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Last night, I curled up in bed on a
bitterly cold Toronto night, I was listening to some music and Ryan's Fancys
"The Wild Goose" came on. It's one of my favorite songs right now, but I
noticed last night, it was moving me even more deeply than usual. I couldn't
explain it, but I could really sense the true meaning of the song, with its
lament "It's time for to go with the wild goose." Now today I know why. My
mom just called me from home and told me Dermot passed away yesterday.
Lyrically, "The Wild Goose" coveys so much and it's Dermot who sings it so
beautifully:
"At the last portage, when I'll pack no more
Let me fly with the wild goose high over north shore
With the wild goose, the wild goose
High over north shore and I'm going home."
Bless you Dermot, for your grace and wisdom and talent. You have touched us
all.
Stephanie Power
Toronto, Ont.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the
passing of my friend Dermot. He was one of the most genuine people I have
ever met in my life. My sincerest condolences to Ann and all the family. I
last saw Dermot at the Arts And Culture Centre and he greeted me with a
heart felt hug for a friend he hadn't seen for a while. We chatted for a
while had a joke and then said so long. little did I know that this would be
the last time I would see Dermot alive. Now I feel numb and my heart feels
like it weighs a ton. I have lost a friend. God rest his soul.
Randy Collins
I got the news this morning regarding
Dermot's passing yesterday. I was at a loss for words. I had the pleasure of
seeing Dermot every Wednesday night after my shows at O'Reilly's Irish Pub.
There was always a magic about him and Fergus when they performed on stage
together, like each time was a new time, never looking like they had
performed their show so many times before. That magic will live on in my
memory forever. Dermot was such a genuine man who always made me smile. My
love and prayers goes out to his wife Ann & family, to Fergus and to all his
close friends, which were many. Dermot, thank you for sharing your wonderful
talents with the world. You will hold a special place in my heart forever.
You will truly be missed.
Denielle Hann
I have had the honor and privilege of
knowing Dermot for over 34 years... My children grew up on the music and
friendship of "Ryan's Fancy". The music and times - unforgetable. We are all
in disbelief and shock. Our hearts and prayers are for you Ann and your
family.. for Fergus, Irene & Fergus , for Denis and family, for all of you
whose hearts he touched with his friendship and his music. Dermot you will
be missed my friend.... God Bless you !
Beverly van't Kruis & Richard Smith
Sheryl van't Kruis & family
Bill & Mel van't Kruis & family
Nina & Harold Slade & family
It is a sorrowful day for music when
Dermot died, I met Dermot, with Ryan's Fancy, many years ago when they did a
gig in Revelstoke, BC, even before that I enjoyed the records of Ryans Fancy
and still do.
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dermot, he will be
missed.
Gene McDonnell,
CFBX Kamloops
I was fortunate enough to have
attended the Ryan's Fancy reunion show at O'Reilly's Pub in 2004 (one of the
greatest nights of my life) and one of Dermot's final performances, opening
for The Rankin Family on Thursday. That night was particularly special,
because
it was unexpected and unannounced. Himself and Fergus got up there in front
of a couple of thousand people and it was magic, as it was whenever I heard
Dermot and Fergus sing together as of late.
Dermot was more than a great musician, mentor and songwriter, but also a
great man. I've seen him perform numerous times, and one thing about him was
that he always had a smile for you when he recognized who you were. His
songs like Candlelight and Wine, and A Children's Winter were striking in
their sublety, but still powerful enough to make an
impact with all who heard them. I find it still a little hard to believe
that I won't be able to hear that voice anymore live, and sadder still, most
of his recorded work is out of print and
unavailable to those new fans who have been so impacted by his musical
legacy. However, despite that, O'Reilly will be remembered by all of us
music lovers as a man who lived to perform the songs that made such an
impact on him, whether they were from Gordon Lightfoot, Allister MacGillvray
or his very own, always with a smile and a wink that made you feel special
every time you heard him sing.
That is the legacy of Dermot O'Reilly. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Kevin Kelly
St. John's, NL
Senior Editor
The Newfoundland Herald magazine
I have a lovely memory of Dermot
O'Reilly from the 1970s, when as a child I saw Ryan's Fancy in Sydney.
