2005 Obit: Chris Gorniak

Subject: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Gervase
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:19 AM

This is a thread I wish I didn't have to post, but thos who knew him knew it was coming.
Chris Gorniak died six hours into the New Year after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. His wife, Gwynneth, and son James were with him at home in Eye, Suffolk.
"Big Chris" was larger than life in so many ways, and so many people will know him from the English festival circuit - and particularly from Sidmouth and Towersey, that it's hard to know what to say.
Alan Whitbread - known to 'catters as allanww - was a great friend to Chris, particularly in the last few difficult weeks, and although he's offline at the moment, wanted to mark Chris's passing:
"What a wonderfully expressive singer Chris was and what a great friend and singing mentor to me.  I can hear him singing "Joys are flowing like a river" as I write this and I am sure you can hear him doing so as you read it.
When I was a not-very-fresh-faced singing virgin at the Middle Bar in Sidmouth in 1995, I sang my very first solo song, "Fathom the Bowl"  (patheically as I recall!).  It was Chris who came up to me afterwards and offered me an exta verse and words of encouragement and we have been close friends ever since, singing all over the country with the Shellback Chorus and setting up our own 6 person group, Navy Cut, which was just about to get going when his illness struck.  
Even though he became very weak and lost his rich, gravelly singing voice in the last few weeks, he never lost his love of singing.  Even last Tuesday when I visited him we listened to an old recording of the Menhaden Chantymen from Beaufort, North Carolina, with their wonderful rhythms and we whispered along with the choruses.  I shall cherish that memory.
Obviously it's a bit soon for details of funeral arrangements, but Alan or meself will post them as soon as we know. Meanwhile, if you knew Chris or ever had your heart lifted by his singing, spare a moment to hold him, Gwynneth and the rest of the family in your thoughts.
"...These shall pass onward when we are forgotten,
Only remembered for what we have done."

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Micca
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:39 AM

I too, wish I wasnt writing to this thread,a not unexpected event but one I hoped would be much further in the future than turnrd out to be the case He was a damned good singer and a really nice man, I knew him from his singing at Towersey and his encouragement with both my singing and songwriting was very helpful to me. He was a a songwriter also and His "General Woolfe's Batman" is hilarious.
A man that will be missed by his many friends
Micca and Khatt

"..on the stormy seas sleeping peacefully..

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Cllr
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:48 AM

Our thoughts are with gywnneth and their family, Chris was one of the first people I came to know in the middle bar at sidmouth.   hI will particularly remember his version of stormy it is one I will always hear him singing. We are thinking of him, Mike and Carol

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: LesB
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 11:50 AM

Chris will be much missed by his friends in Southport & our heart felt condolences go out to Gwynneth.
Les & Linda

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: JudeL
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 12:08 PM

He will be greatly missed & not just for his glorious voice.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: karen k
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 12:16 PM

I did not know Chris although I knew of him. I have several Shellback friends who were close friends and will be saddened by his passing and the difficult start to the new year. So while my thoughts will be with Gywnneth and James I will also be thinking of my friends as they go through this sad time. I hope they know who they are as I'm sure they will post here.

Go in peace Chris and keep on singing in your new world. I am sorry that I never got the chance to hear you.

karen k

We've got loved ones over yonder,
We've got loved ones over yonder,
We've got loved ones over yonder,
Over yonder's ocean.

Some bright day we'll go and see them,
Some bright day we'll go and see them,
Some bright day we'll go and see them,
Over yonder's ocean.

Won't that be a happy meeting,
Won't that be a happy meeting,
Won't that be a happy meeting,
Over yonder's ocean.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Lady Policeman
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 12:20 PM

Few could fill the void that Chris will leave. I don't think there has ever been a more moving occasion in The Anchor, Sidmouth than when Chris sang "Blessed Quietness" this summer. The chorus was sung with such emotion, it is a memory which will stay in our minds forever.Our hearts go out to Gwyneth and Chris' family and they can be assured that he will not be forgotten. Thanks Alan and Gervase for keeping us informed.
Bill and Kath

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: MBSLynne
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 12:32 PM

Words are hard to find......a larger than life character with a voice to match leaves a larger than life space.

