reason why we never sang as a duet after that, but we sure had fun singing it.

Put it on the ground,
Spread it all around;
Rake it with a hoe,
It will make your flowers grow.

The second song is All the Good People. It was written by Ken Hicks, but Sandy sang it solo on one of the Golden Ring records, and Folk-Legacy holds the copyright. I've loved that song since I first heard it:

This is a song for all the good people,
All the good people who've touched up my life.
This is a song for all the good people,
People I'm thanking my stars for tonight.

It's not a perfect song. It has a bit of chauvinism and some clumsy lyrics - but it's full of love and wisdom. Sandy wasn't a perfect man - but he, too, was full of love and wisdom. I'll remember him every time I sing those two songs.
Thank you, Sandy, for all the wisdom and kindness you have shared with all of us.

-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Don Firth
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 06:39 PM

Lizzie, thank you for posting that link. It was a treat to hear Sandy and the family sing.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Stringsinger
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 06:40 PM

Like the rest of you, I am devastated by this news. Fifty years ago
at the Old Town School of Folk Music, Sandy, Valucha and I were a
folk trio for a short time. I remember Sandy as ebullient,
knowledgeable and dedicated to our mutual love of trad folk.
He was always gracious, warm and fun to be with. My heart goes out
to Caroline. I remember that Sandy and I both performed on the same bill at an Old Town School concert. Although I haven't seen him in many years, I remember our times fondly. We last met at the Eisteddfod song festival at one of the workshops in 1983 summer.

It's a tremendous loss to the folk community. Folk Legacy Recordings
are some of the best ever done.

In sadness,

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Dick Dufresne
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 06:52 PM

Sandy and Caroline and my family go back to the days of the Fox Hollow Festival.
Through the years Sandy and I traded songs, stories and jokes.
It was Sandy who brought me from the world of the folk music of the commercial craze to the broader and more amazing world of folk music in it's purer form.
   We will try to keep up your good work old friend.

When our time is over
Haul away for heaven
Tis our sailing time.

Fair winds and a following sea.
Dick Dufresne

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,jed marum on a borrowed PC
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 07:12 PM

Very sad news. My condolences to his family.

Jed Marum (on a borrowed PC)

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 07:14 PM

Although I never met the Paton's, they touched me when Sandy took the time to share his knowledge of "Horsey Keep Your Tail Up" many years ago when I came to the mudcat to share my musical interests with others. He treated all with equanimity and kindness. My sincere condolences to Caroline and I shall cherish my many, many Feolk Legacy records all the more. Lisa Null's words seem so expressive; thanks for that!

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 07:34 PM

So sorry to learn this. I was talking about Sandy just last Saturday, with Jan and Ken at Scarborough Seafest. Never met the man , but felt I knew him from his work and from his postings here. A great loss. Condolences to all his family and friends.

Ross

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Hawker
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 07:36 PM

So VERY sorry to hear this, only knew him though this community, but like has been quoted, what a fine community, and he was one who made it so. Love to ALL his family. Hugs, Lucy x

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: kendall
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:04 PM

Sandy never knew that he was a great man. He was so humble he could not accept that title. I tried to get through to him, but failed.
Anyway, he was not only a great man, he was also a good man.

Neither he nor I are very religious, but this has always given me some comfort:

So live, that when your summons comes to join that innumerable caravan
That moves to that mysterious realm where each shall take his chamber in the silent halls of death; thou go, not like the quarry slave at night, scourged to his dungeon, but sustained and soothed by an unfaltering trust, approach thy grave like one who wraps the draperies of his couch about him and lies down to pleasant dreams.(William Cullen Bryant)

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 08:31 PM

He *was* a great man, Kendall; I agree. It seems that he, so often, went out of his way to help or encourage others. Maybe he saw that quality in Rick Fielding because it was so true of him, too. Tonight, Caroline & I toasted Sandy over our shared dinner. "To Sandy," I said, "an original, in the best sense of the word!" His passing leaves a big hole in my life. I suspect I won't know how big until some time passes.

Caroline is doing quite well, all considered, but she's having a really hard time getting anything done, because of the continuous phone calls. She'd take about one bite of her dinner & the phone would ring again. Those of you who know her will realize that she is too gracious to cut a call short. Please give her a few days to catch up on much-needed work, if you can. Call her after the dust settles. I know that calls will be welcome & needed then!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:13 PM

Hey Beebs......regarding that hole in your life/heart.........

