It is with great sadness that I let you know that our good friend and concertina player, Michael Reid (boxist on the forums here) passed away a few days ago, after a long battle with lymphoma. Although not one of the more prolific forum members here, he was always a positive voice in discussions about the music.
You couldn't have met a nicer guy, and playing with him was always a treat. A pleasure I had just a few weeks ago for the last time. He was an institution in the Boulder, Colorado session scene, and we will all miss him greatly!
Many of you might have met him over the years at festivals or the NHICS.
I didn't get down to Colorado near often enough to end up playing with Michael much, but the few times we connected it was a real treat. One of the brightest people I've ever met, both in IQ and happy disposition. He's gone far too soon, and yet he really did make the most of his life--connecting with people over ideas, music, and sheer craic. The depth of loss we all feel is in proportion to the boost of inspiration he gave--a ratio Michael would've appreciated.
Michael was a friend of mine from my CO session days. I've been away in the mountains for a few days -- this is one of the first websites I open, before Facebook even.
Last I saw him was when I was home for a wee visit last October, 2010. Michael had been out of the session for a bit due to a round of treatment but the timing was right so the one week I was in town, so was he. It was lovely to see him; I'd really missed that session when I moved to the UK. I didn't even think it would be the last time. I knew he had the lymphoma, but I guess if someone is in the pub, playing lots of tunes, you don't think that.
He was a good player and knew tons of tunes and always had new ones, every week, and also had a really open and encouraging attitude, especially towards struggling learners, as I was when I first started playing in Boulder. That's a really nice session in Boulder and Michael was one of its stable centres, who was instrumental in creating the kind of culture that session has. He was so passionate about the music but also about people connecting through the music and like I said, was so encouraging and saw the potential everyone had to contribute to the session. He will be well missed.
A sad passing
A sad passing
It is with great sadness that I let you know that our good friend and concertina player, Michael Reid (boxist on the forums here) passed away a few days ago, after a long battle with lymphoma. Although not one of the more prolific forum members here, he was always a positive voice in discussions about the music.
You couldn't have met a nicer guy, and playing with him was always a treat. A pleasure I had just a few weeks ago for the last time. He was an institution in the Boulder, Colorado session scene, and we will all miss him greatly!
Many of you might have met him over the years at festivals or the NHICS.
Rest in peace, friend
# Posted on December 19th 2011 by Reverend
Re: A sad passing
A nice tribute, Pete. May he rest in peace.
# Posted on December 19th 2011 by Greg the Piano Tuner
Re: A sad passing
I didn't get down to Colorado near often enough to end up playing with Michael much, but the few times we connected it was a real treat. One of the brightest people I've ever met, both in IQ and happy disposition. He's gone far too soon, and yet he really did make the most of his life--connecting with people over ideas, music, and sheer craic. The depth of loss we all feel is in proportion to the boost of inspiration he gave--a ratio Michael would've appreciated.
# Posted on December 19th 2011 by Will Harmon
Re: A sad passing
I'm sorry to read of your loss Pete.
I hope that some of the great times you have shared will bear you through this time.
Likewise, condolences, thoughts and prayers to all relatives and friends who will surely be missing his company at this time of year.
May he rest gently.
Brian x
# Posted on December 19th 2011 by briantheflute
Re: A sad passing
Sad New's, but a Very nice tribute indeed.
May he be in Peace...
jim,,,
# Posted on December 19th 2011 by FIDDLE4
Re: A sad passing
Condolences to Michael's family and friends, RIP.
# Posted on December 19th 2011 by Backer
Re: A sad passing
Michael was a friend of mine from my CO session days. I've been away in the mountains for a few days -- this is one of the first websites I open, before Facebook even.
Last I saw him was when I was home for a wee visit last October, 2010. Michael had been out of the session for a bit due to a round of treatment but the timing was right so the one week I was in town, so was he. It was lovely to see him; I'd really missed that session when I moved to the UK. I didn't even think it would be the last time. I knew he had the lymphoma, but I guess if someone is in the pub, playing lots of tunes, you don't think that.
He was a good player and knew tons of tunes and always had new ones, every week, and also had a really open and encouraging attitude, especially towards struggling learners, as I was when I first started playing in Boulder. That's a really nice session in Boulder and Michael was one of its stable centres, who was instrumental in creating the kind of culture that session has. He was so passionate about the music but also about people connecting through the music and like I said, was so encouraging and saw the potential everyone had to contribute to the session. He will be well missed.
# Posted on December 19th 2011 by DrSilverSpear