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

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Sorcha
Date: 21 Mar 04 - 11:53 PM

Well, just before today's matinee performance of Fiddler on the Roof,I went outside and in my heart dedicated this one just to Rick. I kinda felt sure all afternoon that he was watching. It was the smoothest, best performance yet. Thanks Rick for all you've done.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Brendan McKeever
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 12:21 AM

Very sorry to hear this.

May he rest in peace.

B.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Anglo
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 12:21 AM

So sorry to hear this news. I was fortunate enough to spend a weekend in Rick's company at the Gottagetgon Folk Festival in upstate New York a few years ago. I think he had been recommended by Sandy & Caroline Paton. Like many others I am sure, I wish the time had been longer. I wish his time had been longer. If wishes were fishes...

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Escamillo
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 12:42 AM

Neither myself has had the privilege of meeting Rick in person, but it hurts, Maestro, it hurts very much. Heather, my heart goes out to you and family.

Un abrazo from Buenos Aires
Andrés

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 01:06 AM

For once Gargoyle brings tears to my eyes--he sampled exactly the right poem. Dylan Thomas said it well. I never met Rick, but I have enjoyed his generous talent and good humor all the while I've been a Mudcatter. Condolences to all of his family and extended circle of friends.

Maggie Dwyer (SRS)

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 01:27 AM

Dear Heather, I've been away for a few days and have only just heard the sad news.I'm at a loss for words to tell you how I feel. I treasured my meeting with Rick at the Mystic festival, and looked forward to seeing you both on the British tour that never came off.I am sad at the loss of a friend and for the loss to music that Rick's passing creates. Elaine and I send you our condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with you. If ever you do come over here we hope you'll call in and see us.   Heartfelt sympathy, Roy Harris.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Metchosin
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 01:39 AM

So sad to hear of the loss of such a very special man. Heather, my deepest sympathies.

Susan Grieve

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: bflat
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 01:47 AM

My sympathy to you Mrs. Fielding. I was sad to learn of Rick's passing. He played guitar so well and had a delightful voice. For those of us who did not know him personally, you can see his photo through the link box above and see his kind face. He will be missed by many here and throughout Canada where he was well known.

Ellen

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Chris Amos
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 01:55 AM

So sorry to hear this news

Chris

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Rick Speyer
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 02:13 AM

My thoughts are with you Heather, and family. Rick touched so many lives with his gentleness and talent. Tonight there is sadness in my heart, and I am mourning his loss.   Love, Rick.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: mouldy
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 02:55 AM

I would be honoured just to merit one atom of the love, respect and sorrow that is being shown here for Rick. Like so many others, I never had the chance of meeting him, but he was so much a part of Mudcat, that I cannot but feel and mourn his passing.

My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends who will feel his loss the most. Just because it is expected doesn't make it any easier to bear.

"If I should go before the rest of you,
Break not a flower nor inscribe a stone.
Nor when I'm gone speak in a Sunday
voice,
But be the usual selves that I have known.
Weep if you must,
Parting is hell,
But life goes on,
So sing as well."       Joyce Grenfell


Andrea

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Benjamin
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 03:07 AM

I never thought I'd see this happen. I never did meet Rick, but I'll never forget how he made a 19 year old feel welcome in Mudcat. He did a great job of tolerating everyone, including myself. Mudcat will never be the same! I'm not sure if any of us will ever be the same either.
Benjamin

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 03:38 AM

I'm finding it difficult to type through the tears. I feared the worst when he didn't reply to my last PM. Now, I'll never pick up the phone again to hear that soft Canadian voice thanking me for some small thing I'd sent him...
our love to Heather

Roger and Sheila

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Partridge
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 04:50 AM

I'm so sorry to hear this news. Thinking of you Heather.

love

Pat x

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: The Shambles
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 05:29 AM

Heather.

We never did meet but Rick and I exchanged enough via PMs for me to know that he was nice folk.

The world badly needs nice folk and the world will be worse off without him.

However, I think that he has done his bit to try and make the world a little better and will be fondly remembered..............

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Hrothgar
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 06:01 AM

Never met him, just exchanged PMs and read what he wrote here.

