Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)(funeral 17 Dec)

Subject: Mark Longster is critically ill
From: GUEST,Roger Knowles
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 08:04 AM

Just heard 20 minutes ago, from a friend, that Mark Longster, folkie of renown in the Harrogate/Otley, Yorkshire, UK areas has been admitted to Harrogate District Hospital and is not expected to recover. Sad news indeed.

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Funeral Thread (click)

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: Mary Humphreys
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 09:32 AM

So sorry to hear about this. Anahata and I met him at Henshaws a couple of months back. Our thoughts are with his family.

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 09:36 AM

Sorry to hear this. Nothing to say really except I hope his passing will be painless and peaceful.

Blessings
Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: r.padgett
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 10:51 AM

Yes sorry to hear this

Mark had been part of Copper Kettle with Michael for a while and missed Saddleworth ff last year due to illness

A really nice bloke

Ray

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: HipflaskAndy
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 11:08 AM

Devestating news.
It was Mark's friendliness, advice, encouragement and help
that got me started in folk again after a 25 year absence.

My thoughts & prayers are with him and his family.

Duncan McFarlane

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: GUEST,Tom Bliss
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 11:49 AM

I'll echo Duncan exactly because Mark encouraged me in the same way. He also offered me invaluable advice and loyalty. A lovely warm man, with one of the loveliest warmest voices. Tom

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: BusyBee Paul
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 12:31 PM

Damn, that is NOT what I wanted to hear.

My thoughts and prayers are with both Mark and Michael, gentlemen in all senses of the word.

Deirdre

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: GUEST,Michael Longster
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 03:27 PM

With great saddness,im sorry to inform all friends ,that Mark sadly passed away earlier this evening.He will be greatly missed,by all family and friends.I loved him very much. from his brother Michael.

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 04:20 PM

He will be missed by all who new him, a great guy and a great song writer,

Subject: Mark Longster R.I.P.
From: snapperspike
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 04:22 PM

It is with the greatest sadness, and profound sorrow, that I have to inform the many people who had the pleasure to know him, and admire him of the passing today, at 5.00pm of Mark Longster, of Copper Kettle, ex of Early Doors, The Backroom Boys, and many many other bands.
He was my best friend, mentor, and like a brother.
"He was a man, and a friend allways"
Anyone wishing to know of arrangements etc please contact me at :-
[e-mail]

I miss you brother, and we WILL meet again one day.

Spike.

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: smurf
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 04:26 PM

A sad loss indeed, I didn't know him as well as i would have liked to, but loved his songs

Subject: RE: Mark Longster very, very ill
From: GerryMc
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 04:34 PM

A sad loss indeed. He will be sadly missed by all at otley folk club and by all whe knew him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 05:47 PM

So sorry to hear this- I have met Mark at several festivals over the years - a fine musician and a thoroughly nice chap.Gods speed Mark.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 05:54 PM

Hey that's really sad.
I've so missed him not being around this past year or so, but I felt privileged to have known him - and yes, been inspired by him.
Such a lovely guy, a fine (if not exactly prolific) songwriter as well as warm, mellow singer, and so generous with his encouragement.
Honky tonk heaven's gettin' mighty crowded these days.
RIP, friend.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,old girl
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 07:52 PM

This is such sad news He will be missed so much, our Prayers are with his family.
Rose & dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: Tyke
Date: 05 Dec 09 - 10:25 PM

I'm lossed for words and saddend I shall have to Focus on all the good times. My thoughts are with his family

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: flush
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:04 AM

I spent many happy years as the other half of Early Doors we played some wonderful music together, Rest in Peace my friend.

Iain

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: snapperspike
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:10 AM

Sorry people, I inadvertantly put my email address down wrongly.
Anyone wishing to know details of the arrangements, mail me at :-

[e-mail].

I will let you know as soon as I can.

Thanks.

Iain, sorry about leaving you a message, but didn't have any other contact number.

Cheers

Spike

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: flush
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:53 AM

Spike

I will call you later on the land line

Iain

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,Kath & Paul Reade
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 06:09 AM

So sorry to hear this. Mark had a beautiful voice and character to match. Our deep sympathy - Kath & Paul (Reade)

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,Chris and Stephanie Emmett
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 07:50 AM

Although we didn't know Mark very well, we admired him as a wonderful singer and a dignified gentleman. He's an example to us all.

