When Bebop Spoken Here went on-line back in 2008 - one of the first to post a comment was Elizabeth Harris better known to us simply as 'Liz'.
Liz and her husband Denys have been friends of ours for some years now - not only because of their enthusiasm for quality music but as a nice easy to get along with couple.
Therefore it is with much sadness that I have to announce that Denys passed away on Sept. 28 in a hospice near York where they lived.
Both were originally from the North-East and had an everlasting affinity with the area. In the photo, taken at last year's Scarborough Jazz Festival, Denys is on the left and I'm the guy on the right.
Our condolences and deepest sympathy go out to Liz.
RIP Denys - I never did get to hear you sing but you brought some great crime writers to my attention - thank you.
Lance.Autumn in New York / Body and Soul. (see comments)
Thankyou Lance for that touching tribute.
ReplyDeleteAs you know, Denys and I are great enthusiasts of Gasbook and as I type now I'm listening to Frank singing Body & Soul and Autumn in New York. These are typical examples of the lyrics that moved us and indeed, are moving me now as I remember happier days.
Our friendship with yourself and Marlene has always had a special place in our hearts. Denys's conversations on the phone with Marlene were always something he treasured.
So, we move forward, the better for having Denys in our lives and we look forward to seeing you both on Friday.
Liz.
Very sorry to hear the sad news.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you Liz.
Roly
Liz, I've never met you except via this blog, so perhaps I do know you a little. So I'm offering my condolences at this sad time. You sound as if you have good memories, and I imagine York is a lovely place to live, which will probably help you, later on, to feel better. It's good that you'll have Lance and Marlene with you. Take care, Ann Alex
ReplyDeleteIf it is possible to have a 'lovely funeral' then this was it. Denys was sent off with dignity and much love.
ReplyDeleteLiz's daughter-in-law Samantha sang Moon River accompanied by Liz's son Kevin on guitar and Liz's brother David on harmonica. Nat King Cole's version of Stardust was the perfect note to end an emotional service.
Afterwards, at a local hostelry, in conversation with another of Liz's brothers - Ron Goodall, himself an accomplished guitarist I discovered that he'd played with Gerry Dunning and Jeremy McMurray over the years - small world!
The fact that the crem and the pub were crowded speaks volumes for the place Denys and Liz hold in the hearts of their family and friends.
Well Lance, you more than almost anyone, know the value of the right music to fit the occasion and it seals it for me that you gave it your approval...the Moon River choice was somehow so right with that line referring to the rainbow's end, and Stardust echoed exactly the way it was for Denys & I...I was privileged to have you both there.Thank you too to Ann & Roly, people I have never met, but bound in the friendship of BSH
ReplyDeleteLiz