He's going to be sorely missed, and almost impossible to replace.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 06:06 AM

So sorry to hear this. It was great to read his stories and contributions on the 'Cat.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Marcy Adelberg
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 06:20 AM

I am so very sad to hear of Rick's passing. He was a generous teacher and friend whose spirit and wisdom will always be with me. Heather, words can't express my condolences for your loss. I'm here for you whenever you need me.
love,
marcy

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 06:34 AM

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: dwditty
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 06:35 AM

Deepest sympathies, Heather. If what we saw of Rick on mudcat is any indication, he lived and he lived well. He will be both missed and remembered. Blessings.

DW

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Jeri
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 07:10 AM

Songster Bob, I spoke to Mick yesterday, who lamented the fact he'd never be able to learn that riff from Rick's 'Pitman Blues'. I told him how I walked up the big hill at last year's Getaway and heard it coming from somewhere. I was momentarily confused, because Rick wasn't there, and I'd heard him. I looked for a long time before I saw you sitting on the bench, and you also wished he'd been there so you could get the lick from him. I think you had it, friend.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: kendall
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 07:17 AM

He left this earth a damn site better than he found it. What better legacy could he leave?

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Willie-O
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 07:23 AM

It's kinda syn-whatchamacallit that Sorcha's doing Fiddler on the Roof for Rick. I'm playing his treasured old guitar in a production of "Cabaret", a show that is fun and naughty on the surface and at the same time deals with some very profound questions about human nature. And the guitar chords and timing are completely @#$%^&*!!! I'm just trying to figure out all the G-flat-minus-13-squared and the 7/64 rests and all that...figuring out what chords to skip or simplify and still keep the beat... show opens Thursday and I'm just gonna do it the best I can for Rick.

"Start by admitting: from cradle to grave
Isn't a long long way;
Life is a cabaret, old chum
Only a cabaret, old chum
And I love a cabaret."

Love
Bill

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: The O'Meara
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 07:53 AM

You may have good men, but you'll never have better
Glory-o, Glory-o ....

O'Meara

Subject: Lyr Add: A MAN'S A MAN FOR A' THAT
From: Pied Piper
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 07:55 AM

Is there for honesty poverty
That hings his head, an' a' that;
The coward slave--we pass him by,
We dare be poor for a' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Our toils obscure an' a' that,
The rank is but the guinea's stamp,
The man's the gowd for a' that.
What though on hamely fare we dine,
Wear hoddin grey, an' a' that?
Gie fools their silks, and knaves their wine,
A man's a man for a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
Their tinsel show, an' a' that,
The honest man, tho' e'er sae poor,
Is king o' men for a' that.
Ye see yon birkie ca'd a lord,
Wha struts, an' stares, an' a' that;
Tho' hundreds worship at his word,
He's but a coof for a' that.
For a' that, an' a' that,
His ribband, star, an' a' that,
The man o' independent mind
He looks an' laughs at a' that.
A prince can mak a belted knight,
A marquis, duke, an' a' that,
But an honest man's aboon his might,
Gude faith, he maunna fa' that!
For a' that, an' a' that,
Their dignities an' a' that,
The pith o' sense, an' pride o' worth,
Are higher rank than a' that.
Then let us pray that come it may,
(As come it will for a' that,)
That Sense and Worth, o'er a' the earth,
Shall bear the gree, an' a' that,
For a' that, an' a' that,
It's coming yet for a' that,
That man to man, the world o'er,
Shall brithers be for a' that.
PP

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 07:55 AM

So sad, so sorry. I always enjoyed reading his posts.

My heart felt condolences.

Gary

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: JennyO
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:02 AM

All I knew of Rick Fielding was what he posted, a few photos, and what other people said about him. I don't even play the guitar.

Yet when I saw this thread at the top, I cried. Such is the power of the Mudcat. The love and respect that this community has shown for him demonstrates very clearly that here was one extraordinary human being, and I felt a sense of great loss.

Sorry I never met you this time around Rick. I will raise a glass to you.

Jenny


PARTING GLASS

Of all the money that e'er I spent
I've spent it in good company
And all the harm that e'er I've done
I swear it was to none but me
And all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all

If I had money enough to spend
And leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town
And she surely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips
I own she has my heart enthralled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be to you all

Of all the comrades that e'er I had
They're sorry for my going away
And all the sweethearts that e'er I had
They'd wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and softly call
Good night and joy be to you all

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Brian Hoskin
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:11 AM

He was a large part of the heart, the soul, the wisdom and the humour of the Mudcat, this place will never feel quite the same again.

Brian

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Giac
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:14 AM

Love and hugs to you, Heather. I am sorrowful.

