2001 OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat's Funeral
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 30 Oct 01 - 02:20 AM

As has been said, [unless there is another song beyond "my ken",]Derek didn't write "What's the Life of a Man". I was made very much aware that it was a favourite of the "Macs", however, when I was singing it one festival concert night in Irvine---I was pleased to be joined in every chorus by the lads who were awaiting their guest spot at the rear of the auditorium---Ian, Derek and Hamish. I think the song has its origins in the English West country.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat's Funeral
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 03:38 PM

I hope it was - Derek deserves it.
Just one thing: He did not write 'What's the Life of a Man' (as far as I know it's trad). The one song he wrote in his life (according to Ian McCalman) was 'The Back o' the Aisler', which can be found on their latest CD 'Keepers' and was played on Travelling Folk last week as a tribute. If anyone would like the words I'll copy them out from the booklet some time.
For a link to Ian McCalman's very moving obituary of Derek in The Scotsman see the other thread.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat's Funeral
From: Diva
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 01:08 PM

I heard it was a wonderful do....from Martin Wyndham Read...who I went to see at Girvan on Friday night.

Subject: Derek Moffat's Funeral
From: GUEST,Scabby Doug at work
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 08:32 AM

This appeared in The Glasgow Herald Diary today:
The last word
The world of Scottish folk music gathered last Friday to say farewell to Derek Moffat of the McCalmans. At Derek's request it was more a celebration of his life than a marking of his death.
As you might expect there was some splendid singing from the likes of Ian McCalman, Archie Fisher, and Ronnie Brown the Corrie. Derek's own composition The Life of a Man featured appropriately and prominently.

The minister had a more difficult task since Derek Moffat was not a believer. Although he had officiated at Derek's recent marriage, the minister did not know him well and had to stick to his script.

But even the minister was infected by the informal nature of the service. As he brought proceedings to a close he said he was committing Derek into the hands of the Lord "whether he likes it or not".

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 25 Oct 01 - 04:22 AM

Thanks for the pointer, Drumshanty; I'm saving that one...

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Ranks
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 05:17 AM

I organised a couple of tours for the McCalmans in the Mid 80s and saw them a couple of times after that. Derek was a great Singer and Performer. Hard to believe he has gone.

Ranks

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Drumshanty
Date: 24 Oct 01 - 03:59 AM

Scotsman obituary

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 08:12 PM

The Macs did a tremendous night for us in Balerno in May of this year, and on other previous occasions. Derek will be sorely missed. Tattie B

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Cappuccino
Date: 23 Oct 01 - 04:05 AM

Derek's funeral will be held at Mortonhall Crematorium, Edinburgh, on Friday 26, October at 3.00 pm.

- Ian

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Hillheader
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 04:00 PM

Folk music in general and Scots folk music in particular is the poorer for his passing. The essence of the tradition where "feeling" the song was more important than being note perfect - but he could combine both.

Prayers for his family

Davebhoy

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Cappuccino
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 01:23 PM

Yes, you're right, Roger - I think Ian McC and Derek had been together for well over ten years before Nick was recruited, so they really were a long-standing team... thirty years or more?

- IanB

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Fiolar
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 09:22 AM

My condolences. Saw the group at Cambridge in the early 1980s.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: GUEST,Roger
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 09:19 AM

I was lucky enough to see The Macs in Balerno with Derek, and first heard of his illness in Brodick when Stephen stood in.

Condolences to family and friends. My thoughts are with Nick and especially Ian as the axis between he and Derek always seemd important to the character of the group.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Wolfgang
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 06:23 AM

Very sad news. I heard them only once but I loved their humour and music.

Wolfgang

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Scabby Douglas
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 04:26 AM

I heard about this last night. As a few people have said, it was expected, but no less of a loss. A great voice, and on the couple of occasions I had conversations with him, found him to be a decent, friendly, good-humoured man.

Remember the man, remember the music, and raise a glass to his passing

Steven

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: GUEST,Boab
Date: 22 Oct 01 - 03:16 AM

Sad news--expected, but still hits kind of hard. He won't be forgotten; in fact he was part of one of my recent posts in connection with Girvan folk festival no more than a week ago---the thread about "Tramps and Hawkers" if I remember rightly. I know Stephen Quigg has stepped into the great gap in the MacAlman's line-up; Stephen---ye've a high, high standard to keep up....

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: AliUK
Date: 21 Oct 01 - 10:40 PM

Condolences to the family and friends of Derek. I always turned out to see the McCalmans when they were in the area and was always impressed with his voice and good humour. The world is indeed a darker place with his candle snuffed out.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: 8_Pints
Date: 21 Oct 01 - 08:16 PM

Very sad news, our thoughts are with all family and friends. We remember lots of concerts in the 70s and 80s when the group sparked off one another, giving fantastic performances, we have many happy memories and lots of great recordings.

Sue and Bob vG

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: GUEST,harvey andrews
Date: 21 Oct 01 - 06:50 PM

Happy memories of tours shared in various parts of the world. I last saw Derek in a bar in Germany three years ago and we had a jar. I'll have another tonight and play some tracks. Harvey

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 21 Oct 01 - 06:49 PM

Well, it was inevitable I suppose, but that doesn't make it any less sad.

I saw the McCalmans play Dunfermline Folk Club the night before I flew out to the States and I will always remember Derek as I saw him that night, full of good himour, and singing like an angel.

Yet one more great voice for the choir above .......

Murray

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Dita
Date: 21 Oct 01 - 06:28 PM

The world has become a smaller, quieter place
love, john.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Jock Morris
Date: 21 Oct 01 - 04:42 PM

Terrible shame when such a talented person dies; makes the world a lesser place to be. At the same time I'm pleased his suffering is over after being ill for some time. My condolences to his family and friends.

Scott

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: GUEST,john c
Date: 21 Oct 01 - 04:35 PM

Very, very sad. Condolences to all family and friends.

Subject: RE: OBIT: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Noreen
Date: 21 Oct 01 - 02:32 PM

Sad news indeed, Ian. Thanks for letting us know.

Noreen

Subject: Derek Moffat, McCalmans
From: Cappuccino
Date: 21 Oct 01 - 01:58 PM

I am sorry to pass on the following message, received this evening, 7pm British time:

"It is with great regret that we have to inform you that Derek Moffat, founder member of the McCalmans and a great friend and colleague died peacefully in his sleep at 6.25 this morning, Sunday, October 21st. after a long and brave battle with illness. The funeral details have still to be finalised, and will be forwarded as soon as I know them. - Nick, McCalmans"

He was a great guy.

- Ian B