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Death Notice

THOMAS JACK LONGSTAFF

Published on 09/04/2020

THOMAS JACK LONGSTAFF Previously of Gorse Road and Head of Music at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School from 1967 to 1986, died 2nd April 2020 at The Gatehouse care home, Harrogate, aged 98, peacefully in his sleep following a gradual decline. Father of John, Edward and Oliver, grandfather to six grandchildren, now reunited with his beloved wife, Margaret Elizabeth (Betty). A memorial service will follow in happier times after a private funeral in Harrogate. All enquiries to W Bowers Funeral Directors, 01423 770258


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Roger Bryan May 14th, 2020
Dear John, Edward and Oliver - you probably won't remember me, but I was head chorister many years ago under your father at Bowdon in Cheshire, where I am now organist, with a fine choir established during his tenure in office long ago. I sang for him at Stand and travelled to your old home in Whitefield weekly for lessons in harmony with him - kindling my particular interest and specialism in this area. He taught me virtually everything I know about music and pointed me, after reading music as an organ scholar at Cambridge, towards a career as a cathedral organist (17 years as Assistant Organist at Lincoln, 17 years as Master of the Song School at Newark, etc).
I had been trying to make contact with him in response to his family newsletter last December and have been greatly saddened to learn today of his recent passing. I was shortlisted many years ago now for the post of Organist at Blackburn, and last year played for the Bowdon choir at evensong there. I had seen him and his musical work and contribution mentioned in John Bertalot's Blackburn Music & More magazines. He is often mentioned in musical and organ circles with great respect and affection and I am so sorry to learn he is now no longer with us.
Please be assured of my condolences and kindest regards to you and all the family especially at this sad time. It would be lovely to make contact again after all this time; my email is rogerbryan1@hotmail.
co.uk and my phone numbers 01636 613505 & 07969 584883 should you wish to be in touch.
With very best wishes to all the family,
Roger (Bryan)
Old Blackburnian 1974 April 12th, 2020
My deepest condolences on the death of Mr. Longstaff.

RIP.
Tom Hindle April 10th, 2020
RIP
jack was a customer of mine in his last few years in Blackburn, a nice friendly man and was good to chat with