I just keep remembering the song he wrote that won DG&D. It still makes me laugh to think of it, even today.

Love Lynne

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Phot
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 12:52 PM

Pixie and I were only talking of Chris the other day and wondering how he was, then a few hours ago we found out. I first met Chris in The Anchor at Sidmouth in the mid Eighties, and was immeadiatly struck by his warmth, humour, and his love for singing. I have never met anyone with such power in their voice as Chris, and it was allways so great to listen to. His sense of humour, and fun were infectious, and you could'nt help but join in! One of the fondest memories I have, is of the singaround in the Wendy House at the original venue of The Wareham Wail, how did we manage to fit 12 adults in somthing designed for kids?! Then when The Wail moved to the new venue, we had no Wendy House, no problem! Just use the back of my Landrover! After he had one lung removed, though a little short of breath, he was right back in the thick of it, voice booming and as resonant as ever, and always the love for the friends around him. A man who really was larger than life.

...."I'll gently rise, and softly call, goodnight, and joy be with you all"....

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 01:11 PM

Towersey and Wareham will be poorer places now. Lovely guy. A sad loss. I bet he's stirring up the winged ones into a few shanties!

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: pdcawley
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 02:30 PM

We went to visit Chris in Eye on Wednesday. Although he was awfully tired and ill, he wasn't giving up easily; he was still Chris and still enjoying himself with the time he had.

One of the last things he said to us as we left was "Tell everyone I'm not dead yet."

If only I could.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: GUEST,Roger Hayes
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 02:37 PM

Very sad. Another genuine and decent man gone.

I hope the Middle Bar Singers will raise a glass or tankard to his memory at their Reunion in the Spring.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Linda Kelly
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 02:52 PM

Sorry to hear this and I knew him by reputation only, but I know how much he meant to alanWW and the Shellbacks. Rest in peace

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Snuffy
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 03:22 PM

What a singer, and what a man. We shall miss him.

This afternoon Derek Droscher sang Ken Cockrell's Borneo (Song for Vic), a song that Chris made truly his own. The whole pub listened in silence to a wonderful tribute.

.. And pray for those in peril on the sea
And all my shipmates, gone before

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Selchie - (RH)
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 04:25 PM

I never met Chris Gorniak, but often heard how much he was loved & respected by all his friends.

A sad loss, after a long & brave fight against a cruel illness. My thoughts are with his wife, family & his friends in this dark time, especially the Shellbacks.

Peace after pain.

With Love

M

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Col K
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 05:51 PM

My thoughts go out to Gwynneth and James with the loss of Chris. He was a wonderful singer and person and he will be missed by all those who knew him.

Rest In Peace

Colin

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Gervase
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 06:13 PM

Just to refresh, I had a natter with Gwynneth this evening. She is, as can be imagined, knocked sideways by the whole bloody thing, but very grateful for all your kind thoughts. as - I'm sure - are all of his kids.
Anyway, the end, when it came, was as quiet and peaceful as anyone could wish.
He died at home, as was his wish, and as Gwynneth said, the end - some 12 hours after Chris quietly slipped into a coma - was almost an anti-climax, given the larger than life theatricality of his life. "He lay there breathing peacefully as we watched over him and, at six in the morning, he just stopped breathing - and that was it," she said.
Not that 2004 wasn't allowed to end without a typically Gorniak moment, however. As he was being fettled by a pair of nurses yesterday afternoon (both of them quite good looking, muttered Gwynneth through what, I'm sure, were gritted teeth...) Chris turned on the boyish charm and the roguish twinkle, and by the end had even melted the flinty heart of the district nurse on her rounds.
Anyway, everything's on hold for the moment while the various doctors and registrars drift back to work post New-Year and the necessary paperwork and arrangements are drawn up, but the hopes are that the funeral and celebration of Chris's life will take place the week after next in his beloved Suffolk - and hopefully involving two places to which he made a special contribution as an architect.
And, if one can be forgiven for drifting away from his musical life, Chris was a damned fine architect to whom Mid Suffolk owes a large debt of gratitude for the preservation of some of its fine old buildings. Long before I ever become a bore on the subject of lime and green timber in building renovation, Chris was there, and I fondly remember him chiding my greenhorn enthusiasm with the benefit of his huge experience. It's not just our traditional music that's lost a passionate friend but the very fabric of our land.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 06:18 PM

There are millions of words to express how sad this is.. I just can't think of any.

