"We are sad to report that our former chairman, the indefatigable Steve Harrison, died on Friday July 27th of the cancer that he had suffered for some time. During his illness he continued guesting at folk clubs accompanying the wonderful singing of his wife Annie Dearman, and he played for dances with his Black Box Band and with The Phoenix Dance Band led by Rod Stradling. He was a valued resident at our Ryburn Folk Club and a regular at our weekly tune session at The Old Bridge Inn in Ripponden."
Oh no! That's such sad news. He will be much missed by many people.
Our thoughts and condolences to Annie and all Steve's close friends and colleagues in the bands.
What a sad loss to all who knew him!
I was going to post here but Baz beat me to it.
Sad news, though not unexpected for those of us who knew how ill he was.
I last saw Steve at an outing of the Long Company Mummers in January. He was no longer playing for them, but came out of the pub to watch.
I'm so sad to hear this. Steve was very kind and helpful to me when I was getting started with the harmonica.
Lovely helpful man, he will be much missed. Commiserations to his wife Annie Dearman.
Saddened to hear that news.
I didn't know Steve personally. I enjoyed reading his postings, very informative and amusing.
I've just seen on FaceBook that Steve Harrison of this parish has died. Below is what the Ryburn 3 Step page said about him. I only met him the once some years ago at Nick Barbers 60th birthday party, but was aware of tremendous love and knowledge of music. RIP Steve.
We are sad to report that our former chairman, the indefatigable Steve Harrison, died on Friday July 27th of the cancer that he had suffered for some time. During his illness he continued guesting at folk clubs accompanying the wonderful singing of his wife Annie Dearman, and he played for dances with his Black Box Band and with The Phoenix Dance Band led by Rod Stradling. He was a valued resident at our Ryburn Folk Club and a regular at our weekly tune session at The Old Bridge Inn in Ripponden.
His voice also mysteriously came from the character of The Doctor in the Long Company Mummers Play each New Year.
The definition of 'indefatigable' is 'persisting tirelessly' and that describes Steve perfectly. He performed his duties as Chair with humour and professionalism His last gig was to lead the Black Box Big Band for our annual New Years Eve dance at Waring Green.
We will miss him, his music, erudition, humour and most of all his friendship, very much indeed.
Admin might want to merge?
Lovely man and a great friend. All round good egg. Steve bore some pretty stiff chemo very bravely 2 years back.
Haven't been here for quite some time - so very sad to hear this. i didn't often meet Steve, but he came, with The Black Box Band, to provide a wonderful ceilidh at my 70th. He must have been in the early stages of cancer then, but he was the usual genial Steve, full of good humour. A great loss.
Steve's funeral was Wednesday I believe...a lovely day apparently, as we would expect.
For the many of us that couldn't make it there is some talk of a memorial event/celebration later in the year.
When I know more, I'll post details, unless someone more qualified than I should do so first.
Chris Ryall has suggested on the Whitby Folk Week some sort of memorial session there. Tahe a look at the thread if you think it might be a good idea.