I just had to leave a message to the friends up and down the country who may have known this larger than life character and share the sad news that Jock passed away in the early hours of this morning. Jock was for many years involved in the festival scene in scotland, although in recent years his health prevented him from being a more active partisipant he still played whistle in many sessions as well as being an encouraging influence on many younger musicians starting out on the road. As a member of "Runt of the litter" when he lived on scotlands west coast and laterally playing with "Faer Company" on the east coast he was a driving force and his personality and humour are not easily forgotten. He was a good musician and my best freind and will be sorley missed.
I would love it if any of you knew him or of him if you left a message, he leaves his young son and girlfriend, any warm memories would be appreciated.....
This is terrible news altogether. Jock was a good friend and a great guy to be at a session with. I can say with absolute certainty that he was the one whistle player above all others who influenced my playing style, and his friendship and warmth when I was starting out in Dundee was second only to the bloke who is now my father-in-law (and Jock's bestest buddy into the bargain). I'll never forget the big man. He was a real friend to budding musicians and he had no time for ar*****es, both of which were qualities that endeared him to many. Just wish we'd had time for one last tune before he left...
m.d.
I am shocked to hear about this. Haven't seen Jock for a few years but have wonderful memories of him. He gave me the confidence to sing at sessions, even though there were singers there who I knew were 100 times better than I was.
He was always such great fun, had a deliciously dry sense of humour and he certainly didn't suffer fools gladly.
He was a true gentleman, he always made sure the ladies got home safely, giving lifts which were well out of his way.
My heart goes out to Sam and his son - they must be devastated.
I hope they can take comfort in the thought that he is in a better place now, playing music fit for angels.
I was very sad to hear this sad news. Jock was a great musician and made time for those who were new to sessions etc, making them all feel very welcome.
I am especially sad for his girlfriend and young son - but also for his close friends who I know will miss him desparately and who spent so many happy years with him playing music and doing what they loved best.
I met Jock in Blair about 15 years ago and from that day we have laughed, cried, played, drunk, fought , and argued together.
I have the good fortune to have played many gigs and sessions with Jock over the these past years and to have shared in many happy situations with him. In that time only ONCE did I know of Jock stop playing in the middle of a tune. We had been playing a wedding in the Lake District and decided to have an impromptu session in the hotel. Midway through a set of tunes the bride entered the session wearing a basque, suspenders, stockings and little more than a smile. Jock almost swallowed his whistle at the sight. We DID get a photo of the band and bride and it still raises a SMILE to look and remember the situation.
Jock was a powerfull persona with strong views and a passion
for the music he played and loved. He has left a space in my life that will not be filled easily. My thoughts are for Sam and Aiden, A Father and Fiancee taken so suddenly.
SAM ..... You may not know them but you have friends all over the country.
AIDEN ......... You have more Uncles and Aunties than you could ever wish for.
To you both I say anytime Just Call YOU GOT A FRIEND
The KESH will NEVER sound the same again
Firstly thank you for all the kind words from those who have visited this site so far.
Jock and I were engaged for six months and had been together for over 18 months, looking after each other and Aiden. It was the best months of my life and despite his moaning and stubborness sometimes, he will be greatly missed. It seems unreal, like a bad dream that I will wake from soon, but deep down I know it isn't.
I'll miss his imprmptu whistle playing in the house, his sense of humour, the cuddles, his personality, most of all I will miss his love for me.......he left a lasting impression on my heart and a big hole in my life.
on behalf of all the old friends in runt o the litter, Jock, we didn't see you in a long time but we never forgot you and your van. How could we? Those were the best of times. We all regret losing touch and thinking 'och we'll be in touch tomorrow' but then it all slips away and it's too late. Our sympathy is with those left behind though we don't know you. You were privileged to know and love a generous man: Big Jock.
Mandy, Rita, Mod, Alan, Steve, Colin and everybody from the Port old enough to remember those great days, There'll never be the like o' them again!
