2018 Obit: Bob Patten

Subject: Obit: Bob Patten
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 09 Oct 18 - 05:09 AM

Martin Graebe sent this message last night to members of the Traditional Song Forum and I thought someone should pass it on here. I have no other information beyond endorsing Martin's comments and recording my own regret.

Richard


I am sorry to tell you that one of our longest serving members, Bob Patten, passed away at the weekend. His wife, Jackie, tells me that:

"Bob was in the hospice for the last 30 hours, I slept there for two nights. Prior to that he had still been enjoying every minute, holding court at home as I teased him, helping set the agenda for a meeting that he would normally have chaired, and writing the job description for his successor. Truly remarkable, people who visited said that they left feeling uplifted and peaceful, and smiling at the fact that Bob's wonderful sense of humour was still coming through".

Bob collected folklore, songs and carols of North Devon and Somerset, usually in association with Jackie and, as well as their publications, a large body of their recordings can be heard in the British Library Sound Archive.

Bob was unfailingly helpful to other folk enthusiasts, and always good company. Our thoughts go to Jackie and to their family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Martin Graebe

Subject: RE: Obit: Bob Patten
From: GUEST,Mike Yates
Date: 09 Oct 18 - 06:52 AM

As Martin said, 'Bob was unfailingly helpful to other folk enthusiasts'. That certainly included me. I am really saddened by this news.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: Bob Patten
From: Black belt caterpillar wrestler
Date: 10 Oct 18 - 04:36 AM

So sorry to hear this.
It was always interesting to talk to Bob and find out more information from him about things that you assumed you already knew everything there was to know.
Best wishes and thoughts from Anne and I to Jackie and family.

Robin Madge

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: Bob Patten
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 10 Oct 18 - 09:31 AM

Again passed on from Martin Graebe.


Jackie Patten has asked me to pass this information about the commemoration ceremony for Bob Patten.

A Farewell to Bob Patten

Date: Thursday 18th October 2018

Time: 2.30pm

Venue: East Devon Crematorium, London Road, Whimple, Devon EX5 2PT

All are welcome for refreshments at Escot Park, Talaton, Ottery St Mary, Devon EX11 1LU

Bob slipped gently away at 7.10pm on Saturday 6th October. He was in the hospice for the last 30 hours, and I slept there for two nights. Prior to that he had still been enjoying every minute since the prognosis on 20th August, holding court at home as I teased him, helping prepare for meetings, writing articles and passing things into the hands of others. Truly remarkable, people who visited said that they left feeling uplifted and peaceful, and smiling as Bob's wonderful sense of humour was still coming through.

With best wishes

Jackie

Jacqueline Patten

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: Bob Patten
From: GUEST,George Frampton
Date: 10 Oct 18 - 12:45 PM

My sincerest condolences to Jackie. Both she and Bob were more than helpful into my own research in aspects of southern English culture.
If my memory serves me well, they even did a talk for me at Sidmouth FolkWeek between 2005 and 2008.
i also recall them playing recordings of carols collected in Somerset at an early WGMA meeting before Tony Singleton, CVarl Willets and myself evolved the Thomas Clark Quire.

Subject: RE: 2018 Obit: Bob Patten
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 11 Oct 18 - 06:59 AM

Another good man gone. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam' thread. My condolences to all who know and love him.

RIP

Peter