My sister, who loves Ryan's Fancy, brought me to the show. After the
concert, Dermot was last arriving for the band's autograph session. He burst
into the room and took my shocked sister for a little dance while singing
Rocky Road to Dublin.
He was very kind as I stammered (literally, I had a bad stutter) my
appreciation of the music as he gave his autograph.
Dermot, along with Denis and Fergus, helped spark my lifelong love of music,
Celtic and otherwise. His voice and music rings on.
John McPhee
Halifax
A number of years back I spent a few
nights in St John's. He played all the old Ryan's Fancy tunes I requested.
It was wonderful. When I walked into the pub he was playing in the second
night he immediately kicked into the tunes I requested the night
before...and dedicated the closing tune, Tom Paxton's Rambling Boy, to me. I
was hoping to catch Dermot perform sometime this summer, but alas. At least
I have the memories and a photograph with him.
RIP Dermot...
Ryan O
Dermot was cool…. I had the amazing
opportunity to travel with the band when I was 13…..well,ok, maybe it was
just that my dad, Denis was IN the band and just happened to have me tagging
along on a summer trip to Ireland, dropping me off at my grandparents farm
while the band was touring and recording one of their T.V specials. Along
with my grandparent Mai and Jimmy Ryan and my uncle Seamus we managed to
travel a good part of Ireland showing up at most of the venues Ryan’s Fancy
were playing. Maybe I didn’t appreciate the traditional music at that point
in my life it wasn’t COOL to me….what was cool was Dermot always taking time
out for me, an annoying little kid ,to play his guitar and sing Buddy Holly
songs for me. THAT was COOL!!!. He introduced me to all of that rock and
roll and I LOVED it!!! He even made me cassettes after that trip of all
these new songs….. he fueled my passion for music, and always made me feel
like I counted…he was a true musician. He was passionate about his music.
This past October my husband Jeff and I had the immense pleasure and honor
of having Dermot and Anne join us at our wedding. My dad asked Dermot to
join him to sing the Tiree love song at our ceremony. It was beautiful.
What was a huge treat was Dermot’s impromptu jam session at our
reception….he had the place rockin!
I think everyone that was there that night feels the gratitude we feel in
having had that special night with Dermot. Such a cherished memory. All of
my love to Anne, Deirdre, Suzanne & Grainne……my NFLD family.
Colleen Ryan
I met Dermot O'Reilly when I was just
a young girl in elementary school. I was living on Fogo Island at the time.
Year after year, the Sunday of the Brimstone Head Folk Festival, my
Grandmother Kelly would put on a scoff and invite all the musicians to her
house in Joe Batt's Arm! This scoff would turn into a massive kitchen party
that went on late into the evening! Each year Dermot was sure to be there.
He sang songs, played his guitar and told stories.
Since the days at grandmother's house, Dermot and I had become very good
friends. Those once a year meetings with Dermot had become an almost daily
event, with his smile getting bigger and that hug getting stronger every
time! He knew just how to make me laugh.
Dermot touched the hearts of many and had a unique friendship with each and
ever person he met. He was a wonderful person, a great friend, mentor and a
legend. Dermot will be missed, but will remain forever in our memories and
our hearts.
My condolences to Dermot's family at this time. You are in my thoughts and
prayers.
Michelle Baker
I was truly saddened to hear of
Dermot’s passing and wish to extend my deepest sympathies to his family. I
just wanted to say that Dermot had a remarkable impact on anyone who met him
or just listened to him play.
I met Dermot at my Grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary, where he and
Fergus performed, and instantly became a huge fan. Since then, I have made
it a point to go wherever he happened to be performing. Although I am only
in my mid 20’s, I can honestly say that I will forever consider Dermot
O’Reilly one of my favorite musicians. He is truly a Music Legend.