Well, I thought this ol' technosaur had done this yesterday, but it seems not. I always did need Jock to do any computery stuff for me! I'm not sure exactly when or where I met Jock, almost sure it was either Muchty or Arran Festival. It didn't take any time at all to become his friend and before you knew it he was driving to Dundee for a session in the "Caley" (it's gone too!) and then at the end of the night, he'd head back to Ayr. Now that's a man that loved his music! We formed a band (Faer Company pretty quickly and went round the Irish bar circuit a fair bit before we figured out the pay was better for a ceilidh band so we took a wee step sideways. (It's basically the same stuff we always did anyway) Other band members came and went but you could always rely on seeing the two of us. People even thought we were a couple! God forbid! I was listening to some of the band recordings today and realised Jock had double tracked some of the numbers. Imagine that, Jocky playing with himself! Seriously, we all loved him {even at his most infuriating) and we'll surely all miss him. There'll be a big gap in lots of sessions from now on, and he's impossible to replace in the band. My most sincere sympathies to his family, Sam and wee Aiden and I'm consoling myself with the thought that when it's my turn to go to that great session in the sky, Jock'll be there telling people to budge up and let his mate in. See you later Bud!
I was in Faer Company back in 1995 for a year or so, and Jock has remained a larger than life memory for me ever since. I suppose I was one of the budding young musicians that he encouraged, often with ridiculously fast musical races. He could always be relied upon to crack a bad joke and keep things moving along cheerfully (even when he was cranky). I know he'll be much missed all over Scotland's pubs and festivals, and beyond, and my thoughts are with Sam and Aiden.
It's where to start with memories of Jock - I have so many. The times I'll remember most fondly though are driving up in the car to gigs at Faskally Caravan Site. We played up there for a couple of years during the season and travelling up in Jock's car was something I looked forward to, probably more than the gigs themselves. folk that knew Jock will know that he loved to sing harmonies, something he did really well, and going up in the car he'd get me to sing something, anything from the Everly Bros to a more traditional folk song. We'd sing all the way up and all the way back down the road again with Jock constantly stopping me to get me to sing a bit again so he could get a better harmony. I can't believe that I'll never sing bridget again with him, he played the most fantastic whistle part to it. Jock you'll be greatly missed and Sam and Aiden you only have to ask. Jock was always only to willing to help others - I remember telling him about a hellish travelling experience I'd had with a two hour wait in Waverley Station and him telling me that I should have phoned him to come and pick me up. I know he would've, he might have been late, but he'd have come. Sessions won't be the same without you mate!
Where do you start with Jock. Larger than life just doesn't describe him. I had only known Jock for about 3 years and my partner Marjory knew him for about 5 but what an encouragement he was to all on the folk scene. There was no such thing as "I can't play that" with Jock cause he made sure you could soon enough.
We will all miss that evil sense of humour and hearty laugh of his but most of all his kindness and love he had for all that he done.
Sam ... Remember all the good times.
Aiden ... remember the laughs.
Keep his memory alive in the music just like he would have done.
Words can't really describe how I felt when I heard the news about my good friend and great whistle player, jock. I knew Jock for a relatively short time, 5 years only but in that time he gave my confidence to play and sing in sessions, in fact, if it hadn't been for him I wouldn't have managed to play whistle at all. I was reminded of this just last Friday night when I heard the tune, "Paddy's leather breeches" which brought back many happy memories as it was one of the first tunes he taught me to play, amidst much searing and arguing from me saying "No way will I ever learn that, it's far too hard", I was playing it within the hour and I'll never, ever forget his words "never say can't, play what you feel in your heart and your fingers, never fails for me". These words will stay with me always. Jock gave me comfort when I was down and a good kick up the bum when I needed it. Despite his health problems he always had time for everybody else.
Sam, remember the good times you had together, the laughs the heartaches and the cuddles. They're what keeps you going. My thoughts are with you and wee Aiden. Please tell him about the good times you had with his dad too and remind him of the times you spent as a family. Jock will go on playing that heavenly whistle for all times and will be free from all health problems. You bet he'll enjoy the huge session he'll be at!!
I met Jock for the first time on St. Patricks Day 2000. It was my first session in Dundee and had been a long day already when we decided to continue the night in Fife. It took me a wee while to get to know Jock. Once you got behind the tough facade - his generosity and kindness was glaringly obvious. I went to the monday night session in Dundee religiously in those days and had no car. Jock never saw it that I had to walk, or get a bus or taxi home. Even when he lived in Angus - he went out of his way to give me a lift home. Even though I saw little of Jock in the last few years I will miss him and, remembering the man and his music and stories, raise a glass in his honor.
