I know Gary isn't a member but many will know him. Gary passed away earlier today. That's about all I can say right now but will let you know more as I get it.

I'm gutted, known Gary a long time and proud to call him a mate. He will be missed by all who knew him

My heart goes out to Piddy and to all his family.

Sincere thanks for the above - memories Raresoulie

Then later came that legendary one off Hull all dayer promoted by Gary and the "only" capture of Jesse James !! Before the Gala Gran week enders.

.

I've still got the flyer.....

And one for Canal Tavern....

I'm shocked and can only say R.I.P. He was a top bloke and was one of the foremost beer animals I had ever had the pleasure of sharing ale with. And I never got to return his copy of Clea Bradford's version of Summertime on Chess which I loved so much....so it's being polished as we speak in special memory.

Another reminder of the human side of this ageing scene.

Conrad x

Edited September 23, 201212 yr by phatness

I've spoken to Piddy. She's devastated as you would expect but she is really grateful for all the messages. I will print these off in time and let her have them all.

Piddy is going to let me know the details for the funeral so will pass them all on for those that wish to attend.

A memory of Mr Welsh in the 80's

Like everyone else I am completely shocked to hear this. Nothing but good memories of Gary, just a genuinely good guy, always laughing and he made me do the same. So glad we caught up a couple of 'Just Soul's ago.

Best wishes to Piddy and the family.

RB.

very sad - knew Gary from record sales and met him just a few times

always such a nice guy

really was a man with brilliant taste in tunes plus he was very modest with it

always used to put you onto a nice tune - always said hello

only just read this I'm totally shocked

a sad day indeed I'll miss Gary for sure a true soul gent

had many many record dealings over the years and shared a laugh and a pint

my thoughts are with his family at this hard time

RIP Gary

Loz & Ian.

awful sad once agen..

Steve Kilgour is around, does still go to Thorne and he is on FB. Think a memorial night is a good idea, maybe not same night as current Thorne?

I wasn't planning to post. I am sure many of his friends are still in shock and will be sending condolences directly to his family, just as we preferred.

But without discussing the idea with anyone, I think any memorial should be what Ronnie & the family want, and I'm sure that anyone they ask to help out will be there for them (including ourselves).

Many don't know this, but Gary came along with me to make the final booking with the Canal Tavern to start our night - this was his local and he knew the owners. He had no issues, even though he had a well-deserved respected history there. Instead, he has always been very supportive and kind over the years to myself & Karen for bringing the place back as a soul venue. Even before that link, Gary went out of his way for a friendly chat - with me, not just with my man who is a longtime friend. That's the kind of guy he was, ask anyone. He will be missed by so many.

m

Edited September 23, 201212 yr by Maria O

Jacque & I are totally in shock only just heard the news ,a friend since the cleethorpes nighters. Gary was very close to my late brother Rob Ward. Our hearts and thoughts are with Piddy and family

Fred& Jacque ward

Edited September 23, 201212 yr by Mr Fred

didnt know gary but respect to a fellow soulie ...condolences to the family...mark f

Shocked to here this,as many have said he was a real nice guy who always had time for a chat and a laugh,

my thoughts and condolences go out to Gary`s family.......RIP Gary..

Dave f......

I wasn't planning to post. I am sure many of his friends are still in shock and will be sending condolences directly to his family, just as we preferred.

But without discussing the idea with anyone, I think any memorial should be what Ronnie & the family want, and I'm sure that anyone they ask to help out will be there for them (including ourselves).

Many don't know this, but Gary came along with me to make the final booking with the Canal Tavern to start our night - this was his local and he knew the owners. He had no issues, even though he had a well-deserved respected history there. Instead, he has always been very supportive and kind over the years to myself & Karen for bringing the place back as a soul venue. Even before that link, Gary went out of his way for a friendly chat - with me, not just with my man who is a longtime friend. That's the kind of guy he was, ask anyone. He will be missed by so many.

m

That is Gary all over that Maria, he would help anyone and have time for anyone and he loved life. He lived his life with a smile on his face despite the set backs he has had.

On nodding terms with Gary and always come cross as a top bloke.

My condolences to his family, RIP

I've known Gary & Ronnie for many years & have been proud to call them my friends, they have always there for me when i needed them, not going to add any more other to say, Gary you will be missed, rest easy buddy, Arthur.

Following on from Chalky's post #55 above & copied from Facebook

I have spoken to Piddy , as all of you who know them will understand "devastated" isn't even close to how she is feeling.

She asked me to make sure everyone who knew Gary gets to know this sad news, so can you please just text out to everyone you may think of to let them know.