I can't even post the song I wrote for him, because the old computer ate it when it crashed.

LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: SINSULL
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 06:41 PM

I remember hearing about Chris at the Getaway last year and the concern all had for his health then. My condolences go out to his family - blood and otherwise. He can trust you to celebrate his life and carry on his traditions. How wonderful that he kept his eye for the ladies right to the end.
SINS

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 01 Jan 05 - 09:34 PM

I met Chris some twenty years ago,part of my introduction to folk. A wonderful man. Phot ,I am looking at the photo taken by me inside the Wendy House of Dear Chris on top form! My thoughts with Gwynneth Oliver and family.I wont forget the last song in The Middle Bar by Chris he smiled and said "thank you all my freinds thats the last time I can sing with you" Now a great loss to us all.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Morticia
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 02:54 AM

It's because of Chris that I sing in public at all.......he was the one who told me I could and should......I'm going to miss him very much.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: John Routledge
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 04:15 AM

Sad news indeed. Rest in Peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Skipper Jack
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 05:18 AM

Learning of this sad news, I immediately surfed the web to find out more about Chris. Because I have his name in my address book, and I couldn't remember why?

Then the information on the web brought it back home. He was a member of Capstan Full Strenght, and performed at The Mumbles Maritime Festival some years ago.

My sincere condolences to Chris' family from me and Baggyrinkle (Swansea Shantymen)

David Robinson

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: My guru always said
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 06:05 AM

So sorry to hear of Chris' passing, sending positive thoughts to Gwynneth & James, his family & friends.

Only met Chris a few times but it was obvious that he had a huge capacity for love and sharing in addition to a great sense of humour and that stunning voice. There was an incredible feeling of togetherness during his final song in the Middle Bar which will remain with all who shared that.

Am sure he is still with us all in spirit and memories.
Hil

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: 8_Pints
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 08:21 AM

Derek Seed has a wonderful photograph of him leading the Shellback Chorus at Enkhuizen, Holland last year. It would be fitting tribute to post a web-link to it I think.

RIP Chris,

Bob & Sue vG

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: fiddler
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 09:38 AM

I cna ony say - sad - and add my thoughts to those above.

i keep my walking and camping matches in a tobacco box Chris gave me one rainy day in the Anchor when I hardly knew him! He and it will be with me always.

Andy

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 12:08 PM

Have just returned home and picked up this very sad news. There will be a large hole in the Middle Bar this year.

Best wishes to Gwyneth and family.

Love

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Verna
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 12:57 PM

Now we live in Ireland we have not seen Chris much in the last 18 months.

However there will be a big hole in the Shells as well as the Middle Bar.

Rest in Peace.

Verna and Ray

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Noreen
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 02:49 PM

Chris was such a positive force, it's so difficult to imagine he's not going to be around any more.

He influenced so many lives for the better and he wasn't for leaving us, right up to the end.

We'll have a wonderful send-off for him, with as many songs, stories and friends there as possible.

So many happy memories.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 04:27 PM

Any news on funeral details/memorial pissups please?

LTS

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: mary poppins
Date: 02 Jan 05 - 04:52 PM

It was with great sadness that I heard Chris Gorniak had passed on.
He was a decent individual, a fine architect, and an outstanding folk singer.
I had the privilege to have known Chris for about eighteen years and first encountered him
at a small but superbly organised village festival he founded in Framsden , where he lived for many years.
Chris had a bon viveur character and enjoyed nothing more than a good singaround session. Anyone who heard him sing 'Twankydillo' or 'Pleasant and Delightful', or any of his comprehensive repertoire of folk songs, would have been impressed and moved by the power and richness of tone of his voice and the ability make the listener believe they were actually involved in the song.
I had the good fortune to sing with Chris for many years as a member of the shanty choir 'Capstan Full Strength', which we co-founded. It was his enthusiasm and mentoring which inspired me to sing in public, so I am forever in his debt.
Also an enthusiastic member of Shellbacks, Navy Cut and latterly (with one lung) LT42,
Chris was unstoppable in his passion to do what he liked to do best of all – SING…!