I'd just like to tell everyone who might be interested that Jock's funeral will be at 1 30pm this Friday (30th Nov) at the crematorion, Friockheim, Angus with a session/ wake in the local pub afterwards. We the boys in the band have been given the great honour of conducting the ceremony and we'd love to share this time with as many of Jock's pals as is humanly posssible. See you there, Graham
The funeral arrangments have now been finalised at the crematorium near friokhem in Angus at 13:30 on friday 3oth nov, if you knew him and can make it it would be great, there will be a "gathering" ....session ?!?!?!? afterwards at the star in friokhem and there is the Brechin session that night which he often frequented......
I would like to add my sympathy to Sam and Aiden. Although I only met Jock a few times we've been in constant telephone contact ( at times calls lasting several hours ) for 7 years and I felt I knew him well. He was a tremendous support in my life both personal and professional helping with my web design business and then offering his business to me just before he passed on. It was an honour to take this over. At times be blasted me for doing something stupid but always called back immediately to say that he's sorry and didnt mean it but felt he could talk to me and let of steam. And could he let off steam!!
Sadly I missed his funeral as I was travelling back from the USA. Stay well Jock, I know you are never far away and in good health now and always close to Aiden and Sam. I have tons of questions so stand by for my continued pleas of 'Help Jock get me out of this one'
On behalf of the band Faer Company, I'd like to thank everyone who attended Jock's funeral and all those who wanted to come but for various reasons simply couldn't make it. I think we all gave him a hell of a send off (I know I'm still recovering). G
My name is Linda Anderson (nee Wren) yep Jock's sister.
May I take this opportunity to thank the guys of Faer Company for a truly fitting and uplifting send off they gave to my brother "David" known to most of you as Jock, and to everyone who spoke on the day and paid tribute to him at a very emotional time for us all.
I'm sorry I didn't get to speak to you all individually, I hope Duncan has expressed my appreciation, and to everyone I missed, I apologise.
There really are no words...............he has left a huge void which can't be filled, and I know it will take sometime for me to actually believe he has gone.
However, he lives on in Aiden, my nephew, who looks so like David when he was young its unbelievable, we love him dearly, and Sam who has been wonderful, deserved a medal for putting up with him, and looking after him, I know he was a nightmare at times, thinking he knew best............etc etc, having said all that he truly had a heart of GOLD, and it was clear from what I saw on Friday, touched many of your hearts too.
We never heard him play, he never spoke much about his music, I don't know why. At least I know he was happy, I found myself being quite jealous when I stood listening to you all playing out the back under the gazebo, you obviously have had some fabulous nights, and I could visualise him out there amongst you all havin a ball.
My mum, as many of you may or may not know had stroke 3 months ago and although she understands everything being said to her, has great difficulty communicating. Perhaps it has been a blessing in disguise, as I don't think the full impact of losing David has had the same devistating effect as it would have had previously. A parent should never have to go through losing a child, it's just not the right order. The stroke seems to have mixed up her senses a bit.
I know she would have dearly loved to have spoken to all of you, and get to know more of this other side of David, which he kept very much to himself.
My heart goes out to Sam, so kind and thoughtful, my Mum and Dad were so touched that through your own grief took the time to make photograph albums for them and Aiden. There is nothing we can give you to replace what you have lost
but the love of a family who care for you, please know we will always be there for you.
Aiden, we love you unconditionally. Your Dad was so proud of you, I'm sure you knew that anyway. Caitlin and Lauren are so looking forward to seeing you soon, we have lots of pressies waiting for you.
I look forward to hearing when the tribute night is being held, and hope that we can make it through.
Hi, this is Graham Wren (Jock's brother) and I would just like to echo my sister's words. I managed to say a few words to some of you at the pub after the funeral but to those who were either upstairs or still inside the pub, I will post them again for all to read.
The family would like to thank everyone for coming to Jock's funeral. I would especially like to thank Duncan, Graham, Paul and the rest of David's (Jock's) pals for their kind words, fantastic music and just the general way that you all managed what was a very moving service for David which the family very much appreciated .
