The sad passing of Ray BaldwinHello All,

It’s with sadness that I must yet again announce the loss of one of our music family. Ray Baldwin a music fan, supporter and dancer, passed away at 1pm. Ray lost his battle with cancer. I’ll forward information on the funeral when it comes to hand. Ray will be missed by all and our thoughts are with his family. So next time you go to see a band have a drink for Ray and think of him tripping the light fantastic up yonder!!

I have just received a message about Mark Kirks funeral. It’s this Friday at 11am at St.Monicas church, 1 Bourke St. Richmond. Followed by a wake at Royal Exchange Hotel 203 George St Windsor at 1pm.
Regards David Hibbert.

Dear Friends, As some of you already know, Ray Baldwin departed this world at approximately 1pm today after a long battle with cancer.
Ray was at peace with this; he embraced his path with grace and dignity in a manner you don’t often see. He was an inspiration, in good spirits until the end, treasuring his remaining months, weeks, days and hours, surrounded by those who loved him.

Ray was a wonderful friend and supporter of the country music scene. Not only did he appreciate and encourage songwriters but he was a very talented writer himself, penning a precious little Honkytonkin’ newsletter which was both fascinating and informative.

I can remember gigs on cold rainy nights when the room was practically empty but you could generally count on Ray to be there. For those performing original music Ray was a comrade in arms, encouraging us in our endeavours and sharing in the birth of each new song.

Ray was a very special man. He was a highly evolved individual who lived a good life and died a good death. He touched many people along the way with his gentleness, his wisdom, his sense of humour, his grace and dignity. He loved and was loved.

We send our love to his family and his extended family, to all those who loved Ray Baldwin. We will treasure all the precious memories of times spent with this wonderful man. We will miss him more than words can express.

Love always and forever,
Suzy & Hunter
he sad passing of Mark Kirk

It is with immense sadness that we inform you of the death of Mark Kirk.
Some of you may be aware that Mark had already survived a heart attack. Unfortunately he suffered another one at home last night and couldn’t be revived. We are all shocked and saddened by this terrible news and we send our love out to Kath, Mark’s family and the Tall Timbre brotherhood.
Mark was a great guy, kind, gentle, funny, a wonderful friend and fellow musician.

We have so many wonderful memories of him going back many, many years: partying, jamming, sharing the stage and the music, watching him play (usually with eyes closed as he “entered the zone”) and just hanging out. It’s very hard to believe that he has gone. He will always be remembered and our memories of all our times together treasured forever.

I would like to share one recent memory and I’m sure you’ll all have many of your own. Only a couple of weeks ago we met up with Mark at a Red Volkert gig. Our 20 year old son came with us. I reintroduced him to Mark and drifted off, leaving him in safe company chatting with the big boy. Every now and then I’d glance across the room, only to see them laughing and chatting like two old friends (or two big kids). Mark Kirk was like that!

He was comfortable chatting with anyone, easy to talk to, never boring, warm and kind, with a great sense of humour and a huge love of music. He was one of the good guys. Mark Kirks funeral. It’s this Friday at 11am at St.Monicas church, 1 Bourke St. Richmond. Followed by a wake at Royal Exchange Hotel 203 George St Windsor at 1pm.