Rick Fielding's passing. (March 20, 2004)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Little Hawk
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 05:39 PM

I am profoundly grateful that I had the chance to meet Rick a few times, know him, see him perform onstage, and share in the music with him. May you journey on to the very best, Rick. I'll play some more harmonica for you on the other side one fine day. Vaya con Dios, my friend.

"Lay down your weary tune, lay down
Lay down the song you strum
And rest yourself neath the strength of strings
No voice can hope to hum."

And, Heather, my thoughts are with you.

- LH

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Bill D
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 05:46 PM

"We will meet, but we will miss him-
There will be one vacant chair...."

the man PLAYED!
but what I remember best is Rick, surrounded by friends
and more, doing what he did best

We are all better for having known him...

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: greg stephens
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 05:47 PM

Heather
So recently you were offering me helpful advice about visiting Canada. So often I have read stuff from Rick about this that and the other. I loved him deeply because he cared about what I cared about, and we laughed at each other about what we thought was funny.
My thoughts are with all of you there
greg

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: okthen
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:00 PM

Rick represented the best of this place, I thought he had beaten it, I am so sorry to be wrong.
My sincere condolences to his family.
bill

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Big Mick
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:01 PM

Those we love truly never die,
Though year by year the sad memorial wreath,
A ring and flowers, types of life and death,
Are laid upon their graves.

For death the pure life saves,
And life all pure is love; and love can reach
From heaven and earth, nobler lessons teach
Than those by mortals read.

Well blest is he who has one dear dead:
A friend he has whose face will never change --
A dear communion that will not grow strange;
The anchor of a love is death.

The blessed sweetness of a loving breath
Will reach our cheek all fresh through weary years.
For he who died long since, ah! waste not tears,
He's thine unto the end.

Thank God for one dear friend,
With face still radiant with the light of truth.
Whose love comes laden with the scent of youth,
Through twenty years of death.

John Boyle O'Reilly

I will never forget the friendship this man shared with me. He will forever be with me as he was on a sunny June day. His friendship was freely given, his caring nature easily felt. He was one of those people that you felt like you had known forever, even though just met.

Heather, you know that you have deepest condolences. One of the inspirational things that have come of all this, was watching you and how you were there for your Rick every step of the way. No one has ever had a more devoted and better partner to face this journey with.

So now it falls to us. Finding his voice in others will be easy, all we have to do is look around. Anyone who ever met him carries it.

I think I shall forever remember him at the last Getaway he and Heather attended. There he was in the blues pickup session with the players he loved playing with, the cream of the crop, players that would challenge his abilities. This is the one he was waiting for. As he is playing he notices a young woman, clearly a new player, skills not quite there ... and what does Rick do? Sits down in back and starts giving her lessons and tips on how to hit the changes.

Well done, good friend. We are all better for your coming, and sad at your going.

All the best,

Mick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:09 PM

I can't begin to say how sorry I am for the loss of Rick. I won't pretend to know him nearly as well or for as long as many of you have. I met Rick through the Mudcat. I will say that I considered him a friend.

Rick was an extraordinary person who inspired me not only musically, but personally. I don't think that I have ever met anyone so in tune with who he was. He lived his life according to his rules, having foregone having to play Jimmy Buffet songs to drunks in bars to play his music on his terms. Rick was creative, inventive and most of all supportive of anyone who was interested in being supported by him. I could go on about his incredible love and knowledge of music, but I won't. We've all seen it here. It was Rick the person that I was drawn to, and it is Rick the person that I am missing now.

I always thought that Rick and Heather were one of the most remarkable couples I've met. Rick could not have been Rick without Heather. I know that Rick's pain is now over, Heather's is just beginning.

I know that Rick was an agnostic. I am not. I hope that it is me who is right.

Rick, thank you for making a difference in my life.

Heather, Karen and I are both thinking of you. God Bless.                     

Steve and Karen Latimer

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:11 PM

There may have been Mudcatters equal to what Rick meant to us, both as a group and individually, but none were better.