Most of his friends knew the big man as Jock, the extremely talented musician, into his folk music in a massive way, the loving partner of Sam and extremely dedicated father to Aiden. The family never knew him as Jock but as David.
Let me tell you a couple of things about David growing up. David was without doubt the smartest one out of the three of us. He seemed to have an ear for music that he could just listen to a song and then he would simply play it back on the guitar or on the piano, but he really excelled when he had a problem to overcome. Let me share with you a wee story which showed you his ability to make life work for him.
David must have been about 14 or 15 at the time when the phone bill at home was going sky high. I was 10 at the time, my sister was around 18 or 19, so naturally the suspicions fell on David or Linda….so the usual 3rd degree from our parents….who’s using the phone…as usual noone owned up. Now those were the days with BT, when you could only rent your phone from BT – you couldn’t buy one, no itemised bills to tell you who you called and if you remember it was one of these phones that you had to dial. So my Mum’s solution was to buy a lock for the phone. The next bill was even higher. Mum & Dad were amazed until David showed me that if you tap the pips on the top of the phone, you would get a number, so my Mum decided she would take the phone with her in the car – that would stop the calls….what did David do, he made a phone….yes everyone, he made a phone. Now this is 1978, you didn’t exactly do electronics in 2nd year at secondary school, no internet to help but my sister came home one day to find him talking into some contraption that made outgoing calls only…not bad for a 14 year old. This typified David...he had a problem to overcome and he just found his own way to sort it out...the guy was a genious. Of course Mum & Dad clearly wanted him to put the energies that he put into making a phone into his studies. David being David had other ideas but what he did do, was go onto to do things with computers and music that most of us just sat back and admired - I along with many others were amazed at how talented he was.
I have read many comments on websites over the last week about how David (Jock) was kind, patient, thoughtful when teaching music and driving everyone in that old ambulance of his all over the country. I used to kill myself laughing at that ambulance, but he didn’t care. David always had a frosty or a grumpy side but if you got past that he was always willing to help, often putting others way before himself and I think we’ll all remember him for that.
Sam, thanks for being his partner - you did put a smile on his face and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to pick up the phone. Aiden, don’t let anyone ever say anything bad about your Dad – he was a good man. You had many a person at the funeral in general and through David's friends that you could treat as Aunts & Uncles and you should remember the kindness and the smiles that your Dad brought you.
I feel awful that I have no idea who attending Jock's funeral but thank you to you all, I know some got caught in traffic in Dundee due to an accident, I am glad you did not give up and made it to the get together afterwards.
Jock would have been laughing with the rest of us at the stories told at the Crematorium and the get together. I wanted to say a huge thank you to the lads who did the service they were great and thanks to May for her speach as well, I know it wasn't easy and it wasn't a pleasure for anyone to do given the circumstances but I know you would do it all again.
As much as Jock could be infuriating at times he had a big heart and was generous with it, he was the best thing that happened to me in 31 years and the irony to me is that we were due to marry on my nan's birthday 10 Aug 2009, instead he died on my grandads birthday 21st Nov 2007. I miss the impromptu hugs and cheeky smile that he would give me whenever i was down, you just knew mischief was brewing when the cheeky smile and glint in his eye showed themselves ha ha.
I also wanted to say thank you for the donations, in total £200 will be split between British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK, which I will be sending off later this week. Lets hope they find a cure................
Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
I just had to leave a message to the friends up and down the country who may have known this larger than life character and share the sad news that Jock passed away in the early hours of this morning. Jock was for many years involved in the festival scene in scotland, although in recent years his health prevented him from being a more active partisipant he still played whistle in many sessions as well as being an encouraging influence on many younger musicians starting out on the road. As a member of "Runt of the litter" when he lived on scotlands west coast and laterally playing with "Faer Company" on the east coast he was a driving force and his personality and humour are not easily forgotten. He was a good musician and my best freind and will be sorley missed.
I would love it if any of you knew him or of him if you left a message, he leaves his young son and girlfriend, any warm memories would be appreciated.....