Chris and Steph Emmett

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: snapperspike
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 08:18 AM

Thank you to all who have expressed their feelings both on here and via emails, I am sure Karen will be as suprised at the number and kindness of the response so far as I am.
I will keep all informed as soon as there is any news.

Many thanks

Take care

Spike

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: snapperspike
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 08:40 AM

I should perhaps have said also, that if anyone wants an address to send cards etc if they mail me, I will send it out.
Thanks again

Spike

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: treewind
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 08:41 AM

Here's a video of a recent performance by Mark: www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW-80klABFk

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: Pistachio
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 10:02 AM

Sad news indeed. I met him a few times in recent years at Saddleworth and Cleckheaton with Michael.

Just about to listen again to his 'Looking back' CD

Please accept my condolences.

Hazel.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: muppitz
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 11:18 AM

I've just read an e-mail from Mike, as soon as I saw the subject line I feared the worst.
I met Mark through his escapades with Mike in Copper Kettle, a jolly nice chap, a delightfully dry sense of humour and a good musician!
When you meet someone like that and then find out they are ill you always hope and pray they will get through it, sadly another miracle has gone begging.

At least Colin Kemp's got some work to do letting another one into the big folk club in the sky!

Mark will be missed this year and every other.

muppitz
x

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: SylviaN
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 11:38 AM

Too soon. Lovely warm hearted man, lovely warm voice.

My condolences to all his family and all who were close to him.


Sylvia
x

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: snapperspike
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 12:33 PM

I am trying to get an announcement on the Durbervilles radio show tonight, but will not be able to listen myself, could anyone inform me if it's on at all ??
Thanks

Spike

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,Karen and Caitlin Longster
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 12:39 PM

We have just read your lovely messages and have been very touched by the kind words and happy memories people have of Mark.

He was a wonderful dad and husband and will be greatly missed by us all. No doubt we will see many of you at the funeral and give his a good send off. Thank you Spike for keeping everyone informed and being there for us! You were Marks best bud!

Take care x

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,Anne Brivonese
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 01:44 PM

So sorry to hear this; I'll always remember Mark's beautiful voice singing powerful songs, especially his own. His family are in my prayers.
'Gone to Sea' indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: Joules
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 02:27 PM

So sorry to hear about this, why is it always the nice ones. Mark will be sadly missed by many, my thoughts to family and friends.
Julie

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 03:46 PM

Sadly Mark is no longer with us. Older brother to Janet, brother in law to Tony and Uncle to Colette and Michelle. He will be missed by all who knew him. His love of Fishing and his passion for Music played a large part in his life. It is lovely to read all the messages that have been left by his friends. He was too young to leave us and will be sadly missed. x Sister Janet.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 04:09 PM

I have just read all the posts about my brother Mark. I am very touched that Mark made such an impression on so many people's lives.

Hopefully Mark and dad will be up their fishing together. I'll never forgot the joy on Mark's face when he caught his first fish and how proud Mum and dad where of him.

We where the 4 musketeers, now we are 3. Love you Mark.xxx

Karen & Caitlin you know we will always be there for you.

Your loving sister Susan, brother in law Derek, Faye and Byron xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: Rasener
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:12 PM

I am so sorry to hear this tragic news.

All I can say is that I was privileged to put Mark on at Faldingworth Live as part of Copper Kettle, some 2 and a half years ago when Michael Forsyth had just parted from Brian Firth due to the pressure of his family illness.
Mark did a great job on the evening and Copper Kettle gave us a lovely evening.

Mark as part of Copper Kettle at Faldingworth Live

RIP Mark

Les Worrall

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: snapperspike
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 05:53 PM

I am glad to show a lovely email I have just had, from the producer and the guys at the Durberville show on radio Leeds :-

Hi Spike

Thanks for making us aware. As you may have heard we mentioned on air.
As we're not allowed to give out personal e-mails addresses on air we
directed listeners to ours, so if you could keep me informed I will pass
any details.

Many thanks for letting us know this sad news.

David Crickmore
Producer
BBC Leeds
The Durbervilles Folk & Roots Show
"Listen Again" at: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/radio/bbc_radio_leeds

Thanks to Dave and the guys, Karen, his daughter Caitlin, the rest of his fantastic family and myself are gratefull.

