Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Mrrzy
Date: 07 Sep 15 - 04:39 PM

Got back from the wilderness to read this. My heart is with the family.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: CapriUni
Date: 07 Sep 15 - 04:12 PM

Well ... damn.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,DrWord
Date: 07 Sep 15 - 03:02 PM

Well put, Acme. Don's posts are indeed a treasure. Just like to express condolences to his family & friends, and to echo many of the voices here. Folk like Don Firth make Mudcat a truly amazing community and a fabulous resource. Awaiting the book :)
Keep on pickin'
dennis

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Sep 15 - 02:42 PM

Mudcat is peppered with classic Firth posts like this one. I will miss him. Closest cognates to some of the lore he posted came from the late John in Kansas and Malcolm Douglas. Each had their own bailiwicks, and took the time to spell out the details of what made the song, performance, composer, history, etc. important. This is buried treasure at Mudcat.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: alanabit
Date: 07 Sep 15 - 05:07 AM

Thanks for that Bob. I am rarely at Mudcat these days, but I am very sad to hear of Don Firth's passing. He was one of the very best here and he will be greatly missed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Deckman
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 11:13 PM

Sixty two years of memories have been flooding our household since we learned of Don's passing. There one story that I would like to share with everyone: It was November of 1959. Don and I had been 'living off our guitars' in the San Francisco area for the previous several months, and it was time for us to return to Seattle. Our last night in Sausilito, we were celebrated by a huge party of local friends. The bestest of the best folk musicians all came and the music lasted 'till early morning.

We were staying the night at the hillside home of Juanita Montrand. Her house was located on a steep hill, 176 steps above the street, where my car was parked.

If you've learned anything of Don over his Mudcat years, you also know that he suffered a polio attack at the age of two. The damage to his body required that when he dressed himself every morning, he had to strap on a very heavy and cumberson steel and leather, ridgid leg brace that went from the sole of his shoe to his thigh. It usually took him serious time achomplish this feat. When this feat was done, he then needed to drag himself through whatever lay in store for that day, by using two strap on crutches, one in each hand.

As we said farewell to the Montrand family the next morning, they all gathered on the large deck overhanging the steep steps. They serenaded us with "Al Morrir La Tarde." (I still hear their voices.)

Don and I started down those damned steps. He insisted on carrying his own guitar, as usual. Each step took a toll on him, the guitar case would bang him as he fought for balance, I could hear the grinding and the creaking of the brace against his skin.

When we finally reached the car, stowed the guitars, and started to leave, Don uttered THE ONLY COMPLAINT I ever heard him say: "You know something ... I'm not going to miss those damned steps!"

bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Fred Maslan
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 05:30 PM

My sister Ruth hosted hoots occasionally at my parents house and my brother Mike and I would sneak out of bed and poke our noses (and ears) into the living room. The voices I heard then are still with me today, Walt and John, Stan and now Don are all singing at the celestial Hoot. May Dons family be comforted by his memory.

Fred

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Stewart
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 05:07 PM

It is very moving and heartwarming to see all the love and regards that Don has been given in this thread. He certainly touched many people in this community.

When I moved to Seattle in 1996 and discovered Mudcat, I read one of Don's posts and was so moved by it that I PM'ed him, and through Don met Bob, and my life in folk music totally changed. The friends I made through Don and Bob, here in Seattle and also on Mudcat have been wonderful. So I would say that Don had a great influence on me, and I am grateful to have known him.

Cheers, S. in Seattle

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Deckman
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 04:40 PM

I just talked with Don's widow, Barbara. She seems to be doing O.K. Exhausted, of course. Don Firth's son "Donnie" has been with her. She told me that ALL of Don's many local friends have been checking in with her. She also said that they will likely be holding a memorial service in late September or early October at their local church.

There is a hole in my heart where Don used to live ... bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 04:27 PM

It's more than the Seattle area, Bob. It's across the country and the globe.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Janie
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 02:29 PM

Indeed, Bob.

It is clear how much Don was valued and will be missed within this virtual community. I can not know but can imagine how much sharper the sense of loss is for those of you who knew and liked, especially those you who knew him closely and loved him.