# Posted on November 21st 2007 by bloodyfiddlers
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
This is terrible news altogether. Jock was a good friend and a great guy to be at a session with. I can say with absolute certainty that he was the one whistle player above all others who influenced my playing style, and his friendship and warmth when I was starting out in Dundee was second only to the bloke who is now my father-in-law (and Jock's bestest buddy into the bargain). I'll never forget the big man. He was a real friend to budding musicians and he had no time for ar*****es, both of which were qualities that endeared him to many. Just wish we'd had time for one last tune before he left...
m.d.
# Posted on November 21st 2007 by emmdee
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
I am shocked to hear about this. Haven't seen Jock for a few years but have wonderful memories of him. He gave me the confidence to sing at sessions, even though there were singers there who I knew were 100 times better than I was.
He was always such great fun, had a deliciously dry sense of humour and he certainly didn't suffer fools gladly.
He was a true gentleman, he always made sure the ladies got home safely, giving lifts which were well out of his way.
My heart goes out to Sam and his son - they must be devastated.
I hope they can take comfort in the thought that he is in a better place now, playing music fit for angels.
# Posted on November 22nd 2007 by CarolynL
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
I was very sad to hear this sad news. Jock was a great musician and made time for those who were new to sessions etc, making them all feel very welcome.
I am especially sad for his girlfriend and young son - but also for his close friends who I know will miss him desparately and who spent so many happy years with him playing music and doing what they loved best.
Thinking of you all at this very sad time.
# Posted on November 22nd 2007 by Peppy
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
I met Jock in Blair about 15 years ago and from that day we have laughed, cried, played, drunk, fought , and argued together.
I have the good fortune to have played many gigs and sessions with Jock over the these past years and to have shared in many happy situations with him. In that time only ONCE did I know of Jock stop playing in the middle of a tune. We had been playing a wedding in the Lake District and decided to have an impromptu session in the hotel. Midway through a set of tunes the bride entered the session wearing a basque, suspenders, stockings and little more than a smile. Jock almost swallowed his whistle at the sight. We DID get a photo of the band and bride and it still raises a SMILE to look and remember the situation.
Jock was a powerfull persona with strong views and a passion
for the music he played and loved. He has left a space in my life that will not be filled easily. My thoughts are for Sam and Aiden, A Father and Fiancee taken so suddenly.
SAM ..... You may not know them but you have friends all over the country.
AIDEN ......... You have more Uncles and Aunties than you could ever wish for.
To you both I say anytime Just Call YOU GOT A FRIEND
The KESH will NEVER sound the same again
SWEET DREAMS MATE
Thanks for your Friendship
# Posted on November 22nd 2007 by Rik the Spik
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
Firstly thank you for all the kind words from those who have visited this site so far.
Jock and I were engaged for six months and had been together for over 18 months, looking after each other and Aiden. It was the best months of my life and despite his moaning and stubborness sometimes, he will be greatly missed. It seems unreal, like a bad dream that I will wake from soon, but deep down I know it isn't.
I'll miss his imprmptu whistle playing in the house, his sense of humour, the cuddles, his personality, most of all I will miss his love for me.......he left a lasting impression on my heart and a big hole in my life.
I love you and miss you soo much babe.
Sam xx
# Posted on November 22nd 2007 by SamGodley
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
on behalf of all the old friends in runt o the litter, Jock, we didn't see you in a long time but we never forgot you and your van. How could we? Those were the best of times. We all regret losing touch and thinking 'och we'll be in touch tomorrow' but then it all slips away and it's too late. Our sympathy is with those left behind though we don't know you. You were privileged to know and love a generous man: Big Jock.
Mandy, Rita, Mod, Alan, Steve, Colin and everybody from the Port old enough to remember those great days, There'll never be the like o' them again!
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by r&c
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
Well, I thought this ol' technosaur had done this yesterday, but it seems not. I always did need Jock to do any computery stuff for me! I'm not sure exactly when or where I met Jock, almost sure it was either Muchty or Arran Festival. It didn't take any time at all to become his friend and before you knew it he was driving to Dundee for a session in the "Caley" (it's gone too!) and then at the end of the night, he'd head back to Ayr. Now that's a man that loved his music! We formed a band (Faer Company pretty quickly and went round the Irish bar circuit a fair bit before we figured out the pay was better for a ceilidh band so we took a wee step sideways. (It's basically the same stuff we always did anyway) Other band members came and went but you could always rely on seeing the two of us. People even thought we were a couple! God forbid! I was listening to some of the band recordings today and realised Jock had double tracked some of the numbers. Imagine that, Jocky playing with himself! Seriously, we all loved him {even at his most infuriating) and we'll surely all miss him. There'll be a big gap in lots of sessions from now on, and he's impossible to replace in the band. My most sincere sympathies to his family, Sam and wee Aiden and I'm consoling myself with the thought that when it's my turn to go to that great session in the sky, Jock'll be there telling people to budge up and let his mate in. See you later Bud!
