OldGit

[Rich]

Dear all,

This is the hardest post I have ever had to write. As CK mentioned at the end of the other thread, I have to tell you that our buddy Simon, known to us all as OldGit -- a name that was only ever 50% true, bless him -- has passed away in tragic circumstances. As I said at the start of the other thread, I originally posted it because I had been requested to do so, by one of his closest friends -- it was intended to be a temporary measure to cover his absence, until such times as news could be properly broken. Although I can see that some of you did find it suspicious, and that it probably caused a lot of concern, and for this I sincerely apologise. It was never my intention to cause alarm.
The outpouring of warmth towards him on that thread is at once both wonderful and heartbreaking to see, and in part this is why it is such a hard post to write; because I can see just how many of you will be upset to have lost him and sad to think that he won't be sharing any more invaluable hints or diabolical Welsh humour with us. I can barely believe it myself, I keep expecting the phone to ring or a text to arrive.
I remember the first time I met him... he and I pitched up for a band audition at the same time (he was after the bari sax gig though, so thankfully we weren't in competition, or I'd have come off worse). He strode in, wearing his usual grin and one of his succession of battered jazzers' hats, and carrying this huge sax case which bore a sticker reading "oh my god, it's SO BIG". Made I laugh. I liked him immediately, but then again that was the effect he had. He didn't have an ounce of pretentiousness or a trace of egotism about him. If you tried to shake his hand, he'd dismiss it with a snort and give you a big warm hug instead. He was that kind of bloke, as any of you who met him will know. And for those of you who never did have the pleasure of meeting him, all I can say is that believe me, you wish you had.
The great gig in the sky has become a warmer, funnier, friendlier place. God bless you, my friend.

Rich

Edited March 28 by Rich

[Old Horse Murphy]

I never met Si in the flesh but we struck up a great online friendship and he was always a pleasure to talk to and a thoroughly nice bloke.

My sympathies and love go out to everyone who knew him.

Ironically we were due to meet up a few weeks ago when he travelled down for his uncle's funeral. Sadly, circumstances meant that we couldn't meet.

God bless you Si; you are a true gent and Basschat will be a far colder place without you.

Edited August 15, 2010 by Old Horse Murphy

[gnasher1993]

This is very sad news. I've talked with Simon a few times as a fellow sax offender (as he liked to put it) and it was always a pleasure, a genuinely nice guy. A sad loss to the basschat community and no doubt many in the 'real' world.

My condolences and prayers to his friends and family.

Edited August 15, 2010 by gnasher1993

[Buzz]

He was a top bloke and he will be missed.

Rest in peace chap.

[stinson]

Terrible news. Thoughts and prayers to his loved ones and all of you who knew him. RIP.

[tredders]

I've been absolutely gutted by this news since I heard this morning, and don't mind saying that I shed a tear reading Rich's post above. I first met Si a couple of years ago (one of a series of sales between the two of us, which became a standing joke), and after about 10 minutes felt like I'd known him all my life - he had that effect on you. He was just such a lovely, funny, generous bloke. Last spoke to him a couple of weeks ago, and we were joking about what I was going to buy off him next. I can't imagine what his family and close friends are going through at the moment.

I know it's very early at the moment, but I'd appreciate details of a collection for flowers or donations. Si, God bless you mate.

[Toasted]

I'm gutted. One of my favourite posters here on basschat. :-(

[Wil]

I never met Si in person but he always stuck me as a genuine, warm hearted individual. He sent me a lot of helpful advice about band management and as I'm sure you all know he's been one of the friendliest and most helpful members of these forums for as long as I can remember posting.

RIP Si.

[YouMa]

Oh god how sad,im in shock,he seemed like a really nice man.this is awful.Im so sorry.

[ahpook]

i never met si face-to-face, but his posts here and the PMs we exchanged never failed to amuse, inform and intrigue.

thoughts to his kith and kin.


i'll be raising a glass to the oldgit tonight.

Edited August 15, 2010 by ahpook

[Dood]

Rich, the news has shocked me and I can't believe it.

I met our very own 'OldGit' just a few times and can wholeheartedly say his warmth and humour couldn't fail to win a stranger over. A real gent and a fine human being.
I first met Simon and Rich whilst picking up our new basses. There was some fun jibes and banter that day; the memories and pictures will mean more to me now than ever.



A tragic and very sad loss.

Rest In Peace Simon, you will be warmly remembered. xxx

Rich, if there's anything I can do - I'm sure I speak for all here, we're here for you mate.

[Ancient Mariner]

I met him just once, at the Wood'n'tronics bass bash in Warwick, earlier this year. He seemed, just like you said, warm, friendly, genuine, and was definitely one of those larger than life characters.

We'll miss him off the forum, but not half as much as you will, I think. Thanks for posting this, Rich.

[beerdragon]

Tragic news. i bought and sold a couple of things of him,he even pointed me in the direction of a watch company. a very decent bloke, he will be missed.

[Mrs Tinman]

Rest in peace Si, you will be missed by so many people, our thoughts are with your family.

We have many fond memories of your visit here which was filled with laughter and much silliness.





Terri & Pete xx

[obbm]

I met Si a few times at Bashes, communicated by email and was I able to help him out on a number of occassions. I am just stunned by this tragic news. Always a great sense of humour, he will be sadly missed. Deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to his friends and relations

[clauster]

A real loss to our BC community.

Condolences to his family and friends.

[Toddy54]

Very sad news indeed, my thoughts are with Si's family and friends at this sad time.

R.I.P Si.

[Stingray5]

Rich, thank you for your post - a lovely tribute which I know was extremely hard for you to write. I'm numb from just reading it.
Like many here, I never did meet Si in person but always enjoyed, respected and where intentional, laughed at his various posts and enjoyed a bit of online banter with him too.
I would like to send my deepest, heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. Rest in peace, Si.

[Moos3h]

A lovely bloke, who will be sadly missed.

[Chris2112]

Terribly sad news.

[EdwardHimself]

I'm very saddened by this news. Here was me thinking he was just taking a break from this forum so it has come as quite a shock. I never met him myself but he obviously sounded like a grade A bloke. RIP

[budget bassist]

Such a shame, we never really talked at length, but from the few times I've spoken to him on here, he seemed like a genuinely nice bloke. My condolences to you, Rich, and the rest of his family and friends.

[Musky]

My heart sank when I read Kiwi's post earlier, even though I'd never had the pleasure of meeting him in person. His warmth and humour shone through in his posts and he'll be sorely missed.

My condolences to his friends and family.

[johnnylager]

Sad, sad news - rest in peace, Si and thanks for all the laughs. My thoughts are with his family & friends right now & I will raise a glass.

Thanks for taking the trouble to post this, Rich.

[Happy Jack]

I am unbelievably sad to hear this. I rated Si very highly.

Words fail me.