2005 Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 02:13 PM

He was better than the play, and will be much missed.

It seems hardly any time at all since his hilarious 60th birthday party last year.

Deepest sympathy to Linda, Peter and rest of family.

Kitty

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Raedwulf
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 02:18 PM

It seems I was lucky - I did meet him once. I shan't meet him again. RIP.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: jacqui.c
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 02:35 PM

I, too, have been expecting yet dreading this thread. It's hard to accept that such a powerful character is gone, but he will live on in the hearts and minds of all those who had even a passing acquaintance with him.

I wil wear my Avril Betts Award Mudcat badge with pride in remembrance of a lovely man.

Deepest sympathies Linda and Dave. I'll be over in December Linda, hope we can get together while I'm there.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 02:36 PM

Oh shit. Like Bonnie, I kind of knew this news was coming but shifted it out of my mind. He was a good man to have known. Keep strong, Essex Girl. Hold on to the memories of a fine singer and a good laugh. RIP Dave, you're gone too soon.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 02:41 PM

Never met Dave but feel as if I did God Bless

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Peace
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 02:44 PM

Rest well, Dave. Rest well.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Little Robyn
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 02:55 PM

Condolances from New Zealand.
Too many good folk leaving.
Goodnight, goodnight, goodnight.
Robyn

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: catspaw49
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 03:14 PM

Back in '98 this place was just another place on the net and although we knew each other, the joint was pretty cold and dank, whatever ta' hell dank means. The great joy over the next few years was the growth in spirit of community and the love and friendships established here. But with that dose of reality came the accompanying dose of the hard truth.......and we had to take it all.

This place is as real as we allow it to be and for many of us the pain of loss for so many wonderful friends both met and unmet has been tough to deal with. I have weaned myself away in an effort to shield myself from the hurt but time seems to make no difference and the pain doesn't care. Dave made us better and his death lessens our community. And so was the case with the wise LR Mole and ornery Little John.......or of Mary Giac and her ribald good humor and Rick Fielding's passion for life.

We shall all miss you Dave and our best thoughts are of course with you Linda. So long Dave, it's been good ta' know ya'!.........and it really has!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Cats
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 03:16 PM

One of life's real guys. He will be missed. We'll raise a glass and sing a song for you, Dave.
Cats & Jon

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Ron Davies
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 04:28 PM

"And his bonnie sense of humor shone just like a ray of sun".

It shone through on Mudcat to a lot of us who never were fortunate enough to meet him.

What a shame he's gone.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Susanne (skw)
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 05:08 PM

Rest in peace, Dave, and give the heavenly folk club a boost! I'm glad I met you (and heard you sing) for the first and only time at Hull Mudgathering last year. At Stansted, actually, because you and Linda were so kind as to give Wolfgang and me a lift up to Hull. A most entertaining drive! I'd have loved to meet you again, but it wasn't meant to be. I hope your death saved you a lot of suffering, and my thoughts are with Linda and all who were close to you.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,Mick & Sue Forde
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 06:20 PM

Our Condolences to Linda and brother Peter, Dave was a larger than life character who will be greatly missed. His personality and his voice accompanied by his battered tankard will be an everlasting memory. We admired and were inspired by his positive attitude towards his illness and the richness of his conversation in recent weeks. We will always remember Dave saying from his hospital bed 'I have had a wonderful life and I'm still having a wonderful life' the amazing thing about the man was that you knew he was telling the truth.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: The Barden of England
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 06:29 PM

I got the news at The Pigs Ear Haloween Folk day at Markbeech, Kent. I too knew this was coming as Jan and I managed to visit Dave in hospital. He will always be in my mind and my thoughts as one of the bravest men I've known. It has been my pleasure to have known him for quite a few years, and to think I'll never hear 'The Hash my Father scored' in quite the same way leaves me empty. My thoughts and condolences to you Linda, to Peter for the loss of his twin, and to his family. My song for you Dave:-

Bear where thou goest, the words of love,
Say all that words can say.
Changeless affection, strength to prove,
But speed upon the way.