# Posted on November 23rd 2007 by grahamthefolkie
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
I was in Faer Company back in 1995 for a year or so, and Jock has remained a larger than life memory for me ever since. I suppose I was one of the budding young musicians that he encouraged, often with ridiculously fast musical races. He could always be relied upon to crack a bad joke and keep things moving along cheerfully (even when he was cranky). I know he'll be much missed all over Scotland's pubs and festivals, and beyond, and my thoughts are with Sam and Aiden.
# Posted on November 25th 2007 by CatrionaB
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
It's where to start with memories of Jock - I have so many. The times I'll remember most fondly though are driving up in the car to gigs at Faskally Caravan Site. We played up there for a couple of years during the season and travelling up in Jock's car was something I looked forward to, probably more than the gigs themselves. folk that knew Jock will know that he loved to sing harmonies, something he did really well, and going up in the car he'd get me to sing something, anything from the Everly Bros to a more traditional folk song. We'd sing all the way up and all the way back down the road again with Jock constantly stopping me to get me to sing a bit again so he could get a better harmony. I can't believe that I'll never sing bridget again with him, he played the most fantastic whistle part to it. Jock you'll be greatly missed and Sam and Aiden you only have to ask. Jock was always only to willing to help others - I remember telling him about a hellish travelling experience I'd had with a two hour wait in Waverley Station and him telling me that I should have phoned him to come and pick me up. I know he would've, he might have been late, but he'd have come. Sessions won't be the same without you mate!
# Posted on November 26th 2007 by Blindy Brown
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
Where do you start with Jock. Larger than life just doesn't describe him. I had only known Jock for about 3 years and my partner Marjory knew him for about 5 but what an encouragement he was to all on the folk scene. There was no such thing as "I can't play that" with Jock cause he made sure you could soon enough.
We will all miss that evil sense of humour and hearty laugh of his but most of all his kindness and love he had for all that he done.
Sam ... Remember all the good times.
Aiden ... remember the laughs.
Keep his memory alive in the music just like he would have done.
# Posted on November 26th 2007 by superbraillist
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
Words can't really describe how I felt when I heard the news about my good friend and great whistle player, jock. I knew Jock for a relatively short time, 5 years only but in that time he gave my confidence to play and sing in sessions, in fact, if it hadn't been for him I wouldn't have managed to play whistle at all. I was reminded of this just last Friday night when I heard the tune, "Paddy's leather breeches" which brought back many happy memories as it was one of the first tunes he taught me to play, amidst much searing and arguing from me saying "No way will I ever learn that, it's far too hard", I was playing it within the hour and I'll never, ever forget his words "never say can't, play what you feel in your heart and your fingers, never fails for me". These words will stay with me always. Jock gave me comfort when I was down and a good kick up the bum when I needed it. Despite his health problems he always had time for everybody else.
Sam, remember the good times you had together, the laughs the heartaches and the cuddles. They're what keeps you going. My thoughts are with you and wee Aiden. Please tell him about the good times you had with his dad too and remind him of the times you spent as a family. Jock will go on playing that heavenly whistle for all times and will be free from all health problems. You bet he'll enjoy the huge session he'll be at!!
# Posted on November 26th 2007 by Marjory Hughes
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
I met Jock for the first time on St. Patricks Day 2000. It was my first session in Dundee and had been a long day already when we decided to continue the night in Fife. It took me a wee while to get to know Jock. Once you got behind the tough facade - his generosity and kindness was glaringly obvious. I went to the monday night session in Dundee religiously in those days and had no car. Jock never saw it that I had to walk, or get a bus or taxi home. Even when he lived in Angus - he went out of his way to give me a lift home. Even though I saw little of Jock in the last few years I will miss him and, remembering the man and his music and stories, raise a glass in his honor.