As Gary has died so suddenly and unexpectedly there will have to be a post mortem, although at the moment it is looking like a massive heart attack.

Funeral details will be posted as soon as we know them in the next couple of days.

I'm still in shock over this news, read the comments below to see just what a wonderful guy Gary was and just how much he meant to people.

RIP Gary.

I didn't know Gary but would like to pass my condolences to his family and friends , it reads like his life was filled with much love and respect , I am sad for his family today x

I got a call late last night from Dave Allen from Thorne telling me the sad news about Gary and I got straight in touch with Chris Denton who confirmed it ---- i cant get my head round it I was only sat with him and Dave the day before at John Hams funeral wake in the Tavern at Thorne having the crack about Thorne lads going to Cleethorpes and Stainforth lads going to Wigan and sharing memories of going to local catholic school together ----------- its left me and my missis totaly stuned and heartsick our love and thoughts go out to Ronnie and the family ------the soul scene has lost two of the nicest blokes you could wish to meet --------------

from Mick and Sandra Lanaghan

Edited September 23, 201212 yr by tyke1249

Totally shocked by this sad news, great memories of Gary stretching right back to the days and nights at Cleethorpes. What a guy, he will be sadly missed.

Sleep well Pal.

Dave.

So sad was such a good guy and will be missed,i had a great time with him when the Dells were on at Trentham .All my best wishes to Piddy and family.R.I.P..

R.I.P Gary

Bob Burton rang us this morning telling me of the passing of Gary, not seen him for years but can see picture that misceivous and infectous smile Gary had,you just knew you were going to laugh in the next 30 seconds or less, fond memories RIP GARY condolences to Family and Friends.

Good Night God Bless from Bruce [ Preston ]

Found out about Gary`s passing in the early hours of this morning ...........Only met Gary and Piddy through Kevin Thomas ( thanx Kev ) but how welcoming they were to me ..........great bloke .....My condolences go out to Piddy and all the family.

R.I.P Gary

Julie x

Really saddened by this news.

A fine fellow .

Derek

cant believe it worked with him,top man,feel so sad for his family,

RIP x

Gary was one of the real people on the soul scene and will be greatly missed.

dean

Very sad indeed to hear this tragic news over the weekend, remember saying goodnight to him only a couple of weeks back in Hull as he was walking back to his hotel at the end of the night : - ((

RIP Gary.

I've spoken to Piddy. She's devastated as you would expect but she is really grateful for all the messages. I will print these off in time and let her have them all.

Piddy is going to let me know the details for the funeral so will pass them all on for those that wish to attend.

I was certain i had met this guy at the Wilton earlier this year. I remember having a long chat outside about Thorne and the snooker player Steve Davis. I really enjoyed my 15 minutes or so with Gary. I wasn't sure it was him at first but I am stood behind him on the photo.RIP Gary

First met Gary at the first incarnation that was Thorne, run by Rod & Lorraine Dearlove, we became really good mates and saw each other at countless other doo's during this time, he could never quite get his head round what I did for a living but he was truly a gentleman, musically always pushing the boundaries which endeared him to many.

Over the years we saw less of each other but when we did catch up life had not changed him, RIP my friend.

Piddy stay strong as I know you will, you have my number if you need anything.

Kathy & Brian

Just seen this and can't get my head round it, been reduced to tears, have'nt seen Gary for a while now but have fond memmories of the times i have spent with him over the years from the Cleethorpes days and behind the decks at the Canal Tavern (both Simply Soul and Rods Voices) and the Hull venues and countless other Soul Nites we played at, it's a sad sad day for soul music because he contributed so much to it and was a lovely person with it, my thoughts go out to you Piddy and all the Family/Friends that are countless, R.I.P. Gary "Loved And Missed By All Who Met You" Rick

Edited September 24, 201212 yr by RICK SCOTT

Only just heard this sad news. Our thoughts are with Piddy and family at this time.

When I spoke to Ronnie yesterday she did ask for me to ask everyone not to send flowers, just family only flowers. There will be a collection with the proceeds going to the brain injury unit in Goole. Thanks.

Very sad news indeed.....We found out yesterday of Garys passing and are still in shock-so so glad we knew Gary.....a very sincere, lovely person with the most warmest of smiles...

Thinking of you Ronnie and family,

Gary Welsh RIP

Andy and Susanne Whitmore.

Sometimes there are just not the right words. Sometimes there are just not enough words.

Gary was a top bloke, one of the finest. It was an honour and a privilege to call him a friend.

Piddy, we are here if we can do anything at all.