May his wife, son, you and all who loved him find some measure of solace in knowing you are surrounded by care and concern from so many of us in this virtual community.

Hope you know that you, who have long been another of the foundation bricks of this virtual community, and with whom you and Don chose to share on-line your abiding friendship and love for one another built over time, are especially held in the thoughts of many of the rest of us here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Deckman
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 12:31 PM

This is being a very difficult time for Don's many friends in the Seattle area. I would like to add this one thought: "Grief is the price of love." bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Smedley
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 07:30 AM

RIP. He was the possessor of a particularly well-attuned bullshit detector and his posts were always a highlight here.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Hrothgar
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 07:28 AM

I wish I had met him in person.

RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 05:59 AM

Oh I am so sorry to read this. Another good Mudcatter has left us, whose posts I always enjoyed and respected. Gone and not to be replaced. R.I.P.

Bonnie

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 03:21 AM

adding my condolences - as so many have said, he will be sorely missed

sandra

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 06 Sep 15 - 01:10 AM

I spoke with Barbara this evening. It was a gush of names and places and song memories - I'm glad to say that she and Don's son, Don, have his book well in hand. Hopefully it will see the light of day (now that he finally can't edit it any more).

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 10:26 PM

What Kendall said. Another fine Mudcatter gone, but Mudcat is a better place for him having been here.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

Linn

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Rapparee
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 09:58 PM

"GUEST Rappa" was me.

I would if I could, Bob. Believe it! But you're right about him wearing out his body so many times...and now he's again winning fencing matches AND playing the guitar at that same time.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 07:08 PM

So sorry to hear of this. Condolences to his family and friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan cookieless in Glasgow:
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 06:28 PM

A huge loss.

Regards

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: kendall
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 05:57 PM

Another block in the mudcat's foundation gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,Pete from seen stars link
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 05:15 PM

Was shocked to open mudcat and find this. We usually disagreed on threads below the line but I usually found Don gracious and thoughtful, and more so recently. I hope that was mutual.    Condolences to his loved ones.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Deckman
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 05:05 PM

Yes, my friend of 62 years has passed on.

I'm not going to bore anyone with remeberances ... I pretty well covered those in the article that I wrote this spring and that Stewart thoughtfully linked in his announcement of Don's death (thank you Stewart).

How do you say goodbye to a close friend of so many years? You don't!

I just had a call from Rapaire, back in Idaho. Some years ago I brought Mike to visit Don at his Capital Hill home in Seattle. They had connected by e-mails before meeting in person enough to know each other a little. On our way back to my house after that visit, I could tell that Mike had deeply moved by the experience of meeting Don in person.

I was thinking out loud this morning with "Bride Judy" ... when I think of the "old timers" (for lack of a better term) that were the powershouses of the Seattle folk scene starting in the nineteen fifties, you remember, Walt Robertson, Dick Landberg, Elmar Lanczos, Patti McLaughlin, Stan James, John Dwyer, and some other who have since hung up their guitars, I'm beginning to feel like the last one left.

It's a very lonely feeling.

In mike's phone call, he asked if there was anything he could do. I'll answer him now via this note: "OF COURSE THERE IS, MIKE! Bring him back to life ... DAMNIT!

But, truth be told, he'd worn his body out many so times over the limit and we all know that his physical suffering is now gone.

Don ... MINA RAAKASTAAN SINUA ... bob

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 03:54 PM

Sad to hear it. Like others I enjoyed his posts and conversations

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Tootler
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 03:28 PM

I never met him - an ocean and a continent away but I shall miss his posts.

I didn't always agree with his posts but his points were always well made and politely argued.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,Rappa
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 03:22 PM

Oh no!

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 01:53 PM

i only knew him from his posts i loved them. they evoked a time when the folk song movement looked outwards, forwards with optimism confident enough of itself not to denigrate and infight.

i'll miss him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: fat B****rd
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 12:29 PM

Such sad news. My condolences to all Don's family and his many friends.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 12:20 PM

I will miss him.

"Nothing gold can stay."

