2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)

Subject: Obit: Ian McCulloch 2019
From: JHW
Date: 15 May 19 - 05:10 PM

Sorry to be the one to tell you that Ian McCulloch, Durham, is no longer with us. He was ian1943 on Mudcat.
His send-off will be at Waddington Street, Durham City on 23rd May, 2019.
I am to sing 'What's the Life of a Man' and am told it was a favourite song of Ian's. I know the song but not Ian's preferred version if anyone has heard him sing it and can help me out.
He must have asked me to sing hundreds of times (when it was my turn) at the Colpitt's, Durham City FC which many will remember. Ian always MCd; and sang when it was his turn. Also you may know him for many Durham Folk Festivals and then the Durham Folk Parties.

Subject: RE: Obit: Ian McCulloch
From: GUEST,guest Tom
Date: 15 May 19 - 06:33 PM

This version in lyrics on here

WHAT'S THE LIFE OF A MAN

As I was a walking one morning at ease
A viewing the leaves as they fell from the trees
All in slow motion appearing to be
And those that had withered, they fell from the trees

What's the life of a man anymore than the leaves
A man has his season, so why should we grieve
Though all thru this life, we appear fine and gay
Like the leaves we will wither and soon fade away

If you'd seen the leaves just a few days ago
So beautiful and bright they all seemed to grow
A frost came upon them and withered them all
A storm came upon them and down they did fall

If you look in the churchyard, there you will see
Those that have passed like the leaves from the trees
When age and affliction upon us do fall
Like the leaves we must wither and down we must fall

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: Leadfingers
Date: 15 May 19 - 09:03 PM

This was sung for Tony O'Nell at his funeral , Tony having sung it at Dave Houlden's funeral
.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 16 May 19 - 03:21 PM

Linda sang it at Durham FC a week ago, also in Ian's preferred words I believe, just after announcing Ian's sad passing. (I noticed at the time that this version was slightly different to the one I normally sing.)
I'm surprised to find this thread has only just been started, as Ian was such a well-loved and well-respected figure on the Durham folk scene.
RIP Ian.
Sorry to say I cannot make the funeral, but I'm sure your rendition will prove absolutely ideal John.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: JHW
Date: 17 May 19 - 05:35 AM

There are many slight variants of LofM text. The folk singer's black tie song but this time as Ian's favourite. I've long sung the melody in Ken Stubbs collection but last night in Durham the advice was that Ian has sung the 'regular' melody. If I go astray those there will pull me back in the chorus.
Yes I'm surprised there is no bigger flurry of posts remembering Ian and all his stalwart organising, mcing and singing. Sad loss.
11 am at Waddington Street Thurs 23rd those who can make it.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 17 May 19 - 06:03 AM

For a time there was a symbiotic relationship between Fylde Folk Festival and the old Durham Folk Festival. Being only a week apart in the festival calendar, they attracted many of the same audience and there was great mutual respect (and a slight competitive edge) between the festivals' organisers. Alan Bell's funeral was just last week and now Ian McCulloch has gone. Each made a significant contribution to the folk scene, both locally and nationally.

I regret only getting to one Durham Folk Party (some years ago now) and I hope it may continue in Ian's memory. Sorry to learn of his passing.

Ross

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: cujimmy
Date: 17 May 19 - 12:34 PM

Ian made a wonderfull contribution to Folk music in Durham city and the North East over the years, I enjoyed manys a wonderfull time at The Colpits Pub and at the Folk Parties. RIP Ian you will be sadly missed.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 17 May 19 - 04:29 PM

A great help to us at Hexham Festival in the seventies always on hand to run a door at one of our concerts. I also admired his hard work for the Durham Folk Festivals. He was also on hand with information from the Durham Folk Clubs when I was with the Sunday Sun. RIP Ian.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 21 May 19 - 03:46 PM

I am sorry to hear that Ian has passed away. He did a great deal for the folk world in Durham and beyond. My condolences to all those who love and miss him. I have added his name to the "In Memoriam" thread.

RIP

Peter

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: GUEST,Anne Spetch
Date: 27 May 19 - 03:21 PM

My Dad would have been so pleased to see all of your lovely messages. John’s song at his funeral was perfect, Dad would have been thrilled. It is lovely to know that he is remembered so fondly.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: GUEST,Sean Breadin
Date: 04 Jun 19 - 04:43 AM

Only just heard. Deepest sympathy from Rachel & I.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: GUEST,Frank Lee
Date: 04 Jun 19 - 11:46 AM

Just heard about this.   Ian and I went to the same juniors’ school as youngsters in Durham, then, decades later, and living some 60 miles apart, circumstances brought us together when I became his co-organiser at Durham Folk Party. This continues as a dancing event as Durham Folk Weekend. Ian was certainly a major figure in everything ‘folk’ in Durham.

Subject: RE: 2019 Obit: Ian McCulloch (Durham)
From: GUEST,Alick
Date: 27 Jul 19 - 07:54 PM

Just seen this, but had some fantastic nights in the various pubs listening to Ian and others in the 80s. RIP to a real gentleman and a cracking singer.