Ní bheidh do leithéid arís ann.
MK
# Posted on November 28th 2007 by Mikey joe
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
I'd just like to tell everyone who might be interested that Jock's funeral will be at 1 30pm this Friday (30th Nov) at the crematorion, Friockheim, Angus with a session/ wake in the local pub afterwards. We the boys in the band have been given the great honour of conducting the ceremony and we'd love to share this time with as many of Jock's pals as is humanly posssible. See you there, Graham
# Posted on November 28th 2007 by grahamthefolkie
Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
Just to keep this on the front page again ! anyone wishing to leave a coment please do so here ...
http://www.thesession.org/discussions/display/15876
The funeral arrangments have now been finalised at the crematorium near friokhem in Angus at 13:30 on friday 3oth nov, if you knew him and can make it it would be great, there will be a "gathering" ....session ?!?!?!? afterwards at the star in friokhem and there is the Brechin session that night which he often frequented......
# Posted on November 28th 2007 by bloodyfiddlers
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
I would like to add my sympathy to Sam and Aiden. Although I only met Jock a few times we've been in constant telephone contact ( at times calls lasting several hours ) for 7 years and I felt I knew him well. He was a tremendous support in my life both personal and professional helping with my web design business and then offering his business to me just before he passed on. It was an honour to take this over. At times be blasted me for doing something stupid but always called back immediately to say that he's sorry and didnt mean it but felt he could talk to me and let of steam. And could he let off steam!!
Sadly I missed his funeral as I was travelling back from the USA. Stay well Jock, I know you are never far away and in good health now and always close to Aiden and Sam. I have tons of questions so stand by for my continued pleas of 'Help Jock get me out of this one'
Your friend
Desiree
# Posted on December 1st 2007 by DesireeBruce
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
On behalf of the band Faer Company, I'd like to thank everyone who attended Jock's funeral and all those who wanted to come but for various reasons simply couldn't make it. I think we all gave him a hell of a send off (I know I'm still recovering). G
# Posted on December 1st 2007 by grahamthefolkie
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
My name is Linda Anderson (nee Wren) yep Jock's sister.
May I take this opportunity to thank the guys of Faer Company for a truly fitting and uplifting send off they gave to my brother "David" known to most of you as Jock, and to everyone who spoke on the day and paid tribute to him at a very emotional time for us all.
I'm sorry I didn't get to speak to you all individually, I hope Duncan has expressed my appreciation, and to everyone I missed, I apologise.
There really are no words...............he has left a huge void which can't be filled, and I know it will take sometime for me to actually believe he has gone.
However, he lives on in Aiden, my nephew, who looks so like David when he was young its unbelievable, we love him dearly, and Sam who has been wonderful, deserved a medal for putting up with him, and looking after him, I know he was a nightmare at times, thinking he knew best............etc etc, having said all that he truly had a heart of GOLD, and it was clear from what I saw on Friday, touched many of your hearts too.
We never heard him play, he never spoke much about his music, I don't know why. At least I know he was happy, I found myself being quite jealous when I stood listening to you all playing out the back under the gazebo, you obviously have had some fabulous nights, and I could visualise him out there amongst you all havin a ball.
My mum, as many of you may or may not know had stroke 3 months ago and although she understands everything being said to her, has great difficulty communicating. Perhaps it has been a blessing in disguise, as I don't think the full impact of losing David has had the same devistating effect as it would have had previously. A parent should never have to go through losing a child, it's just not the right order. The stroke seems to have mixed up her senses a bit.
I know she would have dearly loved to have spoken to all of you, and get to know more of this other side of David, which he kept very much to himself.
My heart goes out to Sam, so kind and thoughtful, my Mum and Dad were so touched that through your own grief took the time to make photograph albums for them and Aiden. There is nothing we can give you to replace what you have lost
but the love of a family who care for you, please know we will always be there for you.
Aiden, we love you unconditionally. Your Dad was so proud of you, I'm sure you knew that anyway. Caitlin and Lauren are so looking forward to seeing you soon, we have lots of pressies waiting for you.