When Lee died I sent Sandy a PM where I told a quick story about that very thing. Sandy liked it and actually quoted it at Lee's memorial service.   Here's what I wrote to Sandy way back then.............

When Denny (my truest friend of 30 years) died awhile back, I spoke at his funeral as he had asked me to do. The SOB was such a "responsible" person that he even left me a "Thank You" note for doing so. Basically, I told stories on us for 20 minutes and had the large crowd laughing and not crying. The only serious part of it came from something one of Connie's kids had said to me. He asked what is what like to lose your best friend, and then said I must have an "awful big hole in my heart." I thought about that a minute and realized he was wrong. Great friends can never leave a hole in your heart; they can only leave it filled with the wonderful memories of who and what they were. Indeed, perhaps our hearts are made up entirely of friendships and who WE are is simply the end product of those we value most. I dunno.......

And I still don't know for sure. But I do know the Sandy Paton's of this world would never want to leave a hole in the lives and hearts of those friends they have themselves cherished. And then there is this.....written by wonderful Jeri after Rick died. Somehow it fits well here too.............

There are circles of friends,
Held loosely by lines I drew,
But in the winds of time they fade.
Here is where my passion ends,
I did all I could do,
But these circles of friends
Are the greatest thing I made

See me in their eyes.


Pat

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Liam's Brother
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 09:15 PM

Goodbye old friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:26 PM

Spaw, thanks for posting both of those. I remember reading your piece when you first posted it. I *missed* Jeri's piece! Takes the breath away, absolutely stunning. Thanks, again, for posting it.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:33 PM

Good people,
I just spent the last 3 hours writing out my involvement with Folk Legacy and Sandy and Caroline and Lee happened. It was 50 years long and it was grand to see it put there for you all. But (isn't there always a but?) Mudcat was apparently down or something for the hour in which I was trying to send it to this thread. It felt wonderful to say it all and the tell how much I love these people and what their querencia meant to me through the years. Finding Folk Legacy and knowing Sandy was so damn much a huge part of what I am today; it was truly like coming home to have Sandy ask me to record for him.
I did try to post it, pull it back, post it over and over--and then--------it was gone -- into cyberspace somewhere.

Just know I loved this man, and miss him terribly.   

Love to all,

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Max
Date: 27 Jul 09 - 11:43 PM

Just got sadder. My sincere apologies to all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:02 AM

What can I add that hasn't been said? I'd second jeri's comment above: "I thought he'd live forever. I thought he'd always be here. In some ways, he will, but it's not enough."

I was fortunate enough to have visited with Sandy lots of times, though not nearly as many as lots of others here. He could be lovable. He could be curmudgeonly. I remember the time we had a sing-around in the DC area, and he expressed gratitude that it was what he needed, because he'd just recently been at one of those gatherings where people had used Rise Up Singing as a hymnal, and after he sang a version of something he'd collected himself, someone came up to him with their copy of the book and pointed to the version printed therein and accused him of singing it wrong! He might have been polite to his accuser, but when he was with us, he could finally get it off his chest and complain to sympathetic ears. He had a strong sense of the big ways in which traditional music could build communities, and did not like to suffer people who chose to use it for smaller ways.

Whenever I noticed that Sandy had posted to a thread at Mudcat, I knew it was a thread worth reading, and perhaps even worth adding to, because it was going to contain lots of good information mixed with heartfelt and carefully reasoned opinion.

I remember one FSGW Getaway session devoted to Folk Legacy--almost everybody who was there came, I think, in that large room at Ramblewood a couple of steps up behind the dining hall, and it's one of the few sessions at the Getaway that stands out after many years. Everyone was pouring out love to Sandy and Caroline, but they were really just returning the love that Sandy and Caroline has put out in the world. At the time we all thought it was true community, but now I'm thinking in retrospect that maybe through the magic off the Patons we had become a family--one of those "families of choice." The Patons were always taking in "family members"--and I think they may have in some way figured out a way of adopting all of us. -- 'cause it sure feels like a lot of us have lost a family member and not just a friend.

Condolences to Caroline and David and Rob and to the whole family--to ALL of us who are grieving.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Guest Marie Dufresne
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:12 AM

Kathy, I too first met Sandy and Caroline when I was 17 at Fox Hollow but I did not know then that years later I would have the honor of calling them friends in the best and dearest sense of the word.