Mary

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Strollin' Johnny
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:14 AM

Never met Rick except through this Forum and through his music. A giant amongst musicians, the world will be a worse place without you Rick. Condolences and best wishes to family and friends.

JB

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Charley Noble
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 08:46 AM

Well, so much for normal posting and normal chores. I think I'll meditate for a while.

Pastures of memories,
Sifting through life's mysteries,
Golden cows and butterflies,
All on a summer's day.

Peace,
Charlie Ipcar

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 09:01 AM

He has helped shape the entire Mudcat community as surely as he helped shaped so many of the lives around him.

A good man's good legacy.

Heather, I sincerely hope you find contentment in your memories when the grieving time is over.

Dani

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Barbara Shaw
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 09:08 AM

Dear Heather,

I'm so sorry to hear about Rick. Kept hoping it was not true and wishing he was secretly getting better. May you take comfort in knowing how many of us mourn with you. He was a wonderful man and together you were a wonderful couple. I will treasure the memories of your two visits to our house in Branford and remember the joy of those jams and those hilarious conversations over pancake breakfasts.

The next few months will be difficult for you, but time of course makes it easier, despite how it may feel today. Life is hard for the living, and we can only be grateful that Rick's trials are over. No one knows what happens in the next stage, so we carry on and rejoice in the legacy our loved ones have left behind.

Rick left a "lifetime's worth of song" as he said in his Sing With The Angels. We can continue to hear his beautiful voice and musicianship in his recordings and even hear his voice in the postings that Mudcat has recorded for posterity.

Comfort and love to you.

Barbara and Frank

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: katlaughing
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 09:20 AM

A little bit of what Rick himself once said about the Mudcat:

Reading Quentin Crisp's books "The Naked Civil Servant" and "How to Become a Virgin". I realized (in a sort of blinding flash) that I could stop beating myself up for not being ambitious, and that there can be a LOT of fun in living the life of an under achiever.

Mudcat...It's helped me learn SO much about human behaviour (mine as well as others') that I can hardly believe it.

Cheers

Rick

Some "under achiever," huh? The tears still come...

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Bat Goddess
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 09:31 AM

I don't know what can be said that hasn't already been said here.

How many ways can one say, "I wish we'd had more time . . . and time to meet in person instead of PMs and posts . . . more time, more time . . ."

Heather, our heartfelt sympathy and thoughts go out to you and yours. What you have held close to your heart is never gone. (Not that that makes it any easier.)

Much love,
Linn

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,maryrrf (at work)
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 09:35 AM

Oh, this is sad news. I can't add more than what has already been said, but although I never met him personally I too feel the loss.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Áine
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 09:42 AM

Dear Heather,

I was coming home from visiting the inlaws yesterday when I heard this song -- and I thought of Rick and everything that he means to myself and all his friends. My thoughts are with you now, and Rick will be in my heart for the rest of my life.

All the best, Áine

Only him or me
by Townes Van Zandt

Don't go saying I'm leaving you
thinking I never got close enough to stay
time runs in, and then runs out
starts again and it's always been that way
you're gonna drown tomorrow
if you cry to many tears for yesterday
tomorrow's half of all you've got
so treat him good, 'cause when I'm gone, he'll stay

I won't be forgetting you
you won't be forgetting me, I know
if memory comes a summer cloud
rains her sweetness down to me below
I see you like you look right now
maybe wonder why I had to go
but heaven is the way she is
rain falls and rivers flow

So here's to feelin' good
here's to feelin' bad
here's to bein' thankful
sorry for the pleasures that we had
and autumn days and window panes
God, forgive us if you feel decieved
the clock don't know you like I do
and it's only him or me you got to believe

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Steve Parkes
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 09:48 AM

I never met Rick, but I shall miss his words on the Mudcat.

Steve

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Little Neophyte
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 09:59 AM

Heather my heart goes out to you.

I am one of the fortunate ones to have had Rick as a teacher.
He is still my teacher for his lessons were so rich that I will be absorbing them throughout the years.

Thank you Rick
I am deeply grateful for your wisdom, compassion and encouragement.

Love Bonnie

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,deanc
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 10:06 AM

I met Rick a couple of times at the Getaway, but mostly I admired him from afar. He was a wonderful musician, but more than that he was a wonderful man - the kind of guy one could aspire to be.

