Obit: Ray Fisher RIP (1940-2011)

Subject: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,Doc Rowe
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 08:53 AM

I seem to be a constant bearer of sad news these days. We have just heard that the lovely Ray Fisher died earlier today. Now free from the pain she has been suffering but we will miss her so much. Our love goes out to Colin and the family. I personally owe Ray so much for the good times spent together, the contacts and support over the years.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Silas
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 08:59 AM

Oh dear. Really sorry to hear that.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: johnadams
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:02 AM

So sad. So many laughs remembered and such fabulous singing. I'm glad to have known her.

Condolences to Colin and all the Fisher clan.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Leadfingers
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:06 AM

Another Good One Gone !! RIP Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,guittern
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:08 AM

Sadly missed, a rare person not afraid to be her outrageous self. Long time since I saw/heard her but unforgettable.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Thomas Stern
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:10 AM

A marvelous singer, and a joy to know - the world has lost a beautiful person. I first met her at Mariposa in the 70's, and had to priviledge of driving her to a number of appearances in NY - Pennsylvania.
She was a gracious and generous host when I visited the UK in
the early 1980's. Heard her again during an assignment to England
in the late 1980's. Her increasingly rare US appearances were
always a "must go" event.
A mixture of sadness at our loss, delightful memories of her,
and the hope she is now at peace after such a long and devastating
illness.
Heartfelt condolences to Colin and their children, her siblings, and
many admirers.
She will live on in our memories, and her too few recordings.
I will post s discography shortly.
with a heavy heart, Thomas.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: DebC
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:11 AM

I met Ray back in 1997 when I lived in Edinburgh and found her to be delightful, funny and just wonderful. I'll never forget a time at the New Bedford Summerfest one year when Little Johnny England was doing their mainstage performance and Ray ventured out into a wide empty space between the stage and the audience and started doing her tarantella dance. All eyes were on Ray.

I also recall her performance at the National back in '05 when she sang "Mill O' Tifty's Annie". Not a dry eye in the place.

She was one of the greats and though I did not know her well, I count her as one of the biggest influences in my life.

My thoughts are with Colin and the family.

Deb Cowan

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Liberty Boy
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:16 AM

Yes, as has been said in a previous post one if the greats and a sad loss. She came to Inishowen one year and was a delight!

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GloriaJ
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:20 AM

Thats a shock! Very sad.She was great fun to be with - a charming,friendly,extrovert personality

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:20 AM

very sad news indeed. a great singer, a great personality who brought humour and warmth to her singing and performances.
My thoughts are with Colin and the family.
Derek Schofield

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:27 AM

Sorry to hear it. Ray was the heart of soul of so much of the music for me, one of the finest singers too. I'll be singing Child #6 to Son Ar Chistre over the weekend. She touched us all for sure, both great & small...

Condolences to Colin and family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: nutty
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:34 AM

My first thought on reading this was "Oh no - not another one"
So sad to here this. My thoughts are with her family. Another 'star' to twinkle in the heaven and join the singaround up there.

Ray was a great performer. She has been and will continue to be sorely missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:40 AM

A huge loss to everyone, but especially to Colin and the family. All my best wishes and sympathies.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:40 AM

I had heard at Whitby that she was back in hospital, so it hasn't come as a total surprise.
However she will be sadly missed, a great singer and a great character.
RIP Ray

John

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:48 AM

I am so very sorry to hear this. She had everything - talent, warmth, humour, wonderful personality both on and offstage. My condolences to the family. What a sad, sad loss.

Bonnie (and Packie in absentia)

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:50 AM

Sad but inevitable I guess. But what a personality! Yes, she will be sorely missed...
RIP - and condolences to Colin and the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 09:54 AM

Ray had been in hospital for some weeks and was struggling with various conditions. Colin did not wish me to start a thread about it on here.

I have spoken to Colin in the last hour. He has family with him and is bearing up: but they were so close, it will be an enormous loss for him and their three children.

I will remember her for so many things; she taught me a lot. She is at peace now.

Paws / Julia Say

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 10:16 AM

Such a joy to have known her and will miss her bright personality.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Vic Smith
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 10:24 AM

One of the finest singers ever to grace the folk revival.
One of the nicest people.
One of the funniest.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,Frank Lee
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 10:26 AM

She has been part of my folk club life since the beginning of the '60s in Newcastle's Liberal Club, then the home of the Folksong and Ballad Club. A very different place from the folk clubs of today, but Ray's engaging personality made everyone in the room feel like they belonged to Glasgow! My sincere sympathy goes to Colin, as a recent fellow widower, there are no words to describe the pain.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 10:35 AM

What a sad loss. She was a wonderful singer and gave joy to so many people who heard her sing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,Mary Katherine
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 10:40 AM

Oh no. So sorry to hear this.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: maeve
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 10:46 AM

Beyond her deep well of music and laughter, Ray was quick-witted, and she was generous. I remember her kindness.

Love to her family. Thank you for sharing your wife, mother, sister.

Maeve, in Maine

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 10:58 AM

Very sad. There are too many of these recently.
I have a B&W photo in my screensaver slideshow of (a much younger) Ray and Archie performing together, I'll be sad every time it pops up.
RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,Phil B
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 11:02 AM

Very sad. A lovely person, wonderful singer, and also one of the funniest story tellers I've ever met.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Roberto
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 11:11 AM

A sad, sad news. Her singing is part of my life.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Max Johnson
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 11:15 AM

Oh dear, That is such sad news.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Jim McLean
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 11:17 AM

Very sorry to hear this sad news. She was an old friend and my condolences go out to all her family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 11:27 AM

Here's a reminder - she'll be missed well enough.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,Stephanie Smith
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 11:33 AM

I am so sorry to hear this news. They broke the mold when they made Ray. Hamish Henderson called the Fishers "beings of bright genius." I couldn't agree more, and I have many wonderful memories of Ray, including traveling with her and Willie Scott around folk clubs, and visiting her "Barra hoose" with Margaret and Martyn Bennett.