Row on, row on, another day, May shine with brighter light
Ply, ply the oars and pull away, There's dawn beyond the night

John Barden

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 06:34 PM

Linda
I am glad that I found this link. I saw him on Tuesday and was ready.
I am glad that he had so many friends and that you were with him when he died.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: mumblin len
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 08:14 PM

What lovely tributes. We got the news this evening when, ringing Dave's phone to arrange a long overdue visit, and Peter answered.
Unfortunately for me, my friendship with Dave was a short but good one. Sue has known Dave for eighteen years so now.. over to Girl Friday.... Farewell mate, it's been good to know you. Without Dave, we probably would not have had the successful Folk Club that the Liberal Club in Orpington now has! He sang just for the beer in the old days when we met in the bar. When the bar as a venue became too noisy, Dave built us a p.a. system that included speaker stands made out of whirly clothes lines ! He was a great character and we shall all miss him greatly. His stoicism in the face of adversity was truly amazing. Lots of love to Peter, Linda, and all his family.

Sue Tuckey and Trevor Little aka Tone Deaf Leopard

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,Noreen
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 08:44 PM

Too soon to go!

I had just brought back from the US a miniature of Old Kentucky Bourbon to add to Dave's growing collection... I am so glad he kept his intense love of life right to the end.

I'll be thinking of you, Linda.

Love from Noreen

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 29 Oct 05 - 09:43 PM

A kind, brave, and funny man has gone ahead to keep a place for us close to the bar. He leaves so many memories that I for one will never feel he is truly gone.

Our thoughts are with you Linda. Bless you and yours.

Much sympathy and love
Don and Winnie

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Dave Earl
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 01:47 AM

I only met Dave a few times but the meetings where memorable.

To follow on Don Ts thought:-

Keep a place at the bar for us Dave and we'll share a glass and song when we meet again.

Condolances to Linda and family.

Dave Earl

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Chris Amos
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 02:53 AM

Very sad to hear the news, this is indeed a loss, people like Dave are irreplaceable

Chris

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: lady penelope
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 12:23 PM

I'm so sad to hear the news. Dave was genorous of hearth and spirit and able to make all feel welcome in any place. I shall miss his voice, his humour and his ease.

"You go home this night to your home of winter,
To your home of autumn, of spring and summer;
You go home this night to your lasting home,
To your eternal bed, to your sound sleeping.

Sleep now, sleep an dso fade sorrow,
Sleep now, sleep and so fade sorrow,
Sleep now, sleep and so fade sorrow,
Sleep, my beloved, in the rock of the fold.

The sleep of seven lights upon you, my dear,
The sleep of seven joys upon you, my dear,
The sleep of seven slumbers upon you, my dear,

Sleep, oh sleep in the quiet of quietness,
Sleep, oh sleep in the way of guidance,
Sleep, oh sleep in the love of all loving."

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: alanabit
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 12:23 PM

He was another one of those Mudcatters, whom I never met but wish I had. My condolences to all his family and many good friends. A man who left as many friends as he did had a wonderful life indeed.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: suzi
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 12:31 PM

I never new Dave but he sounded a very inspiring person. May he rest in perfect peace. My condolences to Linda and his family.

Suzi... x

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Bassic
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 12:32 PM

Such sad but not unexpected news. However, what a character! Definately one of those few people that once met, are never forgotten......and for all the right reasons. A considerable performer, a real enthusiast for the music he loved, a devilish wit and sense of humour and one of the best "twinkles" in the eye of anyone I have ever met! :-) I for one am "very very glad he was a gladiator" right up to the end. Very difficult to remember Dave without having a smile on your face. A life well lived and well worth living. Hugs for Linda from Rock Chick and me.

Gordon and Shelagh

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 12:40 PM

Here's a link to a site with pictures of Dave and Linda's folk barbecues put up some time back by Dave Kenningham (whose Mudcat name I don't know). I never got to one of those - something always came up to stop me.

