2005 Obit: Chris Gorniak

Subject: RE: 2005 Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 29 Mar 20 - 07:45 PM

In 2005 I made a point of taking a video of the last Middle Bar sing by Chris . Blessed and Bye Bye Rosiana. His "thank you all my friends that's the last time I will sing for you" was brave and moving for all. I gave a copy to Pam thinking at a raw time perhaps later for Oliver as an adult. I could put clips on the Middle Bar thread but only if Oliver or Pam contacted me first. Chris was an inspiration to me and many. I recall our Navy photographer with so many shots obscuring my view with endless clicks, perhaps we could see the photos as well ?

Subject: RE: 2005 Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: My guru always said
Date: 29 Mar 20 - 05:52 AM

Oli, Richard Atkins has a video of Chris singing at his last Middle Bar, I'm sure we could get it to you on disc via your Mum. xx

Subject: RE: 2005 Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 29 Mar 20 - 05:11 AM

Hi Oli - I remember you with your father in the Whitby festival lunchtime singarounds that Jim Mageean ran in the Endeavour with Rod Shearman (now with Graeme Knights) and with your mother at the Wareham Wail.

I'll bring this thread to the attention of the Sidmouth Anchor Middle Bar Singers, as I suspect some of them will have recordings of your Dad.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Mr Red
Date: 29 Mar 20 - 02:56 AM

We remember him. Thanks for the prompt. No recording I'm afraid. Our paths only crossed at festivals.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,Oliver Gorniak
Date: 29 Mar 20 - 12:31 AM

Hello all,
I'm Chris' youngest son, Oliver. I'm not sure if this will reach people after so many years, but I felt I had to post, having only just found this thread.
Having read through the posts, it is incredibly touching to see such wonderful memories shared. It still amazes me how many people were affected by my father's somewhat larger than life personality! Certainly, a good portion of my own memories are from the underside of a table in some pub or another, with his booming voice ringing out around me in chorus.
If possible, and if anyone has them, I would greatly appreciate any recordings of my father singing people may have. I have some already, of him singing with Capstan Full Strength, but more would always be appreciated.
Wishing you all well, and with many thanks,
Oli

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: SussexCarole
Date: 31 Dec 05 - 03:42 PM

Love and hugs from us both Gwyneth

Carole & Andrew xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Selchie - (RH)
Date: 31 Dec 05 - 12:09 PM

My thoughts are with you Gwyneth, anniversaries & birthdays of a lost loved one are the most empty, sad times.

All your friends will be thinking of you & remembering Chris with love.

Rosie

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Morticia
Date: 31 Dec 05 - 10:42 AM

Refresh.......my love and hugs to Gwyneth on this sad anniversary.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Gervase
Date: 26 May 05 - 11:44 AM

Nicely put, Dave.
To refresh again, if anyone wasn't able to download the file of Chris singing Blessed Quietness, they can hear him singing it on a streaming MP3 file at www.ic-musicmedia.com/Middle_Bar_Singers .

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Cllr
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 12:42 PM

thanks for that dave well put.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Dave Earl
Date: 11 Apr 05 - 11:26 AM

Yes I did lead in Blessed Quietness on Easter Sunday.

For two reasons.

Firstly it has always been a b****y good song that many of us have enjoyed singing for goodness knows haow many years and I wanted to give it another outing.

Secondly it was the last song we heard Chris sing (At his own funeral from the recording he had made) and as so many of his friends were at Miskin it seemed appropriate to remember Chris.

Although it now seems to have become a Middle Bar "Standing Chorus" song and I think we always think of Chris when this song is sung. I promise to try not to do too often so as not to detract from what the song now means to us.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Andy Jackson
Date: 09 Apr 05 - 07:37 AM

I have just found this site also, and what a pleasure it was to read . Thank you Jessame for sharing the photos with us all. We "folkies" do indeed, think of ourselves as an extended family with very firm connections. To be able to join with a departed friend's family to pay our last respects is a priviledge indeed. Although sadly I was unable to be with you on that important day, like others my thoughts are frequently with Chris and I sing a particular song in his memory often.
Kindest regards to you all.

Andy

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: nutty
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 04:11 PM

It's good to hear from you, James.

There is something about folk music that draws people together in a great extended family.

I only met your father once but was saddened by his death. He was a man who seemed to live life to the full and really came alive when he was singing.

Although I didn't know him well I still cherish that memory of him.

The spirit that finds music here
Will live forever in the air
Si Khan

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Cllr
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 12:57 PM

Blessed quietness was led by Breton cap in Chris's memory on Easter Sunday at Miskin festival it was a standing chorus, the Gospel session was led by John Heslop Kathy wallace(cats) Chris Wenham (phot) and myself. itwas a lovely moment.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Morticia
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 12:52 PM

Glad you found us James, we all thought the world of your dad but then, he was an easy man to love.I think of him often and wondered how you all were doing...stay in touch,won't you?