One of the time I met him I was suffering from a migraine. I mentioned it to him, and he commiserated with me that he also suffered from migraines. It seemed that just talking about it for a couple minutes helped quite a bit. In retrospect, I don't know if he actually suffered from migraines - thought I think he did - but he was the kind of person who might have said he did if he thought it would help.

Rick is admired, he is missed, he is remembered.

Dean Clamons

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Clifton53
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 10:29 AM

Never got to meet him, but he went out of his way for me via e-mail and snail mail, and I admired his musical skill and talent, and was impressed by his kindness, and thought his love and knowledge of baseball was argument-worthy, and would love one more time read his words.

So long Minoso, God rest

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: InOBU
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 10:31 AM

Fare thee well gentle Friend, as we pause now to remember thee
For thy courage and wisdom thee shared so generously
For the gifts thee offered with such kind humility
All who knew thee will always think kindly of thee

Though quiet and gentle thy life was a lesson for all
Ne'r seeking credit yet answering each needy call
giving time and wisdom steadfastly showing a way
Though now gone to thy rest, thee will be in our hearts every day

Rick, you will never be far away from us, and Heather, you are always in our hearts, Larry

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Dave (the ancient mariner)
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 10:35 AM

Nice sentiments Bill. I heard Rick play many years ago in Montreal He was a great musician. Sorry to hear of his passing.My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Yours, Aye. Dave

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Fortunato
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 11:31 AM

To Heather, et al.

    Sunday afternoon, after learning that Rick had crossed over, I sat playing my guitar with Susette. Rick was in the background of my mind. As I came to the guitar break, I began to play things I had not played before and I found myself reaching for new notes, new combinations, and new tones. Then Rick came clearly into my mind. I felt he was informing my playing and lending me some of his great skill. It was an uncanny and yet strong and collaborative feeling.

    Heather, I want you to know that you remain in my thoughts, as will Rick, always. I hope to see you at the Getaway. And if you ever decide to come to Washington, DC, you have a place to stay with us. Keep in touch.

With sympathy and love,

Chance and Susette Shiver

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Glen Reid
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 11:53 AM

About 10 or 12 years ago Rick wrote this gosple song and with his blessings, I sang it to the packed congregation of St. Andrews, Presbyterian church in Burk's Falls.
Rick and I had done a concert together in this same church a few weeks previously, so these folks certainly knew of and appreciated the man and the song.
I know it tickled Rick to have his tune done in front of a live Christian audience and I gave him a copy of the taped performance.
After hearing the sad news yesterday I dug out the tape and listened, for the first time in all these years.
Tears flowed freely from one who never cries.Tears for the old friend I'll never see again, but tears also of optomism and hope, that were clearly written in the words of his song.
He's definately working a new gig and still singing a song.
Love always
Glen

Chorus:
I'm gonna sing with the angels, when my time comes around
This life is just rehersal, till I'm heaven bound
I'll be well prepared to take my place, with harmony and rhyme
And I'll sing with the angels, when its time.

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Amos
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 11:57 AM

Chance:

A beautiful gracenote to a sad thread.

I woke up this morning with Rick on my mind again; he has been on my mind every few minutes since I first opened this thread in disbelief. I keep casting about trying to detect his presence, catching glimmers, but mostly having to reconcile the fact that he won't be there to laugh and make me laugh, to advise and enlighten on arcane musical issues, to teach me to play the five-string banjo someday, a joy I had always promised myself. Aw, shit.

I know he's flying high and grinning wide. I just wish I could jump out of my skin for a minute and do it with him.

A

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: GUEST,Rana
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 12:28 PM

I haven't post for a couple of years. Rick introduced me to Mudcat and so it seems appropriate to offer my condolences here - I have already e-mailed Heather privately.

This is a sad loss, not only for Toronto but the whole world folk community. A fine performer, a great knowledge in many things and above all a fine and wonderful person, who'll always be remembered.

Rana

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Amos
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 12:29 PM

And -- my last addendum to this thread -- every time I put my attention on Rick now, all I hear back is the echo of his infectious laughter, writ very, very large.

A

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 12:53 PM

Like others I too never met him, and now alas never will, but I can still miss him, and that I'll do. He was a force in folk music, and now he may become (to quote another Dylan Thomas line) 'The force that through the green fuse drives the flower'
My love to you Heather in this difficult time.
John

Subject: RE: Rick Fielding's passing.
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 22 Mar 04 - 12:57 PM

So many songs , so little time.
He will live on in our hearts and memories.
Our love to Heather and all the family.
Jane and Geoff