Ray Fisher unwell (Dec 2009)-died 31 Aug 2011

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: wendyg
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 12:08 PM

I am so sorry to hear about Ray. As others have said, a fine singer. And also a very kind person - went so far as to take me home one time when I had nowhere to stay when visiting her local folk club.

very best wishes.

wg

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Surreysinger
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 10:48 AM

Just wished to send my thoughts, best wishes and support(and those of my sister who is a great fan) to Ray and to Colin.

You wouldn't know it Ray, but you were one of the first people who encouraged me in pursuing the course of standing up in public and singing solo after I had made a contribution to a ballad session at the National Festival that you were a part of in 1999. I remember standing outside the Library in the Sutton Bonington complex immediately afterwards, waiting to get in while another workshop was going on. We were the only two outside, and you took the time to tell me how much you had liked my song. That meant a great deal to me at the time, and I spent the rest of the day in a pleasurable haze. It was only a small thing but it meant a lot, and was one of the stepping stones to my gaining increased confidence to stand up and share the songs that I love with others. Thank you so much for that.


Irene Shettle

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Cath
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 08:13 AM

This is very sad. I have very fond memories of times spent with Ray when she has been to Holmfirth to sing.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Booklynrose
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 07:37 AM

Here is a link to a message sent this spring by Jean Ritchie thinking about end of life meanings. I hope others may find it heartening as I did.


http://www.mudcat.org/Detail.CFM?messages__Message_ID=2626780

The link is from the thread "is kytrad ok?" (no, she is also ill.)

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Booklynrose
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 07:31 AM

Ray our best wishes are with you.
We remember fondly your parformances in the U.S. and good fellowship at New York Pinewoods Folk Music Club events, your beautiful music and marvelous sense of humor.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: henryclem
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:54 AM

We had a visit from Ray, with Di, not so very long ago at Swindon Folksingers Club and it was a real delight for everyone fortunate enough to be there to share their company and songs. Ray has been a good friend and inspiration to so many over the years and I would like to pass on to her not only my own gratitude for that, but also good wishes from Ted & Ivy, Eric, Luke, and all at the Swindon club.

We're all thinking of you and yours, Ray.

Henry

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:43 AM

Oh dear, my worst fears are confirmed. There are times when the last thing you want to hear, that your fears are confirmed.
Knowing Ray, she will cope with this chapter of her life with the same spirit as she has lived it so far.
We love you Ray.

John MacKenzie

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Silas
Date: 20 Dec 09 - 05:34 AM

Oh Dear.

My Father has just had his kidney removed due to cancer, he was just starting to recover and yesterday they found a growth on his lung.

Best wishes to Ray and the entire family, we know what you are all going through.

Steve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Sheena Wellington
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 02:08 PM

Ray, Colin and the family, you are in our hearts and prayers at this time. much love, Sheena & Malcolm

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,marc marnie
Date: 19 Dec 09 - 12:00 PM

Hi Ray,
It's a few years since we last met but whenever I think of you & your music it warms my heart. I wish you the very best.
Love & good wishes,
marc

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 06:27 PM

My heart is full. Thank you for telling us, Julia.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,wheatman
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 04:02 PM

What desperately bad news our thoughts and prayers are with all.
Brian and Christine Kell

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 02:29 PM

I'm afraid I've just received the following message. Colin writes:

" I saw the surgeon today. Ray has a
terminal condition with the growth in the liver so we are trying to
arrange for her to be looked after at home by McMillan
nurses."

(McMillan nurses are part of a UK charity that provides care for cancer patients, in case that's a UK thing)

I know no more at present: I'm trying to find the strength to ring Colin, and I'm clean out of words.

Paws / Julia

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 09 - 01:01 PM

This sunny day makes me think of Ray's blazing, troublemaker-in-action smile. I'm hoping Ray and Colin and family are getting some rest when they aren't working together for Ray's recovery.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Pat Ryan
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 06:05 PM

Come on Ray. You can do it. Want to see you at Whitby next year. It's a long time since we met at Rotherham Folk Festival & Did the Highland fling. Memories of new Years at Archies' & at Cilla & Arties. Also remember Dranouter ?????

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 17 Dec 09 - 04:26 PM

I played my fiddle today, Colin and Ray. I reckon if Ray can work hard to get well, I can work on playing fiddle again. So, bow by bow...thoughts and prayers surround you and the rest of the family.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 07:26 PM

We're still here, Ray. With every stick of firewood hauled inside, every song I sing, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Stephanie Smith
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 01:54 PM

I join everyone else in sending positive thoughts to Ray and Colin, and wishing Ray a speedy recovery. I visited them while in the UK in September and got to hear about Ray's trip to Whitby which sounded wonderful. We also did some reminiscing about Willie Scott and a road trip to several London area folk clubs with him.