I know when the tears stop ( though sleep will come so hard tonight)the memories will be so sweet and we will all carry the legacy on all of us together.

Caroline,dear friend,in the quiet moments know that my and many hearts are sharing this sorrow.

Peace Sandy Peace

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Skivee
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:13 AM

This is such sad news.
There are very few of us that will have as profound effect of folk music. I learned many shanties from the artists whose records he made possible.
I met him very briefly when he and Caroline played for the FSGW in DC. A very classy guy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: Ron Davies
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:19 AM

It's hard to imagine all the folkies who learned so many great songs from those great albums Sandy and Carolyn put out (and still do). And you could get all the lyrics, and great background for all the songs. No other folk albums gave you so much. And of course hearing Sandy and Carolyn together was yet another treat--as well as just being with them.

He was a giant--but a modest giant-- in the folk community.

We're fortunate that his folk legacy is immortal.

But he'll be terribly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Francy
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:30 AM

One of the "Good People".....so long friend......Frank of Toledo

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: ctfolkie
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 01:58 AM

We, the directors of the Branford Folk Music Society in Connecticut, join in sadness to express our condolences at the passing of Sandy Paton on Sunday. But we also join in celebrating a life, together with his wife Caroline and sons David and Robin, that touched so many people throughout the world in such a gracious manner. As the sharers of songs, with Sandy's field recordings and with their labor-of-love Folk-Legacy productions, the Patons were true national treasures who gave traditional folk music, as Sandy and Caroline oft remarked, "a proper home" while also acknowledging revival musicians who were "in the tradition." Sandy possessed a scholarly, deep knowledge of traditional music but he never flaunted it; rather, he educated and guided us all about the songs, their histories and their meaning — and he did it in such an energized and loving way.

Here in Connecticut, he and Caroline more than three decades ago nurtured then-fledgling folk societies such as Branford Folk and The Sounding Board in West Hartford and several folk radio shows, legacies that exist to this day. Branford acknowledged that debt of gratitude by dedicating its 35th anniversary season this past year to the Patons and Folk-Legacy Records.

Sandy was a pioneer and an iconic figure, although he would swiftly dismiss such characterizations. He was one of the "good people" in our lives. Our hearts go out to the Paton family which has experienced such loss in recent weeks.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: olddude
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 02:38 AM

I never met him but knew him by reputation ... My heart goes out to the family and he is in my prayers also ...

I am so sorry ... we keep losing so many great folks

in my heart

Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: kendall
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 05:57 AM

But we still have Caroline, the other half of Folk Legacy.To you, Caroline, with the warmest best wishes my dear friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Dani
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 08:25 AM

Max, don't be sad.

There is incredible treasure in the archive of stories and music here, especially including Sandy's posts, for us all to mull over in the years to come.

And that is your gift to him, and to us all. Besides, how many of us would not have met Sandy if it hadn't been for you?

I know one of my most pivotal 'folkie' moments came from a Folk-Legacy recording, but became all the more important when I very shortly after met Sandy and Caroline for the first time. Story for another time/thread.

'spaw's advice is taken well. Here is the measure of the man, in the eyes and hearts of the people he loved.

Dani

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 09:27 AM

Like Art, I spent a good amount of time last night writing highlights of how my relationship with the Patons came to be. My post would have been right after Dan Milner's, but, when I tried to send, it failed. It is hard to reconstruct something when you've already expressed the thoughts & emotions, but I think we owe it to ourselves & to each other to try. Art, this time, write your post in MS Word, save, & then copy & paste it onto Mudcat. Please do share with us; your contribution is so special! Although you & I have never met in person, I've come to love you through our connection on Mudcat.

Pat, what you said is so true. Sandy has not left a hole in my life; he has enriched & expanded it. I think he did that in many ways for many people. He was quiet & modest, even self-effacing, but he'd listen, say a word, offer an opinion & the results might be far-reaching.

