Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 11 Dec 13 - 05:06 PM

Thanks for the advice, Hollowfox! I AM starting to be able to read again (without rereading the page 3-4 times and talking aloud to...whom? Tom? the Universe? the cats? myself? And I'm continuing to read M.F.K. Fisher's "An Alphabet for Gourmets" aloud...to Tom? to the cats? to myself? We were about a 100 pages from the end when he died.

In two days I fly to Milwaukee for my mother's funeral...more stuff to be done.

Today I called the life insurance company to find out when I might expect a check...and was referred to the funeral home which the insurance company claims needs to mail some documentation rather than fax it. Waiting for a call back from the funeral home. (I'm sure THEY'D like to be paid...)

Meanwhile, I just received an interest notification on a life policy I didn't know about. (Thought it had been a term policy that no longer existed.) So called on that. They're mailing a claim packet for which I'll need another certified copy of the death certificate. So just got home from town hall where I got another two copies just in case...

I'm not sure when life will smooth out enough to be able to figure out what the new rhythm of my life will be. Still haven't set a date with The Press Room for a memorial gathering in January.

It's been a weepy week...probably because I'm spending a little less time on the phone and have the time to luxuriate (I'm not sure if that's the word -- but crying makes me feel a bit better) in a good reminiscent cry.

I was worried about how to deal with our "other anniversary", the double anniversary of the night we met and then that night, while celebrating knowing each other for a year, we decided to get married the following June. Sigh. This year it will be sandwiched between flying to Milwaukee and my mother's funeral. I think I'll be distracted...

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Hollowfox
Date: 10 Dec 13 - 10:31 PM

I'm so sorry you had to go through this, BG. Tom had a good life, especially with your love for each other. He doesn't hurt anymore, and he's having a well-deserved rest. Now you have to take care of yourself. When you've been under this much stress, your attention span will shorten, your reaction time will slow, and your reading level might well go down. They'll come back, but write yourself reminder notes, drive carefully, don't make decisions too quickly, catch up on sleep, don't drink alone, keep moving, and give yourself time. Bossily (and lovingly) your Momfox

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 03 Dec 13 - 07:52 AM

Jeanné got a couple other things a bit off besides date of Tom's death and the spelling of my name.

The Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival was founded by Peter Contrastano and Jeff Warner, though Tom took over the reins in 2005 (I think) when Peter moved to North Carolina and Jeff was touring too much to take on the responsibility. And Tom, of course, did not run the show solo; we have a hard-working board and crew of volunteers.

And I'm not sure how much Tom "mentored" Harvey Reid, but he DID introduce him to Joyce Anderson...

Mary, we haven't had a PO box since May of 2004 when Tom was in the middle of his heart surgery. I've PMed you my street/mailing address.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 09:21 PM

Another nice article. Thank you for correcting the inaccuracies.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: SINSULL
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 08:21 PM

The mailman just returned my card to Linn as undeliverable. No PO Box? So sorry, Linn. Please PM the new address.
SINS

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: GUEST,maeve
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 02:09 PM

Sorry- Guest was Maeve.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: gnu
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 01:42 PM

I echo GUEST... Thank you, Linn.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Thompson
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 01:27 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this. The least curmudgeonly of Curmudgeons. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dhíl.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 12:50 PM

Thank you, Linn.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 02 Dec 13 - 12:16 PM

I was just going through the past couple weeks of the Spotlight section of the Portsmouth Herald and found this notice in Jeanné McCartin's "Gossip" column (you'll have to scroll down to it) --
A Special Farewell

She got a couple things off by a little bit: date of Tom's death, the spelling of my name, and the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival was founded by Peter Contrastano and Jeff Warner, though Tom took over the reins in 2005 (I think). And he, of course, did not run the show solo, we have a hard-working board and volunteers.

Here it is if you don't want to scroll down to look for it --

A SPECIAL FAREWELL 


Tom Hall, an arts' community pillar who long championed traditional music on the Seacoast, died surrounded by family and friends Thursday, Nov. 15.

 [Thurs., Nov. 14]

"His wife Linn (Schultz) [Schulz] and musician friends were there. They were singing him out," says Press Room general manager Bruce Pingree. "I believe they were playing 'Whiskey Before Breakfast' when he passed, that's what I was told. … It was very peaceful." Hall, a concertina player and vocalist till losing his voice to cancer a few years back, founded and led the weekly Friday Night Traditional Sessions at The Press Room for more than three decades, handled the venue's St.

 Patrick's Day hoopla till recently, and ran the monthly Sea Shanty Sessions, says Pingree, who knew Hall for 30-plus years.



Hall was instrumental in launching the Maritime Fest and performed with the Great Bay Company, and countless venues and festivals.



"When it came to keeping traditional music alive he was a huge force," says Pingree.

He also mentored countless musicians, Harvey Reid and David Surette among them. "He was well-known as a curmudgeon.