Cindy O'Brien
Dermot's passing hit me like a ton of
bricks. A mutual friend called me Saturday and 1 pm and told me so I
wouldn't hear it from the media. I wasn't a super close friend of Dermot,
but I knew him, we spoke every time we saw each other, chatted and the like,
same for his lovely wife Ann, who made such a nice fuss over our baby when
she first saw her. Dermot and I always spoke when we saw each other, as I
said. He lived in Torbay, as I do, and I
always passed his street on the way to work. I can't remember really how I
met Dermot, I always used to be at Erin's pub and through knowing some
people met Dermot and just got to know him that way. What always struck me
about Dermot was while many other musicians seems to be very aware of what
they did in music, sometimes to the extent it gave them a big head, Dermot
wasn't like that, and if anyone could act like that based on their career,
it was Dermot. But nope, Dermot was just this likable man who played his
guitar and sang his songs. I recall someone told me that when asked when was
he going to give up singing in the pubs, he said why, I'd just be home
playing and singing.
My idea of a perfect evening out was to hit wherever Dermot was playing,
have a pint and listen, then have quick chat when he was on break. Dermot
had a regular gig with Fergus at O'Reilly's Wednesday and Friday night.
Sadly, I hadn't been down for quite some time due to work and the new parent
responsibilities. I wish I had of went.
My buddy Craig, who works in Yellowknife, and I made it a point when he came
home to go see Dermot play. As always, Dermot sounded great and would have a
great chat with us. He always remembered who people were and would ask about
people in your family. Just a real gentleman. His genial nature is what I
would like to emulate.
Dermot came to my wedding, which was great. I remember him being charmed the
DJ played some Buddy Holly, cause Dermot loved Buddy Holly. "Oh, my
favorite!" he said to me when it came on. Dermot would play some Buddy Holly
in his set now and again. We all sat at the bar after and Dermot bought me a
pint. I have pics of that too. As it turned out, Dermot was the only one who
took pics of my wife and I having our first dance at
the wedding, so getting those pics was a great thing. He had taken a ton,
and I got them all, D. O'Reilly photo written on the back of all of them.
When I had my little girl he couldn't make the christening party, but called
up one day to see if he could drop by. He came by with his wife Ann. Ann had
knit a beautiful cap and coat for my little girl and brought me some Apple
jelly she made herself. We chatted and my little girl Erin just smiled at
Dermot the whole time he was there and charmed the socks off him, he was
just great with her, smiling as much as she was. I'll be sure to let her
know she met this great man.
At a benefit at Erin's Pub a few years ago Dermot and Ann were at a table
and I was at the bar having a pint. Dermot's video Rigs, Jigs & Songs from
the Heart was a door prize and I won it! I looked over and Dermot looked
very pleased I won it, gave me a wave, and signed it for me with a great
inscription. Even though I knew him I still felt silly asking him to sign
it, but Roger, who runs the Ryan's Fancy website, had it done. It meant a
lot to me and means way more now.
The benefit for Dermot in 2005 after he had his bypass showed how much
everyone loved him. The place was packed, awesome NFLD talent showed their
love, and much money was raised to help Dermot while he couldn't work, which
was just a great thing.
While I knew about Dermot from his past in Ryan's Fancy and loved their
music, I never met him until 7 years ago. I knew Dermot as a friendly grey
haired bearded man who was a real gentleman who enjoyed his pint and playing
guitar. I didn't know anything about other musical dealings he had in his
studio and such, I just liked Dermot cause he was a hell of a nice man, and
his Ryan's Fancy past just never clicked with me cause that wasn't the
Dermot I met, I just got to know him as a good man. I'm really sad he's
gone, I'll miss him.
Cheers Dermot.
Shawn Fulford
I was stationed on Bell Island back in
the 70's and to get a break we used to travel to St. John's and visit the
"MALL" - One place in particular was extremely popular on Saturday
afternoons "The STRAND". It was exceptionally wonderful when Dermot and the
boys played. We would sing along and boy what a time. Great musician, great
memories, absolutely great times. He will be missed.
Tim Hoban
Miramichi, NB
I first met Dermot a couple of weeks
ago in Bonavista.Although it was my first time seeing him live he talked to
us as if we were old friends.He was a great talent and will be missed
greatly.
