Raising a glass to a departed friend

[mythteller]

Last night at storytelling, I got the news that my friend Toby Kinsella passed away the Sunday previous in Ireland after a relatively short battle with cancer. He was diagnosed with a malignant tumour that had formed around the base of his spine back in August 2008, and although there were some successful operations, the cancer had spread too quickly to stop it's rampage upon this gentle and talented man.

I met Toby through storyteller Mike Burns when they performed together at Hurley's on the last Sundays of the month (which is still going strong). He was always encouraging me to develop my skills as a storyteller and to take risks. I remember seeing Mike and Toby perform at the Montreal Fringe festival one year. I was just starting out as a storyteller and began to think I could be ready to do my own solo shows, but I was told by fellow teller Cairn MacGregor that I was not ready and I shouldn't try until I had more experience.

I was chatting with Toby who suggested I did try to tell stories more publicly, and when I said no, citing what MacGregor had said to me, Toby flew into a rage. "He had NO RIGHT to say that to you! If you feel you're ready, then you're ready! That #@%@##$ MacGregor is an idiot! How DARE HE SAY THAT TO YOU?!?!?!" This was the first and last time I saw him angry and I hoped I would never see it again. On the other hand, he did give me the confidence to make the leap as a storyteller, and for that, I will always be grateful.

I wish I could say Toby and I were closer mates, but we always shared warm smiles whenever we crossed paths in and around Montreal. I know his two children, Isabeau and Django, both extremely talented in the arts. Oddly, both Isabeau and Django were radio techs for me when I used to host a one-hour radio program on CINQ called Keltic Heartbeat. Toby and I worked on a couple of projects together and I designed his website many years ago (Musical Stories) when I was just starting to experiment with HTML.

Toby was a musician and storyteller who lived and loved his passions. He could play over 40 different instruments (often several at the same time!) and managed to combine his musical talents with storytelling to great effect. He perfromed in schools, festivals, pubs, everywhere, anywhere.

Toby was a gentleman through and through. He was always warm, friendly, and generous with his time and his friendship. It was always a pleasure to raise a pint with the man and I wished I could have chatted with him just one more time.

Good night Toby... Until we meet again.

Comments

[airea-dawn.livejournal.com]

Oh my gosh! I grew up with Isabeau all through elementary, and her brother. I'm so sad to read that her dad has passed.

From Scarlet

[(Anonymous)]

*gasp!*

OMGs... nooo...

I remember him from the storytellings with Mike Burns at Hurley's. I did Irish Dancing to his music during intermissions. Sweet sweet man. He will be missed. Strength to his family and closer friends. Blessings on his journey to the next life.

[ladygiggles.livejournal.com]

It is amazing the people who have touched your life! The loss is sad, but think how less interesting your life would have been without meeting Toby.

I am sorry for your loss.

Hugs!