I was a late-comer to the folk music community. I am neither performer or even, seriously, a singer or player. I am, however, a strong supporter of the music & its performers. I became aware of folk music in general & Folk Legacy in specific after my divorce in 1989, when I dated a man who owned most of the Folk Legacy recordings & who first took me to the Old Songs Festival in Albany, New York. After a series of zigs & zags, I met Duane D. online in 1997. One of the main things we had in common, to start, was a shared love of Folk Legacy's Bok, Muir, Trickett recordings! One day, while searching online for song lyrics, I stumbled into Mudcat. After some time, I clicked on the "Check out our Forum!" link & got hooked on online community! In July of 1999, I believe I hosted the second East Coast mudcat gathering (You can see photos taken there from the mudcat "Quick Links" menu. Go to "Member Photos & Info" then "Photos" then "Events." It is the 5th link from the bottom.). About 14 people were there, including Sandy & Caroline. By March of 2000, when Patons' partner, Lee Haggerty died, Duane & I were just getting close enough to Sandy & Caroline that we were invited to participate. We sat in a circle with folks whose concerts we paid to attend & whose music we purchased, singing on an equal footing with them. That is the Paton style. Frequently, at the Old Songs Festival, performers would come up while Caroline & I were chatting & she would say to them, "Do you know Barbara Carr?" Poor things! They would look bewildered, thinking (I assume), "Should I?" At Lee's gathering, Sandy introduced me as "the famous bbc." Wow! Famous in very few circles, I think!

My job took me closer to Folk Legacy's home in Sharon, Connecticut in 1998 and, then, partly to be closer to the Patons, I moved to Copake, New York in 2003--10 minutes from Folk Legacy from work & half an hour from home. Through the years, Duane & I just got closer & closer to Sandy & Caroline. They became like parents to us, as they have to so many others, but like the parents you would choose to have. Over a cup of tea after work, a dinner out, standing around the booth at Old Songs, I'd moan about relationships, work, parents, compare notes on concerts & performers. Sandy & Caroline would always listen with interest & compassion, offering suggestions when appropriate. They have referred to me, lovingly, as their token Christian Republican friend & we have managed to peacefully & respectfully co-exist (even during the Clinton & Bush presidencies!). As Sandy & Caroline have needed more help, Duane & I have been able to "step into the gap." Since our relationship started through Mudcat, each time I've helped Patons, I've felt, in a sense, that I am doing it for all of you who love them, too, but live at a distance & don't have the option of being here.

I have probably rambled far too long, but want to mention, in closing, a few of the things Sandy & I shared that had particular significance to me. I have, mostly, been a "people" friend to the Patons, rather than a music friend, although I do share a love & some knowledge of the music. Sandy & Caroline have been gently nudging me toward more traditional music, in a desire to educate me. When I'd attend concerts, I got in the habit of sending Sandy email reviews of the performance & performer. As a relative newcomer to folk music, I got a huge kick out of the fact that my opinion & Sandy's would, almost always, be the same! After I saw the movie, "Songcatcher" (which I heard about on Mudcat!), I became familiar with the ballads & stories of Sheila Kay Adams. At the beginning of this July, I was finally able to meet Sheila in person at the Traditional Song Week of the Swannanoa Gathering in Asheville, North Carolina & to sit at her feet for 3 hours each of the 5 days there, for ballad singing & storytelling. When I reported on the week to Sandy & Caroline, I was able to tell them I finally "got" what the ballads are about. That made them smile! One last thing--Although Rick Fielding nicknamed me "Beebs" & spaw & Mick think they can refer to me as such, I think I like Sandy's recent name for me better. Usually, when I'd go over to the house, I'd find him at the table or, more often, the computer. I'd slip up behind him to say hi & give him a little "cheek hug." He called me "Copake Cuddles." I'll miss that.

With love to all,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 09:33 AM

Quick report on last night (Monday, July 27th)--
When I took dinner over to Caroline, Rob & Duane were working on music orders. Folks, if you can hold off from making sympathy calls for the next few days, it will really help. Caroline could barely take one bite of dinner before the phone would ring again. She is too gracious to cut short a call & is finding it very difficult to get anything done. Later on, when things settle down, your calls will be welcome & needed, as she adjusts to life without Sandy. Duane stayed at Folk Legacy all night, arriving home at 5:30 am today, but all the orders were done. I'm going to check with Caroline to see if she needs help with packaging & mailing. Thank you all for your expressions of love; they are greatly appreciated & we are passing them on to Patons!

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: catspaw49
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 09:41 AM

Well done Barb ....... and a big Spaw hug for both you and Duane.

Pat

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: SINSULL
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 10:29 AM

I didn't spend a lot of time with Sandy and Caroline but somehow the few were always memorable. And theyfeel like family.

