From: Cathy Fennell Martensen Sent: Tuesday, December 07, 2004 10:37 AM Subject: Fred Fennell
I've managed to reach some of you by phone, others not, and I did not want to leave this as a voice message.
I want you, and the greater music community to know that my father died peacefully in his sleep early this morning, Tuesday, December 7, 2004. Elizabeth and I were by his side. I had promised him that I would do all I could to get him back to Siesta Key so he could watch the sun set over the ocean. With the help of Hospice, he arrived home in time to see the brilliant orange and pinks in the western skies last evening. A bit before Midnight, dad told me he was "frustrated and disappointed." When I asked him, "Why?" he replied, "There's no drummer here yet. I can't die without a drummer!" I told him that I loved him, and that "Heaven's best drummer was on the way." Moments later he said, "I hear him! I hear him! I'm OK now."
This was my final conversation with my dad.
I was blessed to be able to dress my father in his finest set of tails after he died, complete with the usual struggle with his tie.
Elizabeth asked if he could be "dressed up" and I could think of nothing finer for a lasting memory. Dad asked to be cremated and that I scatter his ashes in the woods at Interlochen, Michigan this summer. This, of course, I will do.
Elizabeth is OK at this point. We are closely watching her, monitoring her blood sugar levels and seeing that she gets the diet and rest she needs after such a life transition.
There will be a small Memorial Service at a church in Siesta Key. No date or time has been set yet. As knowledge of my father's death is communicated, please keep both Elizabeth and me in your prayers.
Fondly
Cathy Fennell Martensen
Feel free to forward this email.
Elizabeth and Cathy, Dad is giving his best concert ever, before God.
Today, in Rockefeller Center, in New York City, was the 31st annual Tuba Christmas performance. Harvey Phillips and conductor Chris Wilhelm spoke of Dr. Fennell's passing and his greatness, and the 450+ massed ensemble of tubas and euphoniums played Bach's 'Come Sweet Death' followed by Silent Night in express tribute to Dr. Fennell.
About a year ago my daughter was fortunate to spend a week under Dr. Fennell's direction when he conducted a workshop and festival at St. Olaf College. She said he was an amazing conductor, commanding awe and inspiring all of the musicians.
Thanks for posting. Grew up listening to his recordings.
I'm sure I'm not the only one who remembers "Frederick Fennell's Points for Performance" ;)