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: artbrooks
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 10:12 AM

I didn't know Don in the years we lived in Seattle - I'm not entirely sure why not - but we've met a few times since at Folklife. A great loss to the Northwest folk community and to Mudcat...and of course to his own family. Thank you for everything.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Elmore
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 09:54 AM

I always found Don's post interesting. They extended far beyond the limits of folk music. May he rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,Lighter
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 09:34 AM

I never met Don, but his posts were always well worth reading.

Another great loss for this forum.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: BrooklynJay
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 09:05 AM

Very, very saddened by this news. A man who exemplified the best of what Mudcat is all about. His posts were always worth reading.

Another fine one gone...

My deepest condolences to his family and friends.


Jay

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Ernest
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 08:58 AM

Sad news indeed. I will also miss his contributions here.
Condolences to his family and friends.
Ernest

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Dave the Gnome
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 06:26 AM

That is sad and we will miss him here. Condolonces to all his real life family and friends.

Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,HiLo
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 06:03 AM

Very sad news indeed. RIP

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: JennieG
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 04:58 AM

Condolences to Don's family......he was a man I would have loved to have met, he seemed such an interesting bloke.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: vectis
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 04:47 AM

A sad loss to his family as well as to the Mudcat family. We will miss his wisdom and down to earth attitude.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Jack Blandiver
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 03:56 AM

Sad news indeed. RIP, Don. Much respect.

Sean Breadin / Sedayne.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: treewind
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 03:31 AM

RIP. Sorry to hear this news. Mudcat won't be the same without him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Monique
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 03:17 AM

Sorry to hear this. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 03:13 AM

Keep us posted on that--

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 02:12 AM

I'm missing him already. He was involved deeply in Mudcat and his comments often made me smile. My condolences to all those that know and love him.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: KT
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 01:56 AM

So sorry to hear this news. This place is better for his having been here. Condolences to his loved ones. Rest in peace, Mr. Firth.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,Bert.
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 01:33 AM

Oh no, not another one. Bye old Mudcatter. I never met you in person but I'm gonna really miss you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 01:15 AM

That's excellent news, Bob. Thanks. I was pondering how to ask about that project, and about his son. You answered both in one.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Deckman
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 12:26 AM

To "guest Stim" ... Barbara Firth told me this morning that Don's son is now dedicated to completing Don's book.   bob(deckman)nelson

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: GUEST,Stim
Date: 05 Sep 15 - 12:02 AM

No use pretending that I always got along with Don, or that I always agreed with him-and I am feeling kind of bad about some of that right now.

I suppose that when you've connected with someone over a long period of time--that is to say, you've gotten to see their life, their tastes, their interests, their quirks and predispositions unfold over time, there are bound to be some differences. I hope he understood that I always liked him a lot, and that I read and and carefully considered everything that he wrote.

The thing about Don was that he had a wonderful sense of the sound and effect of his voice. Not just his singing voice or his speaking voice, but of his written voice, as well. This isn't just a talent, it is the stock and trade of a broadcaster--the ability to fill and extra 60 seconds or to cut something short, to make the improvised fit seamlessly with what has been carefully prepared, and to always hit the sweet spot.

If you listen to his singing, you will hear not only a deep, resonant voice, but also a "natural" voice-he had an excellent sense of phrasing and great timing, so you forgot about everything else and only heard the story he was telling--

His writing was like that, too--I particularly loved his reminiscences because he had gift for taking you to a distant time, to a room you'd never been in, with people you'd never met, and making you feel at home. He mentioned writing a book on numerous occasions--I have a feeling that was never realized, but I think a lot of his notes and first drafts are with us in the many, many threads that he contributed to--

Don, you were a luminous presence here for long, lo, these many years. Your voice was so clear, so constant, that it felt like you'd be with us forever-tho that is not so, we will always remember you.

Blessings and condolences to friends and family. Holding you all in the light.

Subject: RE: Obit: Don Firth (1931-2015)
From: Mooh
Date: 04 Sep 15 - 11:38 PM

Very sad. He'll be missed around here. Wish I'd met him in person.

Rest in peace.

Peace, Mooh.