There's bound to be a celebration of Dave Bryant's life. It deserves to be a good one.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Firecat
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 01:53 PM

I was lucky enough to meet him once and I'm glad I did. From that meeting I found out he was a lovely person.

Rest In Peace Dave

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Nigel Parsons
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 02:59 PM

Another empty chair in the Mill at Miskin. Soon to be filled by another body, but the old one will be remembered.

So long,
God Bless

Nigel

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Matthew Edwards
Date: 30 Oct 05 - 03:26 PM

Dave will remain in my mind as a truly inspired folk artist who took humour to the bounds of good taste and well beyond! The creation of Avril Betts was an act of genius that provided pleasure to many of us here on the Mudcat.

I enjoyed meeting Dave at the Stony Stratford Gathering, and seeing him perform some extraordinary versions of well-known songs.

I have been deeply impressed by his courage and sheer gutsiness through all his illnesses.He will be greatly missed, and may I add my sympathy to Linda and to Dave's family in their sad loss.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 03:40 AM

Hadn't seen Dave too often in recent years but back in the 70's and early 80's he was often around the same London clubs that I frequented. He was such an enthusist about the music and life in general that it was always a pleasure to chat with him.

Glad to have known him.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: MickT
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 06:40 AM

Linda, very sorry to hear the news albeit not unexpected. Deepest sympathy to you and Dave's family from us in the Riversiders. We were away playing in Broadstairs this weekend, and Dave's name cropped up several times from friends we were with.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: sian, west wales
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 06:46 AM

I met him first, very briefly, at Miskin but had a chance for a better acquaintance at Phid's and Micca's Handfasting. A fascinating - and veeeerrrrrry funny - guy who has gone off to join the Angel Band far too soon.

Thinking of you Linda.

siân

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 06:53 AM

Linda, as you know I only recently had the good fortune to converse with Dave, his wit, intelligence, love of life were so apparent and his wicked sense of humour was a delight. Although I didn't know Dave very well at all I feel as though I have lost a friend. My deepest condolences to youeself and all Dave's family and friends. I shall have a pint for him tonight.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: MC Fat
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 06:53 AM

Sorry to hear the news. Dave was a star and enjoyed his company at Whitby. He even came to the duel a few year. Sincere condolences.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Paul & Pam
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 07:00 AM

Our heartfelt condolensces go out to Linda and all the family at this sad time and also to Peter, Dave's twin brother, who has been such a wonderful support to his brother in every way, which we are sure helped Dave immeasurably.

Having spent valuable treasured time with Dave over the last month, and got to know him well, we will always remember his bravery and unselfishness in considering the feelings of others when he was so ill himself. He made our visits a happy event even in such sad circumstances and we shared lots of laughter as he reminisced so happily. He has been a great inspiration to us both which we will never forget.

God Bless you dear Dave. We will miss you and your wonderful voice and musicianship (but we will remember what you told us about your quart tankard which we will watch with interest at your wake)!

Love Paul & Pam Button xxx

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 07:04 AM

I am so glad that I met Dave when he was at the peak of his powers, and have the video to prove it. He brought the house down at the Barrow Eurogathering last year, and his involvement made the event the very special occasion it became.

The stroke may have jiggered his guitar arm, but the essence of the man seemed to have become concentrated when I met him at Khatt and Micca's wedding. Maybe he knew then that he was on the home straight, which endorses the strength of the man, as he showed nothing but the joie de vivre that he maintained to his end.

RIP Dave Bryant

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 07:07 AM

I'm very sorry to hear about Dave. I must have first heard him somewhere at a London festival, and the sheer volume of his voice blew me apart. His contribution to the London folk scene over the years has been immense.

We were later to renew our acquaintance in the first years of the Thomas Clark Quire when they were top heavy on basses and sparse on tenors. Quite honestly, with Dave on board, there was no need for any extra tenors.