To say he will be missed may be stating the obvious, but so true.

I think I'll go put on a Washington Phillips song just for him, with one by Alfred Karnes for good measure.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Charlie Baum
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:12 PM

To Heather--heartfelt condolences and sympathy from Lisa Null and me, and whatever comfort your friends here can bring you, now and in the future.

I first met Rick when he came to play in Washington DC back in 1999. It was the beginning of long admiration for both the man and his music. I got to know him better here at Mudcat, and then when he came to the FSGW Getaway.

I think the line for guitar lessons is forming three hallways down on the left from the Pearly Gates. With his infinite patience, everyone in heaven will get a turn. The heavenly music of the guitar will supplant a lot of harps.

--Charlie Baum

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Alba
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:16 PM

Heather, I am so sad to hear of Rick's passing.
You are in my Thoughts and in my Heart.
Fly High Rick Fielding you are a Giant of a Man who gave so much to so many, I can only imagine how much pleasure You will bring to where You are now. No doubt still sharing Your Kindness, Huge Talent and endless Knowledge and your sense of wonderful Humor. To say You will be sorely missed is indeed and understatement.
With Love, Light and Blessings.
Sadly
Jude.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:22 PM

Heather,
I am sorry that he is gone but glad his sufferings are over. You and he are loved. Whatever you need - just ask.
Mary

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Rapparee
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:25 PM

Oh, no! Please, if there's anything I can, don't hesitate to ask. My heart and thoughts are with you, Heather, even though we've never met.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Wesley S at Home
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:29 PM

WHO WILL SING FOR ME ?

By John Thomas Ely

Oft I sang for my friends, when deaths cold hand I see
When I reach my journeys end, who will sing one song for me ?
I wonder who, will sing for me ?
When I'm called to cross that silent sea
Who will sing for me ?

When friends shall gather round, and look down on me
Will they turn and walk away, or will they sing one song for me?
I wonder who, will sing for me ?
When I'm called to cross that silent sea
Who will sing for me ?

So I'll sing 'til the end, contented I will be
Assured that some friend will sing one song for me.
I wonder who, will sing for me ?
When I'm called to cross that silent sea
Who will sing for me ?

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Amos
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:30 PM

Heather:

I have been a fool, hoping against hope that I would never see this day, and of course, here we are, speechless with sorrow.

If you need anything I can offer, you know it is yours.

A

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Amergin
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:38 PM

Silent Voices
(star of the county down)

In the woods one night, round a fire bright
Were my loved ones, dead and gone,
I stood and stared in the frosty air,
And the moon was pale and drawn;
Oh, they looked at me and smiled at me
And they beckoned me to a chair,
But I stood amazed, in the glowing blaze
And I thought, "Was I really there?"

CHORUS:
Oh, their voices rang and the coyotes sang,
And the laughter began to roar.
Round the crackling might of the fire bright
Were the voices I shall hear no more.

"Sit down" they said and I shook my head
To clear the visions of my dream,
But the forms they stayed so I obeyed,
And their eyes began to gleam
They began to sing and the woods to ring,
Twas a song that I heard before,
Oh, in the fiery heat they sounded sweet
The voices I shall hear no more

(Chorus)

The coyotes wailed as they told their tales
Of the life upon the range;
I looked around as the flames died down
And the skies began to change.
The mists arose and I watched them go
And my heart grew pale with woe,
With a tearful cry I bade goodbye
To the voices I'll hear no more.

(Chorus)

Now among the trees in the wintry breeze
On the paths I walk alone
With great delight I found where the fire bright
Burned red among the stones.
Amidst the storm the coals were warm
From the craic of the night before,
I smiled my friend for in the wind
Whispered the voices I'll hear no more.

Nathan Tompkins

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: annamill
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:48 PM

To Heather, his wife. his family, and to everyone at Mudcat who was enriched by his music, humor and knowledge, Glenn and I send our deepest sympathy and love.