To see a picture of Chris in action and good health (he's on the right)
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/capstanfullstrength/index.html


Speaking for Capstan Full Strength - deepest sympathies go to his wife Gywnneth, and sons Jamie and Oliver

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: DG&D Dave
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 08:14 AM

We can only add our greatest thanks to Chris for his contributions to the Doom Gloom and Despondancy sessions. Winning in 1996, as mentioned earlier by HergaKitty, with "A Folksinger Cut Down", probably the best 'silly' song we ever had, and for performing as M/C since 1998.

Whilst we feel a great sense of loss, We can only look back on the joy he has given us over the years.

Dave and Fiona.

... No sad farewells, there'll be no tear dimmed eyes, where all is joy and peace and love ...

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Gervase
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 09:14 AM

Funferal and wake now looking to be either next Monday (10th of January) or the following Monday - all will be clearer tomorrow.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 11:02 AM

Though I did not know Chris anything like as well as many of the above writers, I can only echo what they've said - big man, big sense of humour even when being irritable with those who dared to laugh in DG&D, big personality and most of all, big voice!
I was there at Sidmouth when he and we all sang "Blessed Quietness" in a very unquiet way, and was delighted to hear it again via Gervase's technology in the MBS group: his voice lives on.
TB

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Tony Day
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 01:17 PM

I can't remember when Chris first came into the Middle Bar, but it is a very long time ago - probably twenty years. Alan Whitbread and Mike Gibson have both testified that he was already part of the furniture when they arrived, anyway. He was a welcome member of the Bench driving team before his illness, and added humour and imagination to our sessions as well as rather a lot of welly!

My abiding memory will be of Reunion 2004, when he joined us with such gusto and good spirits. Thankfully we have sound and visual records on the MBS site to refresh our memories of Chris - not that anyone could ever forget him!

We will want to make a tribute to him at Reunion this February, but he would have hated a minute's silence or anything prolonged or morbid. And anyway, it is with huge pleasure that we will always think of him, is it not? Ideas, please, especially from those who knew him best?

Tony

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Barb'ry
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 01:28 PM

Is it possible to hear the link from the MBS? It would be lovely to be able to do so.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: GUEST,The Admiral & Mrs at home...
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 01:54 PM

We can't add anything to what has been said before other than to say that Chris was a huge and rumbustious character who has fought every inch to the end and will be sorely missed in the Barn at Towersey. Our thoughts are with the family, Alan W and the others who were with him in the last hours. We have some wonderful memories to keep him alive though the years...

'Old Stormy loved a Sailors song,
His voice was rough and tough and strong'

Tony and Pearl

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 02:17 PM

Although I only met Chris two years ago I took to him immediately and would hope to be counted amongst his friends. He was indeed a larger than life character and I'm sure his presence will be with us for many years to come. My love and thoughts to Gwynneth. I doubt we willbe able to make the funeral but be sure we shall raise a glass to Chris.
jane and geoff

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: MoorleyMan
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 03:36 PM

I just got online again after the break to find this and I'm deeply saddened too. Compared to many fellow Catters, I didn't know Chris all that well except through the Shellbacks, but I remember him as a great guy and a damned fine singer. But I'd wondered why I'd not seen him around of late and had no knowledge of his illness. We've lost too many of the good guys this past twelve months. My thoughts too go out to Gwynneth and James. RIP Chris.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: GUEST,Com Seangan
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 03:46 PM

I am sorry that I had not known this man or even heard of hi. But the tributes are so touching. Maybe one of you who knew the man personally, could make a print out of this thread. I am sure it would mean so much to his wife and family at this time to know he was held in such esteem. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sé.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: GUEST,Andy Jackson
Date: 03 Jan 05 - 04:31 PM

Our Chris - a fine man, a fine friend of 20 plus years. A very sad loss. Our hearts are full of thoughts of Gwneth, Pam, Ollie and all the family. He gave so much to us all and asked for nothing in return.
Andy, Jillie and Toby

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Dave Earl
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 05:54 AM

I was saddened to hear the news. I first met Chris in the Middle Bar in 1997 (my first and wettest full week in Sidmouth).