Oh, the ballads they'll hear up in heaven.

Love and condolences to Colin and the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 11:51 AM

Such sad news. I agree with Deb Cowan when she says Ray was 'one of the greats'. I treasure memories of hearing her sing, and the knockout way she spun her funny stories. The folk scene is lessened by her passing.
My wife joins me in condolences to Colin and the children.
Rest in Peace dear Ray. Thank you for the gifts you brought us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 12:00 PM

Sad, sad news. There's just not much more to say that hasn't been said.

Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,Colin Randall (not logged on)
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 12:09 PM

Ray was a fixture of all that folk music has meant to me for approaching half a century. I, too, offer my sincerest condolences to the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 12:10 PM

Very sorry indeed to hear this news. I have admired Ray's performance since I first entered the North East folk scene in the early sixties and I valued her friendship throughout the years until I moved to the East Midlands. I was always keen to book Ray down here and she was always a popular guest at our club and associated venues as well as a regular singer and presenter at The National Festival.
My family and I send sincere condolences to Colin and the rest of her family.
RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: rumanci
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 12:17 PM

My sincere condolences to the family and a huge thankyou for Ray's public life and the pleasure and smiles she brought her listeners and audiences for so many years.
rum

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Wheatman
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 12:25 PM

Such a loss to us all. One of the finest singers of the 20th Century and she taught me oh so much. Our thoughts go to Colin and the rest of the family. Gan canny Brian and Christine

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Elmore
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 12:33 PM

I'm so sorry to hear that this wonderful performer, and truly kind, humorous, loving person has left us.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Anglo
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 12:59 PM

So sorry to hear this. But, sadly, it had to come eventually. She was a wonderful singer, a dear person, and a very sharp wit. I'll never forget one week when we were both on the staff at Pinewoods Camp in Massachusetts. My thoughts are with Colin and the family.
RIP.

John

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 01:05 PM

I remember Ray mainly from the National, where we were spellbound by her singing and creased up by her wisecracks. We all have to go sooner or later, but I wish we could have kept her for more years.

Richard

Subject: RE: Ray Fisher unwell: good thoughts, please
From: GUEST,Aileen Vance
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 02:06 PM

I just heard from Anne Lister this morning that Ray passed away...sigh. another warm, funny, brilliant woman passing on.

Aileen on 8/31/11

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Tyke
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 02:15 PM

Sadness, only met her a few times what a lovley lady and a great singer. R I P Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,John Moulden
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 02:17 PM

I'm very saddened. I met Ray first in Scotland in about 1964, at the early Keele Festivals, in Newcastle at the Brdige Bar and more recently in Inishowen and in Bushmills Co Antrim - only a very few years ago. My sympathy goes to Colin and the family. I'm sorry to hear that Colin is not too well and wish him a full and early recovery.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,moira (flyingcat)
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 02:38 PM

I can't think what else to say than what's been said already. She was a great inspiration to me. I'm so sorry she's gone but her spirit will live on in the songs and the singing. Best regards and thoughts to Colin and all the family

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: GUEST,old girl
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 02:45 PM

Sad news RIP Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Dave Hanson
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 02:57 PM

Sad news, one of the worlds beautiful people in every respect.

Dave H

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Brian Peters
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 03:24 PM

What a loss. Ray had the incredible knack as a singer of being direct, down-to-earth and unpretentious, while drawing all kinds of emotional layers from the songs she sang. A true great, and - as everyone here remembers - an extremely funny and feisty woman. My good wishes, along with everyone's, to Colin and the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Joe Offer
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 04:21 PM

What a delightful singer she was! This link (click) will lead to a number of YouTube videos of her singing. If somebody sees a good obituary article, please post the entire text in this thread.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Little Robyn
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 04:38 PM

So sad.
Julia, please give our love to Colin, Duncan, Andrew and Fiona and their families.
Robyn and Mitch

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Mick Pearce (MCP)
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 04:39 PM

What a sad loss. Ray was one of the greatest female singers we were lucky enough to hear (There was a period of some years when The Bonny Birdy was never more than inches from my turntable). She was a brilliant ballad singer but also adept at humorous songs and as mentioned many times she could be very, very funny.

She wasn't somebody I could say I knew well, but I did see her countless times at clubs and festivals over the last 40 odd years, and like Richard Mellish I have particularly fond memories of her in late night sessions at the National at Sutton Bonnington (the last time, I think, her and Louis Killen were egging each other on late into the night). I shall treasure the memories.


Condolences and best regards to Colin and all her family from me and Rhiannon.

Mick

Subject: RE: Obit: Ray Fisher RIP
From: Mick Tems
Date: 31 Aug 11 - 11:31 PM

I have just come back from Llantrisant Folk Club, where Steve Ashley broke the news of Ray's passing. Sorry for the late post, but it takes time to sink it all in, to listen to Ray on You Tube, to read through the messages. Ray wasn't only a mighty singer, but she had wit like a razor and a truly lovely person as well. My first club was the Valley Folk Club, and my first encounter with Ray showed her to be completely unique and a very special lady. Ray last played at Llantrisant, and the occasion was everything we hoped it would be - sheer magic. Our love and support goes out to Colin and family.