We listen to Rick almost every Sunday morning to make our lives a little bit brighter. Next Sunday will be very hard and Glenn and I will listen a little bit closer to his wonderful music.

We are so very sorry for your loss, Heather.

We will miss him.

Love, Anna and Glenn Hamill

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: ex-pat
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:53 PM

I never met Rick but loved his radio show and he sent me one of his banjo mutes. What a loss.
Rest in Peace Sir.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 06:55 PM

We are going down the vally, one by one... so hard to say goodby to such a young one of us- and yet his is a very old soul, and familiar to mine, even though we never met in the flesh. I always wonder where our souls "pass on" to; what is the next world like? I wonder...but whatever it is like, Rick Fielding will be a wonderful and welcome addition. I feel that Death is an end, but also a beginning. The sadness is deepest for the living, for the living mourn his departure, but there is, and should be, also great joy and honor for a life so well lived. Love and prayers, Jean

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: C-flat
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:00 PM

Like many others I only knew Rick from his postings here but he seemed to personify what is best about Mudcat. A knowledgable and generous man who loved music and the way music brings people together.
A great loss to us all.
C-flat.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Guy Wolff
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:12 PM

Dear Heather , I am sorry to hear this news. It was realy wonderful making friends with Rick here and he will be sorely missed, I know, by one and all. . Yours , Guy Wolff

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Carly
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:28 PM

I read these words through tears. I feel the loss of a great soul to our world. I feel priviledged to have known Rick, and his kindness, humor and love of music. The nearest thing to immortality that I can be certain of is to be carried in the hearts of others, and Rick will always have a place in mine, as clearly he has in many; I can only hope to carry on and impart to others those gifts he shared with us of music and of living.

Heather, I am so sorry that you must go through this loss. If there is any way I can be of help, please ask.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Jeri
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:31 PM

It's hard to think of what I want to write. There are so many things running through my head now.

Heather, I love you.

He was my best friend. He'd share secrets of the "don't ever tell anyone this" variety with me, and shortly after would write it all in a post or put it in the liner notes to his CD. It took a very long time for me to believe he really cared about me as much as he did. I thought I was nobody. It's a hard thing to do to make a person change the way they see themselves, but he did it. He made me believe there is something in me that made it worth his love and faith in me.

Over the too-short time I knew him, I came to discover he was a lot deeper than I'd imagined, and I'd imagined he was pretty deep. I think he hid much of that depth, undoubtedly because it would have scared some people. I remember once feeling the need to tell him what I felt about his influence on my life. He let me ramble on, and when I got done, said, "I knew that." He did, too.

He said he knew how much folks cared about him, then came the CD release on-line and the hundreds of e-mails from all over the world. I think maybe he had a bit more of a clue after that.

There hasn't been a day that's gone by that I haven't thought of him, and I don't think that will change anytime soon. I'll think of him very time I pick up a guitar; every time I play his melodeon; every time I try to improvise something on any instrument; every time I write a song; every time I see somebody play a wimp F chord; every time I drink a vanilla milkshake or eat fried eggs, something with the Dreaded Vegetable in it, grits or cornbread, and every time I laugh at something others don't think is very funny.

I have one of his straps too. When I was up there at Christmas, I was removing the back cushions on the sofa so I could sleep on it, and found a strap that had fallen back there. I told Rick about it the next day, and he gave it to me. He'd always meant to make one for me, but never managed. He said he thought this one was the first he'd made, and he'd used it on his mandolin. It's not very fancy, and it's beat all to hell and has "RICK" on it in great big letters. I don't think he could have made me a brand new strap that would be as precious to me as that one is. It's not as precious as the memories I have, though.

There's a picture I've been 'painting' on computer of a cabin, high above a lush green expanse. Its walls are made of music, and inside, there is always love. Always.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Peace
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:34 PM

Just learned of this and I am both shocked and saddened. He was a gentleman and a musician's musician. Be with the Big Guy big guy.