Keith & Doreen Strickland
I was so saddened to hear about the
sudden passing of Dermot O'Reilly this morning. For me, it was sort of the
end of an era. He was one of those people who you expected to be around
forever. This day was a long one for me as a floodgate of memories were
opened and a lot of fond thoughts came back. Growing up in Newfoundland, the
music of Ryan's Fancy was a staple in our household. We couldn't wait for
the shows to come on to see where they were this week and what songs they
would be singing. I remember well when they came to St. Lawrence and did a
show there and spoke to some of the old miners on the east side (they're all
gone too now) and played soccer in the meadow. As I got older, and went to
MUN, a highlight on weekends was seeing them at the Strand. They really knew
how to get the crowd going with their powerful voices and excellent
harmonies. As time passed and the group went their separate ways I used to
see Dermot a lot at Erin's Pub (my home away from home) while I was between
trips at sea. It was great just sitting back, sipping Guinness and listening
to him. We had a good few conversations between sets and a good few laughs.
The house I later moved into at Calvert was a gathering place for the boys
(so I was told) when they first came to Newfoundland and made trips up the
shore. We talked and laughed about the reaction of some of the older folk
there when they first saw these "strangers" with long leather coats and even
longer hair descend on the North Side. The legacy that he left in instilling
pride in our music will never be forgotten. His golden voice may be silenced
in life but will live on in our hearts and memory. My sincerest condolences
go out to his family and friends on the passing of a great entertainer and
fine gentleman.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Jack O'Rourke
I first heard about Ryan's Fancy back
in the 70's from my brother who bartended at the old NGEA club on Torbay
Road. (That dates me!) I have loved their music ever since. In the late 70's
or early 80's they were guests at a variety concert being held to raise
funds for a new Anglican Church in our community. My husband and I sang a
couple of Ryan's Fancy songs. We were so nervous we forgot they were in the
audience. What an awesome feeling when we realized they were sitting up
front watching and listening to us!
Sylvia Trowbridge
Very sorry to hear of Dermot's passing
we loved his music very much.
Bill & Mary O'Neill
Fermeuse N.L.
Just two weeks ago I had the privilege
of meeting Dermot O'Reilly for the first time . My 11 year old son Christien
was to perform with him in his show at Don Cherrys, Clarenville. I noticed
Christien and Dermot in conversation throughout lunch . Dermot impressed me
that day not only with his music but his genuine interest in Christien and
his musical talents. I
later asked Christien about his conversation with Dermot. He left him with
words to live by. "If you play a musical instrument , you will never be
alone, you will always have a friend ". Those words will be forever
remembered and certainly passed on . Here is a picture from that day.
With deepest sympathy,
Rita & Christien Barron
Never had the pleasure to meet Dermot,
but through his music felt like I knew him for years.
Absolutely love his music, part of the best Irish band ever!
Condolences to Dermot's family and friends especially Fergus and Denis.
John-Paul Leon
Calgary (former caper)
I had always loved Ryan's Fancy and
especially Dermot. My life was complete when he asked me to dance at the
Holiday Inn in Sydney in the early 70's. His personality certainly matched
the sparkle in his eyes---he was so funny and entertaining; a very, very
nice man. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Joan Pettipas
Sydney
Dermot was a great friend and
colleague. He always gave me pleasure in his presence. Lets raise our glass
to Dermot
He will always be with us.
Neil O' Grady
Carbonear, NL
A golden voice is silenced the angels is happy now Rest in peace Dermot all
of Nfld loved you You will never be forgotten ..
Your fan (ken )
So very sad to hear about Dermot's
passing he will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to his wife Ann
and Family. Also condolences to his long time band member and friend Fergus.
God bless,
Cindy and Daniel Russell
I am truly saddened on the passing of
Dermot O'Reilly. He was a kind, friendly, down to earth man. He always took
the time to stop and chat with me when and where ever I ran into him, be it
at the local mall, on the street or at one of his gigs. I will miss him, my
deepest condolences go to his family during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Paul Nolan
I was saddened when I heard that Newfoundland has lost one if its music
icons, he was a great influence to everyone who enjoyed good music, he was
deeply respected and admired not only by the music industry but everyone who
witnessed his great talent. Dermot you will be missed.
Rest In Peace.
Justin Samson
On Friday night past, along with my
son and daughter in law, I had the good fortune to enjoy the music of Dermot
and Fergus at O’Reilly’s.
I am glad now that we shook hands and I told him then “I love your music ”.
To his family, may you find consolation in the great happiness many
experienced from his talents, friendship and generosity.
