Terence McKee

[stevemac]

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Avalon Guitars esteemed chairman and director Terence McKee. Terence passed away on Thursday at his home in Maghera, Co. Derry, N. Ireland and our sympathies go out to his daughter Emma, his brother Miles, sister Hilary and the family circle.

Terence was a gifted mathematician and a very accomplished musician with an encyclopaedic musical knowledge and rich repertoire ranging from folk and traditional to classical and rock, which he played with great skill and finesse on guitar or mandolin.

In the early 70’s he was a founder member of the legendary Irish progressive rock band Fruupp, leaving the band to pursue higher education; he even turned down an offer from Ian Anderson to join Jethro Tull.

Terence became a devoted music educator, teaching guitar to all ages and he performed regularly on the club and festival scene in the north west of Ireland.

As chairman of Avalon Guitars, Terence led the board of directors through some challenging times and did so with great empathy and skill. His enthusiasm for the company, the guitars and everyone involved in making them was vibrant - on his last visit to the factory in April, we were surprised to see him since, just a few days prior, we had heard that he was in hospital. But the day after he had been released, he got a friend to drive him to Newtownards just so he could hang out with us and play guitars!

We all loved Terence and never ceased to marvel at his virtuoso guitar playing – he will be sorely missed.

[finnangreen]

A sad loss indeed, Ar dheis De go raibh a anam.

[Marty kelly]

From down under to all who knew this marvelous musician, words cant describe his talent or friendship, a great loss to all who knew him.
Rest In Peace my old friend

[rocksteady]

Obviously he was a very special man. My condolences to all that were close to him.

[stevemac]

Our dear friend and colleague Terence McKee was laid to rest today following a service of thanksgiving for his life. Typical of Terence, the service was an eclectic mix of music, laughter, nostalgia and drama ... a wisp of smoke floated down from the solid oak beams of the church from where a spotlight blew and almost started a fire!

There were many touching tributes (including one read out from forum member Marty) and a fitting musical tribute was played by his close friends, his daughter Emma and his nephew Caolan on piano who turned the hymn 'And Can I Be', into a jazz blues riff in the style of a New Orleans funeral band!

Terence's faith and his tireless advocacy for peace in Ireland were highlighted during the service and at the graveside, a lament was played on penny whistle and fiddle - music literally followed Terence to his grave.

We are grateful for the many messages of condolence received and we will consider honouring Terence's memory and his connection with Avalon Guitars in an appropriate fashion.