Obit: Bruce Sherman 9 Sept 2009 San Francisco folk

Subject: Obit: Bruce Sherman
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 01 Oct 09 - 07:30 PM

San Francisco lost one of its beloved folk musicians, Bruce Sherman. Bruce was a multi-instrumentalist, playing button accordion,concertina, mandolin, fiddle, and musical saw. He was a longtime volunteer and Festival of the Sea performer at Hyde Street Pier, and a regular at old-timey sessions at cafes and bookstores around the city. He sang sea chanteys, and was for several years a member oif the sea music band Skip Hendewrson and the Starboard Watch. He sang English and French folk songs, and any other type of song that struck his fancy.

Bruce was a gentle soul, with a low-key approach to his music that charmed everyone who came into contact with him. On weekends, he would sing and play aboard the ship Balclutha, regaling international visitors with his music and his knowlege of San Francisco, the city he loved and was raised in. A memorial service was held for him in September at the Noe Valley Ministry in San Francisco, attended by those who knew him from his various musical worlds, his brothers and 90-year old mom, and friends who knew him since his youth. The San Francisco Chronicle, the city's major daily, ran a very well written article about him by longtime San Franciscan and reporter Carl Nolte, stressing how much Bruce was part of the fabric of the city.

Bruce took his own life on September 9.

-Chanteyranger

Subject: RE: Obit: Bruce Sherman
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 04:43 PM

I didn't know the man, but my sympathy is with all who feel his loss. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bruce Sherman 9 Sept 2009 San Francisco folk
From: katlaughing
Date: 03 Oct 09 - 05:34 PM

CR, my condolences on what sounds like a profound loss. Whatever pain may have caused him to check out, I am sure it is lessened and he may know some peace. How sad for you and the rest left behind. May you all remember him well with music, stories, and much love.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Obit: Bruce Sherman 9 Sept 2009 San Francisco
From: Peter Kasin
Date: 06 Oct 09 - 02:33 AM

Susanne and Kat, thank you for your thoughtful posts.

Subject: RE: Obit: Bruce Sherman 9 Sept 2009 San Francisco folk
From: GUEST,Andrew McIntyre
Date: 24 Oct 09 - 12:57 AM

This was a very great shock. I will miss him very much. He used to come by the Ferry Building where I work. It was an honor to have known him. An amazing man, very talented, exceptional. RIP Bruce.