He had a business card that said 'Tom Hall' Curmudgeon,'" Pingree says with a laugh. "But he was a very generous person, a really nice person."



And one the entire art com­munity will mourn.



Thanks, Tom, for all your outstanding contributions. We're all richer for it. The Press Room plans to hold an event in his honor in the near future.



Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 29 Nov 13 - 07:59 AM

Bill, I've noticed that every once in awhile the site will do little hiccups when I try to add a photo. By the way, if you hover (or maybe click) on the photo, you should be able to add a caption and/or credit to the photo.

I have to call Buddy Phaneuf and see if there's any way to transfer tributes from the various newspapers' obituary comments to the Tributes.com site.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Nov 13 - 11:54 AM

Ok...it 'took' one more, of Tom being an attentive audience during a Getaway concert.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Nov 13 - 11:38 AM

Ah... yes. it's there. A couple more at some point.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bill D
Date: 28 Nov 13 - 11:34 AM

I 'think' I added a 2nd pic. in 'community photos'.. I tried 2 days ago, but it hung.... this time it said "thank you."

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 28 Nov 13 - 08:38 AM

Just wanted to note that I've posted more photos on Tom's tribute website --Tom Hall

They are in the "Family" album. This is a reminder, too, that friends may post photos in the "Community" album.

I wish the people leaving comments on the obits in Sunday's New Hampshire papers would leave them instead at the above website -- which is mine forever and doesn't disappear at the end of December like the newspapers' ones.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: GUEST,Mike O'leary-Johns
Date: 25 Nov 13 - 01:53 PM

I have just picked this up.
I am so sorry to hear the news Linn............
We only met once (in 2003) at the festival.
It was a Joy to meet you both .
Another brick removed from the wall.
take care Linn............Mike.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 09:32 PM

Oh, Linn. I'm sorry about your mom.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Mrrzy
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 06:57 PM

So sorry for your loss. A dear one will be missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 06:50 PM

The photo is there, Bill. And someone added another photo, too. I experimented a little last night and I think all you have to do is identify yourself and type in the letters shown in the box.

There are two photo sections: Family Album and Community Photos. Your photo is in Community Photos.

My mother's funeral isn't until the middle of December, which gives me some breathing space. I still really hate flying between New England and Milwaukee between November and April...

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: gnu
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 10:54 AM

My sincerest condolences, Linn.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: billybob
Date: 24 Nov 13 - 02:26 AM

Dear Linn,

so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, sometimes life is difficult to understand.

Take care and know we are all thinking of you

With love

Wendy
xxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bill D
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 07:32 PM

I added the porch photo.. It seems to require approval to be seen, and before I add others..(I have 3 more)

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Charley Noble
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 05:21 PM

Linn-

So sorry to hear about your mother passing away as well.

Charlie

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 02:55 PM

Huge hug sent your way, Linn. Two of the most important people in your life are gone, but they are out of pain, and I know for me, that would be a relief.

It's a hard time of year to travel, so stay safe in your comings and goings.

Maggie

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 02:10 PM

My mother passed away this morning. My sister-in-law called in transit from Iowa to let me know (I think my sister called me while I was talking to her).

Funeral date uncertain at this point, so everything is a bit up in the air right now.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Nancy King
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 11:52 AM

Aw jeez, Linn, that's just too much. So sorry! Thinking of you!

--Nancy

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 11:23 AM

And my life just got even more complicated -- I just got a call from my sister that my mother, who entered hospice earlier in the week, has just taken a turn for the worse, so I may be heading to Milwaukee for a funeral sometime soon.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 23 Nov 13 - 08:13 AM

Bill, I believe you can post them yourself, if you like. And I'd like -- I especially like the one of Tom sitting on the porch with his concertina next to him.

I'll start posting some at some point -- My days are still rather full of necessities and the details of my new status.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bill D
Date: 22 Nov 13 - 09:55 PM

You may use any of the Getaway photos I posted earlier, Lynn... if wanted/needed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: maeve
Date: 22 Nov 13 - 08:49 PM

Very good work, Linn.

Sleep well.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 11:15 PM

Well done, Linn.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 01:09 PM

Okay, the obit is posted and I've added (under Multi-Media) links to Saturday's front page article in the Portsmouth Herald, Chris Hislop's "Ode to Tom Hall" in the Herald from September just before the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival, and Tammi Truax's 2010 article on Tom Hall, Shantyman.

There are also two YouTube videos that Joe Stead (of Kimber's Men) recorded a couple months before Tom lost his voice in 2009.

Tom Hall permanent obituary page

I'll be adding more photos as I get permissions (and find time).

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 21 Nov 13 - 09:48 AM

There will be an online obituary at Phaneuf Funeral Home where I can post the articles written about Tom as well as the many photographs old and new (such as from last Saturday's Press Room shanty sing) that I can't, of course, post here -- and not all of you (or some other friends) are my Facebook friends or do Facebook at all.