The south-east will be a quieter place without him. My condolences to all his nearest and dearest.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST, Hamish
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 07:22 AM

A sad loss indeed. Quite a shock, even if it was expected. Great man. My thoughts are with you, Linda.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: pixieofdoom
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 08:45 AM

So sorry to hear this. We'll be thinking of you Linda and family

Fiona xx

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: paj
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 09:14 AM

Musical Hall nights will never be the same again.

Whoes going to sing 'Sweeny Todd the Barber' now?

Dave will be sorely missed in so many ways.

My thoughts are with you Linda.

Paul from Orpington

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 09:20 AM

I heard the sad news from Breezy over the weekend but I've only just got back on-line.

I feel privilaged to have met Dave a few times in recent years and will never forget the night he came to the Spotlight in St Albans - a wonderful fun evening of risque humour and great singing.

Condolences to Linda, Peter and all his family

Christine

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Moses
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 09:23 AM

The above was me, Moses, I'd lost my cookie thing.

Christine

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 09:35 AM

I'd hoped he might hang on a little longer. We'll miss his posts and that wonderful voice which I was privileged to hear at the Stoney Stratford Mudgathering.
Another great singer gone to join the Angel Band.
Strong vibes sending to Linday and all Dave's family.

RtS

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Wilfried Schaum
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 09:45 AM

The loss of a dear friend leaves a scar to your soul. It will hurt less and less over the years, but it will always be there and will report when you expect it last. So let it be with Dave.
I'm so sorry to read the sad news, and I'm feeling with you, Linda, Take all my sympathies.
I have met him only for a short time, but he made a deep impression with his singing and playing. I'll never forget the wonderful duet when you sang the "Two Fishermen".

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Snuffy
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 09:55 AM

A wonderful man with a great sense of humour and some wickedly funny songs. But I also recall him bringing tears to my eyes with his rendition of Home Lads Home at the Stoney Stratford Mudgathering.

And it's home, lads, home, with the sunset on their faces
Home lads, home to those quiet happy places
Where there's rest for horse and man when the longest day is done
And we'll all go home together at the setting of the sun

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Partridge
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 12:03 PM

Thinking of you Linda

Pat x

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 12:41 PM

So sorry to hear this news, he will leave a BIG floor space in our hearts

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Pistachio
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 12:56 PM

Heard Dave at Barrow last year. Though it's sad to read all these posts it is a testament to the effect he had, and pleasure he gave to so many. Typing through tears may I add my condolences.
Hazel.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Terry K
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 01:07 PM

Met him a couple of times and benefitted greatly from the experience. A rather special bloke who really has left his mark. So sorry for your loss, Linda.

Terry

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: Singing Referee
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 01:16 PM

Only met Dave and Linda once, at the St Albans Spotlight. Great fun!

So Sorry.

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: billybob
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 02:09 PM

I started this thread,at Linda's request, on Saturday just after Dave died.I was not able to get my thoughts together, so hope you will forgive me for visiting the thread for the second time.
Reading all the wonderful messages above brings home what a truly incredable man Dave was.Not just a folkie, he sang in choirs,opera, and was a promenader at the Albert Hall every year.He inspired so many to stand up and sing(including me)introduced us to folk music, The National Opera and Indian food,but his sense of humour compelled him to tell the novice that a madras curry was a very mild dish!
In the past weeks he said he had a wonderful life and was content,then he told me that this August he sang "The leaf" at Sidmouth , middle bar , for the memory of Cyril Tawney.he said he hoped next year it would be sung for him.He was insperational and so very brave.
My thoughts and prayers go to Linda, Peter and Medae,his daughter ,and Julien,his son.He was a wonderful friend and Bill and I will miss him.
Wendy

Subject: RE: Obit: Dave Bryant - 29 Oct 2005
From: alanww
Date: 31 Oct 05 - 02:10 PM

We will miss you Dave - and your beautifully clear voice!
Deepest sympathy to you Linda.
Alan