All our love

Steve, Wendy & Shaun Kearney

I will always be in debt to Gary for he gave me my first dj set when i was about 16 or 17 years old.I had gone to the white heart (thorne) soul nite with chris walker, chris introduced me to Gary and in passing said "you should let Andy play a set here" before i knew it i was to do the next date (i hadn't a clue how to dj) some things never change ! No sooner had Gary walked back to the door he'd floored two locals who it turns out refused to pay the door tax ! Soft as a brush yet hard as nails,few carry those two traits in life and maintain respect from everyone.. Mind you those two locals wanna thank their lucky stars Gary dealt with them and not Ronnie cos they would have known about it !

I'm upset you left without saying see you later, it will just have to be a little later than we thought mate. So Long Gary. x

Gary Welsh..............................Thanks for the memories...................... making me smile through my tears.

Love to Piddy and family

Karen (and Pete) xxx

Edited September 25, 201212 yr by karen b

Heard the very sad news at the weekend about Gary`s passing and still cant get my head round it. Hope your waxing lyrical with some of your heroes up there fella.

R.I.P. Gary

Trev & Denise

]

Gary & Sam Dees at Soul Essence

Edited September 25, 201212 yr by Coxy

Marie and myself were stunned to hear the news.

Always had a great laugh with Gary, last time was just a few weeks ago at Steve Woomble and Sean Kierney's birthday party.

Sounds a cliche but Gary was so much larger than life I can't believe he is no longer with us.

He was always so passionate about the music.

A lovely man.

Gary Welsh Funeral details

Friday 5th October 2012

11.30 at St Joseph & St Nicholas R C Church - Bloomhill Road- Moorends- DN8 4SS

followed by Burial at Thorne Cemetery .

Afterwards to The Canal Tavern at Thorne for Gary's final send off. ALL WELCOME.

Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers to GNRC + TLU -I will post links to these later.

For anyone travelling to Scarborough Weeekender all above are very close to M18 & M62 Motorways- to travel on via the Bridlington way...

Edited September 26, 201212 yr by Rob Wigley

Wasn't a close friend but always found the odd converrsations i had with him to be a pleasure. Nice guy with a sense of humor to boot.

A face that will be missed on the scene..

So sorry to hear about Gary's passing away,was only chatting to him at wommble and Shaun's do a couple of weeks ago and was on top form . Did a brilliant set in his own unique way ,such a nice lad always so friendly.introduced me to some incredable tunes over the years and will be very much missed , our thoughts and sympathy to ronnie and family god bless mark and Pam

Shocked by this news.

Was on my honeymoon with Shelley when I found out so my emotions were all over the place as the happiest time of my life was also shared with some of the saddest news I have ever had.

Had many a beer filled great night with Welshy & he was responsible for changing my life musically.

Also had to hand over to him when he did his last spot a few years ago in Hull at the Modern Soul Classics dayer & told him he'd be back & he was to my delight.

R.I.P. Gary.

was stunned to get a text to say Gary had passed away,always had the time for a natter and a laugh will be sadly missed my thought go out to Gary's family and friends RIP Gary. john

OMG im gutted at this news a fine fellow one of the best, just been looking throu my friends requests on FB and Gary sent me one about 3 weeks ago and i had forgot to respond. my sincere condolences to all his family

I've spoken to Ronnie again today. Ronnie, Toni, Nathan, Megan and all Gary's family have read all your wonderful messages and have been overwhelmed by the kindness and love shown to not just Gary but all his family. Ronnie can't reply personally but she says all Gary's family would all like to thank you all from the bottom of their hearts for all the kind words, thought and prayers at this difficult time.

I will be printing out all your messages for Ronnie.

I knew Gary later rather than earlier and he became a friend and confidant. A source of great knowledge, humour and passion not just for music but for life itself. I remember double decking with him at Karen's 40th. We had a blast...........

I will miss him but mostly I will regret the contact and the phone calls I never made, that is my loss.

Very sincere condonlences to all the family,

John.

Your friends came from far & wide to say ta-ra to you Gaz, what a testament to your life!

Our lives won't be the same without your smiling face in it, we have our memories though, that we'll cherish forever

Goodnight & godbless beautiful man

We'll look after Ronnie, Toni, Nathan & Megan for you

Bye for now Gaz

Alison xx

Your friends came from far & wide to say ta-ra to you Gaz, what a testament to your life!

Our lives won't be the same without your smiling face in it, we have our memories though, that we'll cherish forever

Goodnight & godbless beautiful man

We'll look after Ronnie, Toni, Nathan & Megan for you

Bye for now Gaz

Alison xx

No words...just a hug from me to you darling....Delxxx