I look forward to hearing when the tribute night is being held, and hope that we can make it through.
Until then..................Thank you !
# Posted on December 2nd 2007 by Linda Anderson
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
Hi, this is Graham Wren (Jock's brother) and I would just like to echo my sister's words. I managed to say a few words to some of you at the pub after the funeral but to those who were either upstairs or still inside the pub, I will post them again for all to read.
The family would like to thank everyone for coming to Jock's funeral. I would especially like to thank Duncan, Graham, Paul and the rest of David's (Jock's) pals for their kind words, fantastic music and just the general way that you all managed what was a very moving service for David which the family very much appreciated .
Most of his friends knew the big man as Jock, the extremely talented musician, into his folk music in a massive way, the loving partner of Sam and extremely dedicated father to Aiden. The family never knew him as Jock but as David.
Let me tell you a couple of things about David growing up. David was without doubt the smartest one out of the three of us. He seemed to have an ear for music that he could just listen to a song and then he would simply play it back on the guitar or on the piano, but he really excelled when he had a problem to overcome. Let me share with you a wee story which showed you his ability to make life work for him.
David must have been about 14 or 15 at the time when the phone bill at home was going sky high. I was 10 at the time, my sister was around 18 or 19, so naturally the suspicions fell on David or Linda….so the usual 3rd degree from our parents….who’s using the phone…as usual noone owned up. Now those were the days with BT, when you could only rent your phone from BT – you couldn’t buy one, no itemised bills to tell you who you called and if you remember it was one of these phones that you had to dial. So my Mum’s solution was to buy a lock for the phone. The next bill was even higher. Mum & Dad were amazed until David showed me that if you tap the pips on the top of the phone, you would get a number, so my Mum decided she would take the phone with her in the car – that would stop the calls….what did David do, he made a phone….yes everyone, he made a phone. Now this is 1978, you didn’t exactly do electronics in 2nd year at secondary school, no internet to help but my sister came home one day to find him talking into some contraption that made outgoing calls only…not bad for a 14 year old. This typified David...he had a problem to overcome and he just found his own way to sort it out...the guy was a genious. Of course Mum & Dad clearly wanted him to put the energies that he put into making a phone into his studies. David being David had other ideas but what he did do, was go onto to do things with computers and music that most of us just sat back and admired - I along with many others were amazed at how talented he was.
I have read many comments on websites over the last week about how David (Jock) was kind, patient, thoughtful when teaching music and driving everyone in that old ambulance of his all over the country. I used to kill myself laughing at that ambulance, but he didn’t care. David always had a frosty or a grumpy side but if you got past that he was always willing to help, often putting others way before himself and I think we’ll all remember him for that.
Sam, thanks for being his partner - you did put a smile on his face and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to pick up the phone. Aiden, don’t let anyone ever say anything bad about your Dad – he was a good man. You had many a person at the funeral in general and through David's friends that you could treat as Aunts & Uncles and you should remember the kindness and the smiles that your Dad brought you.
# Posted on December 2nd 2007 by Graham Wren
Re: Jock Wren - The passing of a legend
Dear all
I feel awful that I have no idea who attending Jock's funeral but thank you to you all, I know some got caught in traffic in Dundee due to an accident, I am glad you did not give up and made it to the get together afterwards.
Jock would have been laughing with the rest of us at the stories told at the Crematorium and the get together. I wanted to say a huge thank you to the lads who did the service they were great and thanks to May for her speach as well, I know it wasn't easy and it wasn't a pleasure for anyone to do given the circumstances but I know you would do it all again.
As much as Jock could be infuriating at times he had a big heart and was generous with it, he was the best thing that happened to me in 31 years and the irony to me is that we were due to marry on my nan's birthday 10 Aug 2009, instead he died on my grandads birthday 21st Nov 2007. I miss the impromptu hugs and cheeky smile that he would give me whenever i was down, you just knew mischief was brewing when the cheeky smile and glint in his eye showed themselves ha ha.
I also wanted to say thank you for the donations, in total £200 will be split between British Heart Foundation and Diabetes UK, which I will be sending off later this week. Lets hope they find a cure................
Stay in touch please!
Sam
# Posted on December 3rd 2007 by SamGodley