Organist Trevor Walshaw was a ‘gentle soul’ who nurtured countless musicians.
Members of Huddersfield Choral Society will be among those at the funeral of Trevor Walshaw, organist at Huddersfield parish church for more than 30 years.
Others have also answered an invitation to take part in the tribute to Mr Walshaw, who died on October 5, aged 82, at the Sandy Mount nursing home in Crosland Moor where he had lived for the past 18 months.
A dedicated musician, he only relinquished his parish role about 12 years ago.
Vicar of Huddersfield the Rev Simon Moore said: “He nurtured other musicians through his sheer joy of music and he is well-remembered for his skills.”
Originally from Crosland Moor, Mr Walshaw had strong links with the Choral Society and the Glee and Madrigal Society. He was the soloist at the G&M’s centenary concert in 1975.
A widower, Mr Walshaw’s wife, Shirley, died 13 years ago. The couple had no children and friends have been organising the funeral, which is at the parish church at 11am.
Mr Moore said the service, which takes place on Wednesday October 14, will feature a requiem and music Mr Walshaw loved.
“We have been working out what he would have appreciated,” he said. “In his heyday he was a fantastic musician who nurtured others and encouraged them to go beyond their ability and skills.”
Mr Moore added: “Trevor died peacefully and he did not die alone. Friends were at his bedside throughout the weekend.”
Lifelong friend Edward Asquith said: “He was a very gentle soul. He worshipped his wife, Shirley.”
A highly skilled organist, Mr Walshaw played in many churches around Huddersfield, including St Thomas’ at Crosland Moor – the church where he was married.
He was a chorister at the parish church and then became organist.
Mr Asquith was also a choirboy at St Peter’s who became involved with the PCC and other aspects of church life. Through an events committee, he met Trevor and Shirley Walshaw.
“I became great friends with them both,” he said.
Mr Asquith, who now lives in Canterbury, gave the address at Shirley’s funeral. “After her death, Trevor went into a decline,” he said. “He was never the same.
“As a musician he was excellent, very gifted and prepared to teach anyone who showed interest. Shirley led a very busy life too. They were both devoted members of the Choral Society.”
After moving south in 1990, Mr Asquith stayed friends with the Walshaws.
“We were in contact most weeks,” he said.
He too will be at the funeral – giving the eulogy.
“Through his dedication, many choir members made music their careers,” he said. “That is his legacy.”