One night, during World Series craziness, Caroline and I were banned from the downstairs living room. We retreated upstairs and were talking old movies. I mentioned "I Know Where I'm Going" and instantly she dug it out. One of her favorites too. Before too long, Kendall joined us - he couldn't handle the baseball fervor downstairs either but when he started explaining how you couldn't dry out an engine in a whirlpool, we tossed him out. A funny moment. That same night we all stood outside shivering and watching a total eclipse of the moon. When I remember that trip, I think of clementines, a kitchen full of kids and Kendall trying hard to get his breakfast cooked amid the chaos.
I believe I am one of the few people to make Sandy blush twice in one day. It was in the Folk-Legacy booth at NEFFA. I was wearing a T-shirt decorated with dragonflies. A couple noticed it and asked what was written on it. I had not ever noticed the script and couldn't read it upside down so I turned to Sandy and said "Can you read around my breasts?" He tried - but he was scarlet and laughing.
Later that evening a group of us met for Chinese food and the same couple (who, by the way, were big Paton fans) came over to the table to say "Hi". The husband asked if we had ever figured out what was written on the T-shirt. Sandy was shaking his head and trying to chnage the subject and I piped up: "Oh yes. Turns out it was written in Braille." LOL he blushed again.
I have also shared a few tears with Sandy when illness and money woes were just too much. We cried in each others arms and then laughed because we both knew it would be OK. That visit he sang Piney Mountain for me and Caroline got us all to join in on the chorus. And When You And I Were Young, Maggie. I dearly love that big bear of a man with his flirty blue eyes and quick wit. I even loved him when he was cranky, maybe even loved him more for feeling free to be cranky.

Caroline has been a rock for so long. Such an elegant lady with an impish sense of humor and a will of iron. We will sing Sandy on together and share a lot of tears and stories and count on you to keep herding us along.
This is very hard.
Mary

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: wendyg
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 10:52 AM

I'm not sure when I first met Sandy and Caroline - probably at Fox Hollow in 1972 or thereabouts; I spent some days at their house when Archie Fisher recorded his Man With a Rhyme album. I don't think I appreciated nearly enough then who they were and what a profound impact they had on the world of folk music. I picked up many of their recordings in the 1970s; a friend says that he has more Folk Legacy recordings than any other two labels put together.

I've been mostly doing other things since the 1970s, so I haven't seen the Patons since probably about 1980 (if not earlier); but when I made some occasional postings here in 2002-2004, Sandy popped right up to renew the acquaintance. I often barely remember people I met last week...

The moment that always stands out for me, though, was this one, which I think of often:

It's 1973, and into the campground at the Fox Hollow folk Festival drives a giant RV with a TV antenna on top. a) an RV? b) a *TV antenna*???! It turned out that Sandy hated Nixon with a raw, visceral passion, and the expectation was that Nixon was going to resign sometime over the next few days. Sandy was determined that he was not going to miss seeing that SOB resign.

When Nixon resigned, in fact C&S were on stage; the resignation IIRC was at noon, exactly halfway through their spot. So at the moment Nixon was resigning, they sang, "Only remembered...for what we have done...shall we be missed when the others succeed us...reaping the seeds that in spring we have sown?"

After their spot, Evelyne Burnstine sang Seasons of Peace, and a young woman I didn't know sitting next to us said, "We should start America, the Beautiful. This is an important moment in the history of our country, and we should sing about America." So when EB was finished, the three of us started it and the entire audience picked it up. Still one of the most amazing public moments in my life, ever.

wg

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Barry Finn
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 11:08 AM

So sorry to hear this news following the family's recent loss. All my love, thoughts, hopes & wishes to Caroline, David, Robin & the rest of the Paton family. I can't remember when I first had the pleasure of meeting them, it seems that they've been the ambassators to the local New England folk family forever. I can't remember being involved in folk music anywhere when they weren't somehow connected to it.
It's surely such a sad loss for the folk family world wide but a life so richly remember by so many.

Goodbye Sandy

Love
Barry

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Guest: Jennifer Woods
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 11:30 AM

Sinsill mentioned "I know Where I'm Going" that wonderful British movie from 1947 staring Wendy Heller, with a fabulous Ceili (spel?) scene, and a VERY young Petula Clark in a small part -- It was my mother's favorite, and I hadn't seen it until, talking with Sandy I found out he had a video of it! He then made me a copy, and it is defineitly one of my all time favorite movies! I have fond memories of staying with the Patons and watching it with them -- and then at home, watching it yet again.