Love and best wishes to you, Ray and Colin!
Steph aka Goldilocks

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: DebC
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 12:24 PM

Hi Ray,

Here's hoping that you have a speedy recovery and I look forward to hearing you sing again. Your rendition of Mill O'Tifty's Annie at the National in 2005 was amazing and it was good to connect with you there.

Happy holidays to you, Colin and the rest of your family.

Debra Cowan

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Georgina Boyes
Date: 16 Dec 09 - 12:05 PM

Ray's singing of "Willie's Fatal Visit" is peerless - so can I request that, please?

And a second performance of the Bunny Girls' Rapper when you're up and about?

Keep up the resilience!

Love - Jim & Georgina

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: KathWestra
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 10:36 PM

Thinking about you, and continuing to wish you well. Hope the infections clear and that health and strength return.
All best,
Kathy Westra

p.s. I had a whole gang of bright red cardinals at the bird feeder today, and have instructed the lot of them to hang around until your next visit.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,EKanne
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:14 AM

Well, if Brian Peters can put in requests in advance, so can I! So how's about The Bonnie Hoose o' Airlie, Eence upon a Time and The Lum Hat Wantin' a Croon? Or - even further back - Run, Come See Jerusalem!
Thinking of you both with love and best wishes.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Brian Peters
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 10:05 AM

Me again.

Hello Ray, I'm still following your progress and hoping you're through the worst now. I saw a mention earlier on of the 'Black Hoose' on Barra, where Margaret and I spent happy times two summers running, many years ago. Happy memories. I understood the 'Mingulay Boat Song' much better after that!

Request list for next time we hear you sing:
Over Yonder Banks... Miller to my Trade... Waiting for your Valentine... Willie's Lady (THE version!).

Very best,
Brian

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: janemick
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 06:05 AM

Get well soon, Ray. We havent seen you since one of the National folk Festivals some years ago, but we still talk about the hilarious night we had when you came and joined in with the session til the wee small hours. Jane & Pete Mickelborough

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:52 AM

100 (my first) and thanks to everyone who has / is contributing. It is helping both of them to know that lots of people are thinking of them.

I've watched Ray read every message when I take the printouts in, and she knows and remembers most of you, and is quite overcome with your kindness.

Paws

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flyingcat)
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 03:25 AM

Paws, thanks for keeping us all updated. Please keep passing our love and good wishes to Ray and to Colin and the rest of the family. Moira and Malc xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 04:01 PM

"Resilient" is good. Thank you, Paws.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 03:56 PM

Ray had a very bad day on Sat. but was better on Sunday, according to Colin at lunchtime today. They're still waiting for the results of tests (this week, hopefully) and the doctors are concentrating on clearing her infections. Her surgeon described her to Colin as "resilient", and is apparently happy with her 'progress'.

It's going to be a very long haul for both of them.

Paws

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 11:58 AM

Good morning, Ray and Colin. Here in Maine the sun is shining and the snow is melting.

I hope you both experience some sunny times today.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST
Date: 13 Dec 09 - 10:43 AM

Ray, you were a big part of my introduction to folk clubs in the late '50s-early '60s at The Liberal Club in Newcastle. Your amazing voice has been instantly recognisable on the radio ever since. Typing this in Bardon Mill on my way home from a gig I might not have been doing had it not been for the confidence you inspired in me as a youngster.
Keep laughing Ray - I remember you playing a guitar and singing at The Bridge a good many years ago. Your guitar 'strap' was actually a dressing gown cord with a tassle on each end. As you rocked gently in time to the song, the tassle dipped neatly in and out of someone's whiskey glass, Laurie's I think, slowly emptying it over the table. I never said anything, just enjoyed the sideshow!
Frank Lee.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 04:33 PM

Have a good night, Ray and Colin. Your friends and admirers around the world are thinking of you both. We'll be here waiting in the morning light.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Sharyn Staley NZ
Date: 12 Dec 09 - 02:17 AM

Sorry to hear Ray is not well. Thoughts are with her for a quick recovery before Christmas and hope she'll be singing again soon

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Gillie
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 06:13 PM

Sending you healing thoughts Ray, hope that you get though all these set backs and yes, laughter and sleep is the best medicine!
Clare (((((((Hugs)))))))

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 11 Dec 09 - 05:55 PM

I saw Ray again this pm and passed on the latest batch of good wishes from this thread - she is quite overcome that everyone has bothered to write in, but is very happy to hear from folk.

Medically the news is mixed - the doctors are treating her pneumonia and another infection, and attempting to supplement her feeding as much as possible. She is awaiting the result of tests done on a suspicious lump found on her liver, but even if this turns out to need attention, nothing can be done whilst she has multiple infections.