In true Middle Bar fashion when the "Twig" came round to me I was invited to sing by those in the room and when I had finished the song Chris was one of the first to offer encouragement.

Over the years he became a good friend whose singing I always enjoyed. His rendition of Blessed Quietness at the MBS reunion in 2004 was really excellent and the image of him in full flight with his Middle Bar friends joining in will be with me forever.

The last song I heard him sing was his contribution to "Darzit" night last August when he sang "Will he wear 'em" (Willie Wareham.

Goodbye Chris.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 06:47 AM

Tony,
Re a fitting tribute to Chris: I put a humble suggestion on the MBS messages, i.e. get together a list of songs he used to sing (or enjoyed others singing) and devote part of the reunion to singing 'em. Further suggestion: get someone with the techno to record it, burn a CD and sell it to MBSers and others in aid of Cancer Research. (However the latter might involve getting various permissions)
Trish

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 01:58 PM

Chris was a gentleman who i am pleased to have known over the many years i went to Sidmouth in the Middle Bar,he took a liking to my son Toby and we often had a conversation over a pint of beer.
Rest in peace now Chris.
Yas Jackson

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: treaties1
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 05:16 PM

Only just got the sad news, Love and hugs Gwynneth and James. Another good man gone, but never forgotten by those who loved him, and his singing and singing with him
I will be there for his send off if at all possible. Theresa

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: GUEST,Seaking
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 06:10 PM

I first met Chris in the early 80's in my parents' pub in Debenham Suffolk and we all remember the impression this big likable man left on us. I am forever grateful to him for his encouragement to me to go to my first Sidmouth in 1997 and will never forget seeing in the new millennium with Pauline and our children at his Framsden home. Thanks for adding to some great memories Chris.

Our thoughts now are with Gwynneth, Ollie and all the family.

Chris, Pauline, Brian and Mo.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Noreen
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 06:51 PM

Just been on phone to Gwynneth, funeral has been arranged for Monday 17th January.
Further details will be announced when more precision is possible, but formal stuff will start midday-ish, with everybody welcome at Framsden church (then family only to the crematorium) with a chance for lots of singing and remembering of Chris afterwards.

Thought you'd like to know that Chris is dressed in three t-shirts: Capstan Full Strength, Shellbacks and his yellow Middle Bar t-shirt.

(A happy picture of Chris is on the Capstan Full Strength Crew page.)

Noreen

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: GUEST,Steve Head
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 07:55 AM

Over the years,I bumped into Chris at various festivals, Sidmouth, Walton on the Naze and I'm pretty certain at Whitby as well. He was always cheerful and friendly and I regret not seeing him at Sidmouth
last year.

Goodbye Chris

Steve

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: Cats at Work
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 09:55 AM

It's taken a lot of hard thought to find something to say that doesn't sound trite. I don't think we've done that now. Jon and I go back a long way with Chris. Yes, we have seen him at festivals all over the country and heard him sing too. We know the power of his voice, how it could move you to tears of joy or laughter or of pain. We also know the side of Chris that would give you his last penny if you needed it. We've raised the glass and now we raise our voices. Thanks for being you, Chris. We'll miss you.   Be at peace with the very best of singers who have gone before.

Subject: RE: Obit: Chris Gorniak
From: GUEST,Mr Red
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 10:51 AM

Oh well. I tried to get 'catters to e-mail him but the thread (even without publishing addresses) was pulled. He did go to a few festivals after and he told me he liked the idea. It is times like that you need cheering-up. Even though he was always (apparently) positive.

Maybe the firmament needs a bit of new architecture.