Both Patons welcomed me so openly into the folk community in 1982, and they have been wonderful friends with open arms ever since. I love them both dearly. Sandy will be profoundly missed -- but as someone said, Caroline will help us all carry-on, and we all have our wonderful memories of Sandy to keep us going, and keep him alive in our hearts!

jennifer near dc

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Songbob
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 11:42 AM

I've wondered how to say anything, so I decided to let a song say it:

        A SONG FOR FOLK LEGACY (A Record Edged in Black)

I was standing by my window one fine morning,
Without a thought of worry or of care,
When I saw the postman coming up the pathway
With such a jolly face and jaunty air.
He rang the bell and whistled while he waited,
And then he said, "Good morning to you, Jack!"
But he little knew the happiness he brought me
When he handed me that record edged in black.

With trembling hands I took the record from him;
I opened it and put it on to play.
When I heard that old time singer with his banjo,
It changed my very life right from that day.
I didn't know a thing about the singer.
As I read the liner notes from front to back,
And the only song I recognized, "Tom Dooley,"
On that wonderful first record edged in black.

Now, since that time, I've heard a lot of music,
And I learned to sing and play a bit, myself,
From those wonderful singers and musicians
In that stack of black-bound records on the shelf.
But you've got to get the customer's attention
As he browses through the old folk record rack.
So it's been two dozen years, or even longer,
Since I've seen a brand new record edged in black.

I know you can't return to days back yonder.
The world turns toward the morning, so they say.
But I, for one, would not be too unhappy
If a few things never changed from day to day.
I'd like to see the postman one fine morning,
Coming up the pathway with his pack,
He'd never know the happiness he'd bring me
If he handed me a record edged in black.


© 1986 by Bob Clayton, Arlington, VA


When I first sang this for the Patons in their living room, Sandy teared up a bit, and allowed as how he always wanted to put out more "records edged in black," but that hard times in the record biz meant that he couldn't. He allowed, however, that my song inspired him to again appreciate the original, "Letter Edged in Black."

If anyone puts out a memorial album of Sandy's singing, I hope it has a black-bound edge.

Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2
From: Mark Clark
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 11:42 AM

I never got to meet Sandy but the contributions he made to the music we all love has made the world a better place and will ensure his memory endures. Condolences to all. May his memory be eternal.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,from tokyo,japan
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 12:37 PM

oh. very sad.
folk legacy is my important label,such as folkways.
i love his memorial e-mail.

sad


kiyohide kunizaki at tokyo folklore center

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: GUEST,Bill Steele
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 01:23 PM

On occasions like this I always think we should focus not on the loss, but on all we have gained from the person. When I heard the news I immediately flashed on the guy I knew singing around Berkeley in the 60s who looked and sounded like a movie star and had an incredible repertoire of traditional songs. When Folk Legacy started it just seemed a natural extension of that. I last saw Sandy briefly at Olde Songs a couple years ago and it was pretty much the same guy with a few more lines on his face, so I'll stick with that image.

I also recall the Nixon resignation, but Wendy has covered that. I do wish I'd had a chance to hear what Sandy thought of George Bush.

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 01:58 PM

Gee, Bill, as the Patons' token Republican friend, I heard a *lot* of what Sandy thought of George Bush & none of it was good! ;) Ask Caroline, when the dust settles. She'll give you an ear-ful!

best,

Barbara

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: Art Thieme
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 02:20 PM

I will try again, but I lose things too easily trying to copy and paste to trust my own tech abilities, so I'll try to paraphrase myself in this thread, and hope for all to go well like it does more than ninety-nine percent of the time, Max. There is no need for you to feel more sad because of this glitch. My own sadness, after hearing of Sandy's passing is, incrementally, becoming worsened by the passing of time. It could be that re-living those years by writing it again might make things some better.

Art

Subject: RE: Obit: Sandy Paton (22 January 1929 - 26 July 2009)
From: bbc
Date: 28 Jul 09 - 03:53 PM

Please do try, Art, & forgive me for missing your birthday, earlier this month. Look for an email. I notice that, in this thread now, folks are getting past the initial shock & are starting to reminisce. I bet Sandy would like that!

love,

Barbara