Bruce M

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:36 PM

I am so sad. Rick was one of the reasons I kept coming back to mudcat. Never met him. Never will. I am so sad.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Cluin
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:40 PM

Damn! Another one gone that I've long admired and was hoping to meet someday soon. Rest gentle, man.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Nancy King
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:47 PM

What incredibly sad news. The fact that we knew it was coming lessens the shock factor, but not the devastating sadness.

I can't think of anyone who made a greater impression on folks at the Getaway -- not only as a musician, but also as a friendly, generous, intelligent and fun-loving person. And his knowlegeable, patient and humorous contributions to this forum will be missed sorely.

Heather, you have my deepest sympathy. Know that you have many friends around the world, all thinking of you and wishing you the best.

Sing with the angels, Rick.

Nancy

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: open mike
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:50 PM

When i read of the sad news, i immediately played the LIFE LINE c.d from 1995 which he had recommended to me on a mud cat thread. I feel so fortunate to be in a community where the performers, songwriters, and record label people all interact here on Mudcat. It is a credit to the importance Rick placed on educating musicians that the chords are included along with the lyrics in the "liner notes" what a great inspiration and rare gift! And what a treasure we have hear to be able to celebrate the life and music of such a wonderful man, such as in his album release event of a few weeks ago, where we were able to be together through the efforts of radio and computer technology.
The words on the c.d. which jumped out at me were:
from So Long, Charlie:
"He'd sing....joys of love and sadness when it ends,
... Now millions know his songs and the love he had for life,
So long Charlie, we hate to see you go"
from "If Jeses Was a Picker":
"...With a quartet of the angels singing harmony so grand,
....His talent was God-given his technique was heaven-sent...."
and when I heard LIFELINE by Glen Reid and River Man by John Hartford I couldn't help but think that there may be some paddle
wheel steam boat in the sky that has a couple of fellows leaning
on the rail and watching the swallows swoop by the deck!
Our own Mudcat, Jerry Rasmussen's song says it all
(as mentioned in a previous post)
"Some may leave money from a lifetime of saving,
Some just their name on a marble stone.
It's not what you leave, it;s the joy of remembering,
All I can leave you is a handfull of songs."

Heather, I wish for you the strength to endure thru these coming days.
Treasure your memories. I am sure many of us will join you in that treasuring.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Eric the Viking
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 07:59 PM

Just logged on to hear this very sad news. I never met Rick, pm'd him a couple of times, but from all I know of him by himself and others, all I've read from him and about him, he was a giant among us, with his humanity, skill and his strength, deserving of our highest respect.

My sincerest condolonces.

The world will be an emptyer place.

Peace.

Eric

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Steve Latimer
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 08:08 PM

I hate to double post on this thread. I'm just listening to Reverend Gary Davis's "Hesitation Blues". I was introduced to Rev. Gary through Rick. What a discovery.

I have said that this is the song that I want played when I pass. I know that Rick saw the great and the not so great in Dylan. I played this tonight in his memory.

Restless Farewell
(Bob Dylan)

Oh all the money that in my whole life I did spend,
Be it mine right or wrongfully,
I let it slip gladly past the hands of my friends
To tie up the time most forcefully.
But the bottles are done,
We've killed each one
And the table's full and overflowed.
And the corner sign
Says it's closing time,
So I'll bid farewell and be down the road.

Oh ev'ry girl that ever I've touched,
I did not do it harmfully.
And ev'ry girl that ever I've hurt,
I did not do it knowin'ly.
But to remain as friends and make amends
You need the time and stay behind.
And since my feet are now fast
And point away from the past,
I'll bid farewell and be down the line.

Oh ev'ry foe that ever I faced,
The cause was there before we came.
And ev'ry cause that ever I fought,
I fought it full without regret or shame.
But the dark does die
As the curtain is drawn and somebody's eyes
Must meet the dawn.
And if I see the day
I'd only have to stay,
So I'll bid farewell in the night and be gone.