Deepest regrets,
Gerard
We met Dermot in 1975 in Goose Bay,
Labrador, when his group "Ryan's
Fancy" performed during a 'beer strike". Who could have imagined that
some 32 years later, our youngest daughter, Kelly, is a good friend of
the O'Reilly family. Just this year at New Year's Eve, we all met at
Kelly and John's in Torbay for a lovely dinner.
Dermot, the "last Run of the Bonavista" will keep your memory alive for
us. We watched it last night in your memory.
Thank you for the wonderful music and the wonderful memories.
Anne, our thoughts are with you and the girls. Find solace in the
memories of your wonderful husband and father.
David & Jeannette Waters
What is there to say when someone like
Dermot O'Reilly leaves this life. It goes without saying that he will be
sadly missed.
My family and I have known Dermot since Ryan's Fancy did their CBC show from
the wharf in my home town of Branch in the mid 70's. We loved Dermot then
and we love him still. My family grew up listening to the music of Dermot
O'Reilly and loving it.
It was not only his music we loved, it was Dermot the man as well. It was
the Dermot who loved Ann, his children and his grandchildren so sincerely.
It was the reflective Dermot who one night at the Blarney Stone said to me '
You know girl, at the end of it all we'll only have our memories. Be sure to
make yours before it's too late'.
Dermot will be in all of our memories forever.
Our most sincere sympathy to Ann and the O'Reilly family.
Ernestine & Tom Power
Branch
I'd like to pass on my condolences to
everybody who had the pleasure of knowing who Dermot was. Either as a family
member, friend or fan we're all feeling the great loss of such an
inspirational man. I've listened to him, Fergus, and Denis for years and
have performed some of their songs, most recently "West Country Lady"
(written by Dermot) at a benefit concert for the Red Cross a few nights ago.
The closest I came to meeting him was in the doorway of O'Reilly's Pub last
summer. I was going in, and he was leaving. We shook hands and said our
hellos. Unfortunately we didn't get the chance to have a pint and carry the
conversation further. His legacy, which will live on, says enough.
Dermot, we all love ya, and you'll be greatly missed.
Steve Chaulk
Gander
Up until I turned 19 and was able to
see Dermot perform live at O'Reilly's, the name Dermot (or Irish music for
that matter) meant little to me. But since then i have found a huge respect
and love for Irish music, and I'd like to say that without Dermot I may have
never began to enjoy the amazing experience that is Irish/Celtic music.
Thank you and rest in peace Dermot
Paul Howell
I would like to send my sincere condolences to you
for the lost of a great icon. I am 46 years old & have been listening to
Dermot's music since i was a small child. May you all gain strength from all
the great memories you have attained from having known such a wonderful
person. God bless you all. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Ted Murphy.
My condolences go out to Dermot O`Rielly`s family.
Dermot was a true friend and a genuine and enthusiastic human being. His
songs touched me deeply. He will be sadly missed. God Bless.
Todd Hearty
We were so saddened to hear of the loss of a man
who has been a big part of the music industry in Newfoundland for so many
years. Our thoughts are with his wife, Anne and family. We will forever
celebrate his life and music and the amazing contribution he made to
the province's cultural landscape.
Stephen & Debbie Ryan
St. John's, NL
To say that Dermot will be missed by a lot of
people is an understatement. I've watched Dermot and Fergus play since I was
a child and have been sneaking into bars just to hear their music. When I
drove home from Alberta last year, the very first song I played as I entered
Torbay was Dermot's well known West Country Lady. It would just give ya a
good feeling to be home. Dermot & Fergus are an inspiration to many of us.
Even thought i've never met Dermot, He has always been an influence in my
life and the reason why i play an Irish instrument (bodhran). The downtown
scene will never be the same. but the memories will always be there. I wish
my son could've had the chance to enjoy it the way I did.
Gord Waterman
Dermot, you were an inspiration to our
band and a role model for all
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. You will always be remembered and
never
forgotten. We would like to take this opportunity and send our deepest
condolences to his wife and family, and all of his dear friends. Rest
In
Peace.....
Greeley's Reel
Upper Island Cove, NL
Dermot was a lovely man. We only knew
him in 1972 for 6 months in St John's - but we got to know him quite well -
and he was a joy to be with. We spent many a lovely evening in his company.