Spike

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 09:00 PM

What a lovely mention of Uncle Mark on the Durbervilles Folk show. So great to hear how much he was admired and loved. Thinking of everyone who knew and loved him. He was an immensly brave man. Rest in peace Uncle Mark. Much love. Faye xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,Chris Legge
Date: 06 Dec 09 - 10:11 PM

My wife Wendy and I met my cousin Mark when staying with his sister Susan in 1991 for a few days. W have a vivid memory of him as a very happy soul.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: snapperspike
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 04:44 AM

I am so glad that Marks family are pleased with this thread, and the Durbs announcement on their show.
It doesn't suprise ME the amount of people responding, he was so well respected and known, to many in our music community.

Spike

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: jimL
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 05:28 AM

I was very sorry to hear this news this morning.

As many others have said of their own relationship with Mark, he was one of the key people who gave me the confidence to sing in public.

He wrote some really great songs, too.

Jim Lawton

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,mic and susie darling
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 06:48 AM

Such sad news, our prayers are with his family,he was a true gent great musician and so brave. God Bless.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,GUEST Anne Martin
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 10:18 AM

Such very sad news. Otley Folk Club won't be the same without Mark and his great songs, we will really miss him. On a personal level Mark was always a guide and inspiration to me, as my son has lived with renal failure for the last 11 years and Mark showed how it was still possible to enjoy life.
My thoughts are with his family
Anne Martin

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: elmo 1
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 11:17 AM

myself eileen john & carol would like to offer our sincere condolances to family and freinds of mark what a lovely man who gave much joy to all who knew him

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,Gerry C
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 11:42 AM

When I started back performing in 2003 after ten years ou, Mark was one the people who encouraged and supported me. A wonderful bloke: good singer, skilled on several instruments, wrote good songs: he will be greatly missed. My prayers are with his family.

Gerry C

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,colin and alison
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 11:54 AM

A very dear friend - we have many wonderful memories - will miss him so much - rip Mark our love Alison and Colin

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST, Mark's Grandma Joan
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 11:55 AM

So sad to hear of your sudden loss Caitlin. Thinking of you and yours. With love.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,Louise Long (was Auty) ex Wharfedale Observe
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 05:52 PM

I met Mark at the Half Moon in Pool-in-Wharfedale where he was heavily involved in a brilliant session on Thursday evenings.
I'd seen him around at the many Folk Festivals I'd covered, but that was the first time I was introduced to him by Anne Jackson, with whom he performed such wonderful music.
A true gent, always friendly, always polite, always interested in what I'd been up to once I left the Wharfedale for the bright lights of London.
He will be very sadly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: snapperspike
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 05:53 PM

Just a reminder that if anyone wants an address for cards etc, that if you email me, I will provide it.

[e-mail]

Thank you all again for you kind thoughts.


Spike

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: Joe Nicholson
Date: 07 Dec 09 - 07:46 PM

I first knew Mark many years ago when we both worked for the same company. When he first began to play he would bring his guitar to the office and practice during lunch time. We little guessed then what a fine singer songwriter he would turn out to be. He was a great workmate much liked by everyone. Although our company closed in 1993 we always kept in touch through the folk scene. the pleasure of his company, singing and playing the fine songs he wrote was always a delight and Maureen and I will miss him a great deal.
I have been in touch with as many of our old workmates as I can to tell them the sad news. and we would all like Marks family to know we are thinking of them.

Joe Nicholson.

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: GUEST,Karen Longster
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 12:41 AM

Thank you Joe for such a lovely tribute. Mark had many fond memories of his time spent at Octavius Atkinsons and the many friends that he made there. I have a lovely photograph of him, which must have been taken in the works office, in which he was obviously laughing at some joke or other!
I would also like to remember the members of the fishing crew, not least Alf and Brian. Again happy, if poignant, memories.

Karen

Subject: RE: Obit: Mark Longster (Dec 5, 09)
From: MoneyPenny
Date: 08 Dec 09 - 03:44 AM

Such sad news.A very special man. Many happy memories of his wonderful singing, his humour and his kindness. Sincere condolences to Karen and Caitlin and all Mark's family.