Oh, ev'ry thought that's strung a knot in my mind,
I might go insane if it couldn't be sprung.
But it's not to stand naked under unknowin' eyes,
It's for myself and my friends my stories are sung.
But the time ain't tall,
Yet on time you depend and no word is possessed
By no special friend.
And though the line is cut,
It ain't quite the end,
I'll just bid farewell till we meet again.

Oh a false clock tries to tick out my time
To disgrace, distract, and bother me.
And the dirt of gossip blows into my face,
And the dust of rumors covers me.
But if the arrow is straight
And the point is slick,
It can pierce through dust no matter how thick.
So I'll make my stand
And remain as I am
And bid farewell and not give a damn.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: pixieofdoom
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 08:19 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this, I mostly only knew Rick by reputation but there's no-one I've ever heard spoken of more highly

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Tinker
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 08:24 PM

I've been running all day doing that Mom and chauffeur thing, and my mid day stop found the news, but no time to process. But as I jumped back in the car with two kids Acoustic Workshop was in the CD player and for once, music choice was not debatable. I had a couple of hours between drop off and pick up just to wander.

I kept coming back to the discussion we had in Toronto after the CD Release. How could something that held so much caring and community not be Spiritual ? Of course it is. I was playing with words yesterday to try and share some stuff I've been reading on this, but it wasn't quite ready yet.But it's community and caring and reaching out to others to come join in the song, it's cutting through the bullshit to ask the questions that matter... Stuff that Rick encouraged in each of us in different ways. This thread is just one more example.Of course you know my tears are flowing, and yes, Heather I can hear you abrubtly changing the subject...By the way, we won in the damn cub scout derby (theme not speed), pictures to follow. And hugs...

Blessings (anyway you'll take them)

Kathy

Oh, and don't tell anyone, but I caught teenagers singing along on the way home tonite....

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: KT
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 08:39 PM

I am so, so sorry to hear this news. I can not find the words to express how or why it should be that I could feel this loss as deeply as I do, never having met Rick in person, but only through a couple of cards and PMs. And I know I am not alone in this. Across the globe, are so many heavy hearts because of Rick's passing. Here at MUDCAT, we are just a smattering of the lives he has touched. I think of the countless others who mourn his passing. As we share this sadness, so we also share gratitude and joy for all that he has been to us, in whatever capacity.

Heather, may there be some comfort for you in knowing how many share your sadness, and that you are being held by loving hearts the world over.    KT

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Padre
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 09:00 PM

Rest eternal grant unto him, O Lord,
and let leight perpetual shine upon him.

Tom McHenry+

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: maire-aine
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 09:18 PM

This is the message that none of us ever wanted to hear.

Dear Heather, I am so sorry for your loss. Our loss, really. I feel so blessed to have had the chance to meet you and Rick when he played in Windsor, just about a year ago.

"Goodnight, sweet prince, and may flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." - William Shakespeare

With deepest sympathy,
Maryanne

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Vince McNeil
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 09:26 PM

There are very few people who have made as profound an impression on my life as Rick Fielding did. To have been blessed with the grace of his presence, the charity of his spirit, the depth of his wisdom and the gentleness of his heart is an honour I will forever charish.

I will always remember the Christmas I spent with Rick, Heather, Tony and other dear friends. Their charity and love was the greatest gift I could ever have recieved.

My deepest sympathies go out to Heather.

Vince

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 09:27 PM

The Mudcat will be a little less magical for your absence, Rick. Farewell.

Bruce

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Deckman
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 09:40 PM

ME TOO! Bob

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Big Jim from Jackson
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 09:44 PM

I knew Rick through his recordings and his notes on Mudcat only, but I, too, feel that I have lost a friend. Condolences to his family and to all of us who read these many threads.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,MAG in Portland after S.F.
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 09:53 PM

My most sincere condolences, Heather. I'll be over in the Tavern hoisting one for Rick.

Mary Ann

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Mark Clark
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 09:56 PM

I'm another who never got to meet Rick but still think of this news in a very personal way. What I know of Rick is here in these pages but what is here tells me far more than I know or care to know about people I see every day. Like Amos, I kept thinking this day wouldn't come and Rick would get a pass. I looked forward to having his wisdom and humor once again. Now I still look forward to that but it's going to be a little while longer.

