Roger Stewart Burridge

Roger Stewart (Sid) Burridge, 63, died peacefully on November 23, 2020 in Concord Hospital, NH. His fiddle playing and humor will be missed by all who knew him. Roger was born in the idyllic surroundings of the rural south-west of England, on the outskirts of a tiny village called Hardington Mandeville. He attended the village school before graduating to secondary school in the nearby town of Yeovil. His entire family was involved with the local folk music scene: his father, the late Philip Roy (Oscar), played in ceilidh bands; his mother Eunice (aged 99) was their biggest fan; sister Jane sang in local folk clubs; and at the age of seven or so Roger picked up one of Oscar's violins and never put the fiddle down. His talent shone throughout those early years and at the age of 18 he was invited to join folk-rock band Fairport Convention where he played fiddle and traveled throughout Europe. In 1978 he moved to Ireland, settling in Doolin, County Clare, where he became the regular session musician at McGann's Pub, learning tunes and playing Irish traditional music. His paths crossed with many famous players including Tommy Peoples who was his mentor and hero. Roger also developed a formidable reputation of his own and his masterful playing attracted many eager to play with him, learn from him and listen to him including his beloved Kate (Lutkevich) who became his wife of 38 years. They moved to Boston to be married in November 1982, where Roger played at the Purple Shamrock. They relocated to Epsom, NH, where they built their home in 1988 and added daughter Molly (31) and son Samuel (27) to their family. Along with his many friends, Roger continued to play in New Hampshire pubs, such as the Shaskeen, the Salthill, the Archway and more, as well as countless concerts, festivals and private parties. He also recorded CDs (Across the Pond and others) as the lead fiddle player and wrote his own Irish traditional-style tunes. Roger was a compassionate and humble man with an incredible sense of humor. He loved birds of prey, David Bowie, fly fishing, finely made Belgian shotguns and, most importantly, his devoted family in Epsom, NH and in Surrey, UK. Due to COVID-19, no services will be held at this time. A celebration of his life and music will be held at the appropriate time at his home in Epsom, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations to his GoFundMe page would be greatly appreciated as he was uninsured during his illness. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Cremation Society of New Hampshire. To view an online tribute, leave a message of condolence or for more information please visit www.csnh.com.