FRIENDS and family have paid tribute to a dedicated church organist who died suddenly.
Frank Pegg had been the organist at St John’s Church, Purbrook, since 2002.
He led the choir and congregation through many services over the years and was said to have a talent for knowing exactly what music to play for any occasion.
But the 66-year-old died suddenly of a heart attack on December 29, having enjoyed Christmas with his wife Marion.
Mrs Pegg, from Purbrook, said: ‘Frank was a lovely man, quite shy and very modest.
‘He had lots of interests, particularly music and photography and researching family history.
‘He had a lot of friends through the church and there were a lot of people at the memorial, including his very big extended family.
‘I miss him terribly. It came completely without warning.
‘We had a lovely Christmas and, of course, he was responsible for all the church music.
‘That went brilliantly and he was really, really happy.’
She said his memorial was a sad but joyous occasion.
Friend Margaret Selby, said: ‘Frank was known as a quiet, personable and studious man.
‘He enjoyed selecting and preparing anthems for
the choir to rehearse
and then sing during both special services and occasional services throughout the year.
‘He often used to join in with the choir during rehearsals and services especially when he was conducting them when they sung unaccompanied pieces.
‘He wrote some of the music for the responses during the sung Eucharist which is used every Sunday.
‘He also wrote a piece called a Mass for Purbrook to celebrate St John’s 150th anniversary in 2008.’
Mr Pegg had two stepdaughters, Anna Walsh and Jamie Wood. He worked in the warehouse of Novatech until he retired in 2011.
· Frank Pegg: born September 3, 1946, died December 29, 2012.
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