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 08:49 AM

James, it's great that you looked in here. A long way off it may be, but I for one still think of him most days. His rendition of 'Blessed Quietness' is on my MP3 player and a picture of him singing it along with myself, Morticia, Cllr Mike Gibson and Annoying Roger is on my blotter. There is no chance he'll slip quietly from memory.

Whenever it gets overwhelming, you're welcome to post here, there's nearly always a sympathetic ear or an anecdote of his doings....

Take care.

LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: MBSLynne
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 08:10 AM

And James....while we are all getting together and singing, Chris will always be with us, along with the others who have gone

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,Chris' Son (James)
Date: 08 Apr 05 - 08:05 AM

Hello all. I know it was a long while off now but only just found out about the site. If anyone is still visiting these posts I would like to say you have no idea how totally humbling and touching it is to read all of the posts. I myself had no idea how many people knew my father and it brings a tear to know that so many were/are thinking of him. I'm glad he had so many amazing people around him when the Cancer finally got the better of him. He will certainly never be forgotten.

P.s. I notice a number of comments from various people about needing recordings etc onto CD. I have the techno @ work and if anyone needs anything at all, please feel free to contact me at the following [e-mail].

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 25 Jan 05 - 11:17 AM

Yes, all fixed now. Thanks for letting us see your photos.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,Jessamy
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 03:35 PM

Thanks for letting me know.
Please do try again. I think it is fixed now.

Love jessamy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 24 Jan 05 - 04:45 AM

Thanks Jessamy, but you haven't enabled the public to view your albums- there's a setting you need to change on your Yahoo albums.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,Jessamy
Date: 23 Jan 05 - 05:17 PM

If anyone wishes to see photos of the day - mainly family I'm afraid... The link is ...

http://photos.yahoo.com/jessamy99

Enjoy!

With love
Jessamy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,Jessamy
Date: 21 Jan 05 - 06:01 PM

Thankyou Liz,

my email is [e-mail]

Do send me any links to that address.
Also anyone know of a folk group near Hemel Hempstead that I could join? It was my new year resolution to take up singing again...

Love jessamy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 04:29 PM

Jessamy - I have Emailed Gervase who has access to the Middle Bar Singers site where the MP3 is, hopefully he'll be able to help you.

LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,His sister Jessamy
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 02:19 PM

Hi everyone.

I want to thank you all for the wonderful things you have posted here.
Xopher was the last of my immediate family really, and I will miss him dreadfully, although I sense him around still.

Please send me the link of file of him singing Blessed Peace.
I loved it in the church.

Once again thankyou to all of you.
The family just loved the festival that sent him off in true style.

With love
Jessamy.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,Moose
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 02:04 PM

As one of the most recent members of Capstan Full Strength, I am sorry to say I only met Chris twice. Both these occasions were within the last year, and he was unfailingly generous, complimentary and interested. It was a privilege to be allowed to sing with the crew at Chris' funeral on Monday, and to witness such warmth, sincerity and depth of feeling. I intend to be part of his living legacy for years to come.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Schantieman
Date: 20 Jan 05 - 05:47 AM

Thanks, Alan.

..er, yes, I meant gobsmacked.

S

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: alanww
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 02:56 PM

For those who unfortunately couldn't get to the funeral - yes Suffolk is a very long way from almost anywhere - the church was packed and both the funeral and wake went off smoothly.
About twenty Mudcatters, ten Shellback Chorus, twenty Middle Bar Singers, all five Navy Cut, all six Capstan Full Strength and many other individual folkies managed to get there to pay our respects. Thank you everyone. I know Gwynneth appreciated the fact that there was such a strong attendance.
If anyone who was not able to attend would like to read the oration I did for Chris, please let me know. If they PM me their email addresss, I will be happy to send it to them as a Word file.
"He abides with us for ever!"
Alan
BTW for the record, Chris's school friend was Laurie Palmer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Schantieman
Date: 19 Jan 05 - 08:08 AM

A wonderful send-off. I thought Alan's and Gervase's bits were excellent, and the reading about the trip to Greece by Chris's school friend (whose name I, sadly, didn't get) was absolutely splendid. I suspect the vicar, and one or two of Chris's non-folky friends must have been gobsmaked.

A good sing at Earl Soham later on too.

Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 04:17 PM

Trust Chris to get the last bloody song!!

LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: MBSLynne
Date: 18 Jan 05 - 02:59 AM

Gervase and Alan ww both did a wonderful job of the bits they read and said (as did the others). Hearing Chris's voice singing "Blessed Quietness" at his own funeral was almost surreal and very moving. I was just glad I was able to be there

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 06:57 PM

Johnny Collins told me it was standing room only, and that, thanks to the video of the MBS reunion, Chris sang Blessed Quietness at his own funeral. With big harmonies from the congregation. Thanks guys - sorry I couldn't make it.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 05:32 PM

It was truly a memorable day... the service was over an hour long, but despite the freezing church, we didn't notice it. There were songs, tears, laughs and surprises...

It was indeed a privilege to know Chris, but even after knowing him for something like 10-12 years, I learned more about him today than I ever did before.

The 'do' afterwards was, as you would imagine, full of songs, anecdotes and tunes. He was sung home in proper style, and will be sorely missed.

Thank you ColK for making it possible for me to be there.

LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 17 Jan 05 - 12:31 PM

Unable to get to the funeral but turned the radio off in the car and sang a few for Chris!

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 16 Jan 05 - 01:37 PM

Hope you all have a safe journey and give our Chris a good send off.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: the lemonade lady
Date: 15 Jan 05 - 12:31 PM

Steve says that Theresa Tooley was planning to come but will be unable to do so as her son is ill. She sends her thoughts.

We'll be staying Sunday and Monday nights.

See you all on Monday.

Sally and The Schantieman.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST
Date: 14 Jan 05 - 12:30 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: GUEST,Gervase
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 04:20 AM

Some people have asked if they can hear the MP3 of Chris singing Blessed Quietness. The MBS site is members only, but I can email the file to you (as well as his superb A Folksinger Cut Down, also recorded at the Middle Bar Singers' winter reunion last February) if you message me with your email address (files have been slimmed down to about two and a half meg apeice).

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: billybob
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 08:50 PM

we have fond memories of Chris at the Walton on Naze festivals, we cannot be there on Monday , but will have you in our thoughts.Best wishes to Gwynneth
Wendy and Bill

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: billybob
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 08:31 PM

we have fond memories of Chris at the Walton on Naze festivals, we cannot be there on Monday , but will have you in our thoughts.Best wishes to Gwynneth
Wendy and Bill

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 08:27 PM

Thanks to Guru for for the Photo Link. My pics of The Wendy House had to be seen, after Phots mention of that happy time. I gather Gwynneth would like to have photos of Cris, Phot will have the best ones. However my thoghts are for the memory of a special gentleman who will be missed by myself and so many others. I will be there for the farewell.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: alanww
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 07:38 PM

Hello All
I am now back online and I am glad to see so many positive comments about my dear mate, Chris, in this thread. Thank you everyone.
Given the distances involved, Sandy & I and Derek & Mary are intending to go up on Sunday 16 Jan, to stay at the local Travelodge (at the very reasonable price of £26 per family room per night!), to go to the funeral and wake on Monday 17 Jan and to leave on the morning of Tuesday 18 Jan. Other than Steve & Sally, who have already said that they will be staying over, is anyone else likely to be staying for the Monday evening/night? I can supply further details of this cheap accommodation, if requested.
Also, does anyone have any photos or recordings of Chris singing which they could let Gwynneth have? No rush for this but she would obviously be very grateful for anything.
In addition, if anyone has any anecdotes or memories of interesting or amusing occasions involving Chris I would be very interested asap please.
BTW, when I spoke to Gwynneth tonight she said she was fairly relaxed about the dress code for the funeral - wear what you will feel comfortable in (but she does not expect everyone to turn up in Middle Bar or Shellback Chorus t-shirts!).
"He abides with us for ever!"
Alan

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 05:23 PM

I humbly apologise for my mistaken posting. Best wishes, Mike.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 01:12 PM

That is not funny on a friend who has not even been laid to rest yet.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 01:02 PM

69

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Gervase
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 12:43 PM

Framsden Church, 12 for 12.30, and then Debenham Village Leisure Centre from 2pm.
You can find Framsden here, and Debenham is just two miles away.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Morticia
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 12:00 PM

just sent you an e-mail, Admiral

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: The Admiral
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 10:51 AM

Is there any confirmation of the times and venues for the funeral yet?

Tony

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Morticia
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 06:27 PM

Mick, you always know just the right thing to say, thank you my dear friend.

Idris and I will be there and should be able to offer a lift to those in need.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak (1 January 2005)
From: Big Mick
Date: 09 Jan 05 - 05:22 PM

I didn't know this gentle man, but clearly his voice will be easy to find among the many friends. God be good to him.

My sympathy to the family and friends,

Mick