Meanwhile she was having a good laugh with her friend Di, who also engineered a call from Cilla F which engendered much amusement.
She's cheerful, but in pain, and the news is not all good.It's a waiting game at present.

Paws

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Dame Pattie Smith EPNS
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 08:03 PM

Hiya Ray, I've heard you are bad in bed under the doctor with a shawl on. Please get better soon, lots of love from Wales. X Pat

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 05:50 PM

get well soon.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Steve Dawes & Helen Pitt
Date: 10 Dec 09 - 02:47 PM

We are so sorry to hear that Ray is so unwell.

Her singing has been an inspiration to both of us and she is a very special person. We were unable to get to Whitby festival this year but hope to be there in 2010, and to see Ray performing there!

We send our heartfelt wishes for a speedy recovery.

Helen & Steve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,EKanne
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 05:55 PM

Dear Ray,
Was in touch with a pal from the early days in Glasgow -- Andy Hunter -- and he was most upset to hear what you're going through and asked if I could pass on his best wishes. Like everyone else on this thread, he has fond memories of good singing and some nonsense by the by!
And inevitably we went on to talk about Jeannie Robertson and the impact she had on you both -- good times to hold onto when it gets hard.

Love and best wishes,
Anne.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,john greaves
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 04:20 PM

Poor Ray, its just not fair, we all love and need you.
Hope for a speedy recovery, the world needs cheering up!

                john

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wheatman
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 04:10 PM

not a lot one can add, Dr Sunshine said it all. Gan canny bonny lass we are rooting for you!!!
Brian and Christine

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Enoch Kent..
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 04:04 PM

Dear Ray,
         You'd know it is me if you could hear me... that damned rough Glasgow accent keeps following me around.
Before I heard you were 'no weel' I got a CD from an old Union Man on Vancouver Island British Columbia to remind me of him and the music we'd discussed while I was there.
Now who should appear among his favourites, singing, "Far Over The North ", but yersel'
Absolutely fabulous, so good that I went all sentimental and forgot why I left my homeland.
Then I remembered my description of Glasgow when I was describing my city to Canadians, " it's very wet and has no prospects "
We need you ,so get well,
Love, Enoch

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 12:54 PM

Paws- Thank you very much for your contacts with Ray and Colin and your generous information posted here. It means a great deal.

They are continually in my thoughts.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 12:46 PM

I've seen Ray this afternoon, and although she's on antibiotics for pneumonia and the feed line isn't working entirely satisfactorily, she looks a little less thin than last week. She had a *VERY* bad day yesterday, and Colin feared the worst, but she seems to have stabilised for the moment.

I've passed on all the messages to the one above this and the various PM's I've had.

I think we all need to continue keeping fingers crossed / lighting candles / learning songs / applying to pet deities (whatever presses your buttons), and I'm sure she appreciates messages - so if anyone wants to send anything, use the address that's somewhere further up the thread.

She'll be in hospital a while yet even if improvement is steady.

Paws

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Marie Dufresne
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 12:17 AM

I had the pleasure of hosting Ray & Cilla a number of times at The Chocolate Church in Bath Maine and the last time w/Archie as well.

We never got much sleep but we sure laughed alot !

Best wishes Ray--please get well soon -there is no one who has the perfect sense of a song than you- just knowing your there making everyone laugh makes up for the long time since last we met.

Good,good thoughts.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,moira(flying cat)
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 02:54 PM

lots of love and good thoughts heading to you Ray, You know everyone is thinking of you and if we could pool all our love for you into a parcel we'd send it up to help you get better. xx

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Pistachio
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 02:35 PM

I've heard so much about Ray and wish I'd seen her at Whitby in the summer. I looked forward to her gig at Foresters Beverley on 30th Nov but we had to 'make do' with John O'Hagan. (A fine substitute)

Very best wishes to all.
Hazel.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Gordeanna McCulloch
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 02:32 PM

Here's another one you've touched, helped and taught over the years. All my love and best wishes, Ray take it easy and let others take the strain for a change. We're all rooting for you.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Folkiedave
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 07:49 AM

They were instrumental in kindling a passion for traditional music and song that has been the core of my life ever since.

There are so many that could say that Dave. Me too.

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: maeve
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 07:36 AM

Right: I'm going to spend the next several days listening to Ray's singing on the cds she gave me. I'll find several that speak to me most strongly and learn them by heart...an act of friendship, respect, and honor.

maeve

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: Dave Hunt
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 07:19 AM

Rae and Archie were probably the first singers I ever met - 48 years ago (1961!)- at Festival Late in Edinburgh - They were instrumental in kindling a passion for traditional music and song that has been the core of my life ever since. So very best wishes Rae
love ands big hugs xxx Dave Hunt (Dr.Sunshine)