We send our deepest sympathy to Ann and the family and of course to Denis
and Fergus as well.
God Bless Dermot!
Ian & Kathleen Maley
I never knew Dermot, but I certainly
felt like I did.
Whenever I play a Children's Winter on vinyl.....it feels like listening to
an anthem of culture.
He will be missed.
Paul Cole
Dartmouth
I never met Dermot O'Reilly in person
- just talked to him by phone a few years ago when I ordered his video RIGS
& JIGS & SONGS FROM THE HEART. So sorry to hear he has passed away - he and
his music will be missed.
Boyce Hart
Toronto
Just yesterday I finally got around to
going through my Mother's photos, sorting & scanning them. It's something
I'd been putting off since she passed a little over eight years ago. Among
those many memories was the attached Polaroid, from a day many years ago
when I was still a boy. It was summer in New Brunswick, and we were having a
party on a boat on the Saint John river after finishing the shoot for the
All On a Summer's Day special at King's Landing. I don't think Mom ever
found out that it was Dermot who pushed her into the water, though she may
have suspected. It was a glorious time that, as was the shoot for the
Christmas show, and those experiences have always been near and dear to me.
So I'll be tipping a glass to Dermot today, and thinking of you all.
God bless,
Warwick Learning
I had the pleasure of meeting Dermot
in august 2006. I was asked to emcee a benefit concert on Bell Island for
the food bank and Dermot was one of the entertainers. As I am a musician, I
was in awe of Dermot from his reputation, this quickly turned to respect
once I talked to him and found him to be a very down to earth and extremely
friendly man.I t is a huge loss for Newfoundland music and music in general.
My deepest condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Jason Howard.
My condolences to Dermot O'Reilly's
family and his many, many friends.
Dermot and I occasionally communicated about Ryan's Fancy [1970-1984]
and the songs the trio popularized in Newfoundland and Labrador. I will
miss his inquiring mind.
Below is the Ryan's Fancy Listing page from GEST Songs of Newfoundland
and Labrador. It includes a couple songs Dermot wrote himself.
http://wtv-zone.com/phyrst/audio/nfld/afancy.htm
GEST
God bless you, Dermot. I knew Dermot
in the good old days in Toronto's "New Windsor House" where he and
Dinny and Fergus kept us well entertained. A kind, lovely man. He will be
missed. G o ndéana Dia trócaire air! Harry
Warner
Salt Spring Island, BC
We've lost a great songwriter, entertainer,
inspiration and an advocate of preserving our rich heritage. His legacy will
endure......Rest in peace Dermot.
Bruce Mesh
I am so saddened to learn of Dermot's
death. The world won't sound as sweet. RIP beautiful man.
Shawna MacDonald
Very sad to hear of Dermot's passing. I have
enjoyed his music so much.
Marie Wiseman
Dermot will be missed. Lets carry his
legacy onwards.
Shannon G.
So very sad to hear about Dermot
passing away. It was always a special treat to chat with him or listen to
him play and sing. I've said it a million times that I felt like all my
troubles got washed away just listening to him, as part of a group, duo, or
solo... even if only for a couple of songs. I'm sure his soul is already in
heaven, and he will be very sadly missed by so many people. My prayers are
with his family now to give them the strength to get through this. So I'll
raise a glass to you today, Dermot!
Juanita Lidster
My sincere condolences to Dermot's family and to
Fergus and Denis. My memories go back to the Strand Lounge on St. Patrick's
Day in 1974 and 1975, as well as many other pubs. On St. Patrick's Day you
had to get there early - we went at 11:00 in the morning to get a good seat
for the Ryan's Fancy show starting at 8:00PM. Standing room only does not
describe the place.
The band was made up of such nice people, no egos
and all wonderfully talented.
I'll always remember Dermot doing Elvis, or anyone
else he wanted to do for that matter.
We will all miss Dermot.
Don McKinnon
Sad to hear of the passing of Dermot in today's
paper. Back in the 70's, while in high school my brother's and I got hooked
on the sound of Irish music and this band was one of the best. All the best
to Dermot's family and friends as they come to terms with his death. Thanks
to Dermot and the boys for all the great tunes.
Gary Schmidt
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