So long, Rick.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Dharmabum
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 09:56 PM

You touched a lot of lives Rick.
This is gonna be a long thread.

Rest peacfully friend.
You've earned it.


          DB.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 10:03 PM

Heather,thank you for sharing him with us. I'll bet you wondered sometimes, why he spent so much time his online friends, why he ran up phone bills calling people like me and the Swans and others in California and all over, why and how he could care so much about so many people.
But wasn't it wonderful to know how much they cared for him?
I'll miss him. He as good a man as a man could be.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Clint Keller
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 10:15 PM

All I know of Rick Fielding is through the Mudcat, but I read his posts and I learned from him.

I can't really call him a friend because he didn't know I existed, but my world is poorer now.

clint

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Bobert
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 10:58 PM

Well danged.... I came to Mudcat way too late to get to know Rick but judging from what has been written about his passing I can only think of the word of Mark Twain:

"Live your life so that when you die even the undertaker will be sad."

Godspeed, Rick and I'm sorry I got here too late.......

Bobert

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: catspaw49
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 11:01 PM

First to Heather........You know that Karen and I send you our best and warmest thoughts and hold you close in our hearts. Much Love.....

I didn't know whether I could or would post to this thread today. And for the most part, I won't. What I want to say and what Rick would well understand, others might not.........so I'll hold that a bit.

Rick and I came to the 'Cat within days of each other and in those first months amazed ourselves with the relationship and friendship we had developed so quickly and so closely. It was unlike either of us. We also spent a lot of time in PM's gossiping like a couple of old hens. The 'Cat was just beginning to gel and some of you will remember those days well.

If your heart is empty tonight, fill it with all that Rick left us for the remembering. The music, stories, advice, kindness, caring, love, and the very words he wrote here, are far more than any heart can hold. What we got from Rick and that which we pass on from him assures an immortality that no religion can give.

For many of us he left even more and with a debt to him we cannot pay. For me it includes a little ditty named "Catspaw's Rag," written by a caring and gentle man who, when he could do nothing else, did what he did so very well.......wrote a song for a critically ill friend......

Dammit Rick................I loved ya' man.............still do........


Spaw

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Sageprod-1
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 11:02 PM

Although I have been reading messages, it's been well over a year since I posted one but the news of Rick's death changed that. I only knew Rick from Mudcat. I exchanged a few personal messages but mostly I saw from his postings how generous and patient he was. He was one of the central core of people who were a continuing reminder of what a special place Mudcat can be. Rick is an example of how someone can enrich lives by being true to himself and to his enthusiasms.

I'm grateful that mine is one of the lives he touched.

Steve

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 11:03 PM

Never got to know Rick
But that is only my loss
The goodwill he amassed on earth will stand him in good stead.
Not gone - just not physically with us
RIP Rick

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: JedMarum
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 11:22 PM

I am grateful to have known Rick, to have called him friend. I have been blessed by his kindness. I knew this day was coming soon, but it is sad none-the-less.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Songster Bob
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 11:45 PM

Where to begin when you come to the end,
That's always the thing to remember.
I relished the tunes and the songs that we played --
We could have played through till December.

And I guess I just thought you would always be there,
Digging around in your case for your flat-pick;
Always ready to sing, or encourage a song
From the shy ones -- yes, I saw you do that trick.

Wherever you were, the music was there,
Whatever your life was, was a song,
So I'm hoisting my glass to you, absent friend,
And I'm trusting our parting ain't long.


... Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Chip2447
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 11:48 PM

Heather, my thoughts are with you and yours tonight.

Rest easy, rest well Rick. Pax....

Chip

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 11:48 PM

Self-rightous, pedantic, opininated....

We are enriched to have crossed foils with him.....his legacy is in his students....may they be worthy.

Sincerely,

Gargoyle

You dear fellow...refused to go gentle into that good night....and you fought the good fight.