It should be up today -- and the page is mine forever, so all of that information about Tom will be readily available.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: RTim
Date: 20 Nov 13 - 03:36 PM

Hi Linn,

Just to warn you - There is a Youth Song Weekend being held on Jan 3rd to 5th.
Some singers may be there (I am)
http://youthtradsong.org/

Tim Radford

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 20 Nov 13 - 12:08 PM

Just wanted to let everyone know here that Tom will, indeed, have an obituary in the three newspapers of southern New Hampshire: Portsmouth Herald, Foster's Daily Democrat, and the Manchester Union Leader. The obits are set to run this Sunday.

The holiday season is not the right time to have a memorial, but we will be having a memorial celebration of Tom's life at The Press Room in Portsmouth, NH soon after the first of the year. I'll make sure the date doesn't compete with the Mystic fundraising event, but will try to coordinate it so that it may be easier for friends from further away who will be attending that event to be able to get to Portsmouth.

Thank you all so very very much for your affection, comfort, and support. I'm overwhelmed but in the best of all possible ways. One of the hardest things for me right now is to not be able to read Mudcat and Facebook and everything else to Tom as I have since he lost his eyesight, but I am so very sure he KNOWS.

Thank you.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: GUEST,flyingcat(moira)
Date: 19 Nov 13 - 08:24 AM

so sorry to hear this Linn, it was good he had his family and friends with him.Keep strong
XX

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Nov 13 - 05:18 AM

What a loss! Goodbye old friend. Go find those who left before you and wait for the rest of us.

Linn, you are an inspiration. Lean on friends when you need and laugh when the time is right.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: GUEST,highlandman at work
Date: 18 Nov 13 - 09:41 AM

Sorry for your loss, Linn. It is good to know it was a blessed passing. Peace
-Glenn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Carly
Date: 17 Nov 13 - 12:44 PM

Tom's gentle and generous soul has touched so many, and his presence will be greatly missed and long remembered. The sorrow I feel at the loss of this remarkable man who I was privileged to know is eased by the knowledge that he passed surrounded by love and music, in the arms of his dearest. Linn, thank you for letting us share in your journey with Tom. Now you must be sure to take care of yourself as you face the changes in your life; know that we who are your friends will continue to help in what ever ways we can. I know by my own experiences that this community that comes together for love of music also can offer amazing support in all sorts of ways in times of great loss. I echo what a dear friend told me at such a time, " you have chits out all over town; now is the time to collect them."

Sent with sympathy and love.

Carly

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 17 Nov 13 - 09:14 AM

Tom's passing, at least as far as day of the week and month, could not have been better. You have no idea how much I needed the Friday Press Room session and yesterday's monthly sea music singaround.

Music and friends... Singing is the best therapy to cure an aching soul. Singing TOGETHER is the best medicine of all.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: ChanteyLass
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 05:46 PM

Great blog post, R1. The Herald's article was good, too.

More hugs for Linn from me.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: bradfordian
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 04:48 PM

Condolences Linn.
What a wonderful contribution to New England life in general and music in particular. A wonderful legacy of memories. We have been enriched, thank you Tom. R.I.P.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: JennieG
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 04:14 PM

Linn, sending you (yet another) cyber hug!

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: gnu
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 03:07 PM

"Tom Hall is still getting people interested in folk music and songs of the sea..."

That is wonderful and comforting. Thanks for sharing.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 02:22 PM

EBarnacle, I think you may be remembering Sinsull's house after the Portland [Maine] Sea Music Festival back in...Mary, what year was that? 2007?

An hour or so ago I went up to the pharmacy to pick up a prescription I'd left there last week and to return both unopened packages (we didn't know which was the right size) of filters for Tom's nebulizer since he won't be needing them. And I picked up the last two copies of the Herald.

I explained about the filters and pointed to the article at the bottom of the front page of the Herald...and said that Tom had led the weekly Press Room session for 30+ years, the monthly sea music singaround for 10, been the major organizer of the Portsmouth Maritime Folk Festival since 2005... The pharmacist was captivated. He'll be coming to Mudcat to read more about Tom...and the music, and to the PMFF website. We may get him to come to one of the session or next year's festival.

Tom Hall is still getting people interested in folk music and songs of the sea...

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: ranger1
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 12:26 PM

Something that I wrote last night. I asked Linn if it was alright to post it to this thread and she gave me the ok. Along with being a folkie, I also play video games, and I blog on a gaming site. This is about a game, Tom, and how the two inter-connect: Journey, Music, and Death.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 12:23 PM

r i p

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: maeve
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 12:22 PM

Sending my love with ranger 1. I want so much to be there.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: Jeri
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 12:16 PM

He never was at Old Songs, EB.
Sea music session at the Press Room today. I don't know how much I feel like singing, but I suppose I'll find out when I get there.

Subject: RE: Obit: Tom Hall (Curmudgeon) Nov. 14, 2013
From: gnu
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 10:45 AM

Read the article. Reached for a tissue. Nuff said.