Have your say on pipe organ issues

Rodney Pearson BA FTCL FLCM

20/1/2014

It was sad to learn of the death of Rodney Pearson, an organist who served his home town of Huddersfield with loyalty and skill. It was his idea to move the fine Binns organ from the redundant Linthwaite Methodist Church to the nearby Parish Church, a task entrusted to our firm.

Whether he was playing for services or accompanying one of the many choirs with which he was associated, he carried out his duties with enthusiasm and care. His larger-than-life personality will be missed.

13 Comments

R Cockroft

20/1/2014 03:32:44 am

I first met Rodney nearly 50 years ago when he was working in Wood's music shop. Forthright in his opinions but ever ready to help someone, he was a character than and remained so.

Debbie Torrie link

20/1/2014 02:16:04 pm

Rest in peace Rodney. You will be sadly missed. I have a lot of fond memories of you. Xxxx

Graham Torrie

20/1/2014 02:34:41 pm

I unfortunately only knew Rodney a couple of years but during that time he was the one person to treat me with respect and supported Debs and me wholeheartedly with making judgement, he also taught me alot about the funeral business. RIP Rodney a true friend

Sandy Aspinall

24/1/2014 05:47:23 pm

Rest in peace Rodney, you were everything for everyone, I have so much respect for you. We will all miss you, a legend xxxx

alan haigh

26/1/2014 03:56:10 pm

R.I.P Rodney thank you Rodney for all the hours we spent together undertaking funeral work and the time we spent discussing music and organs and your funny little stories. Will miss you so much.
God bless sleep tight

Mrs Thomas

27/1/2014 01:57:18 pm

He could make that organ in Linthwaite parish church do magical things. At his funeral this Friday, all will be able to see and hear his legacy.

Paul Gee

1/2/2014 11:30:45 am

I first met Rodney over 45 years ago when we were both pupils of the late Enid Walker. He took over from me as Organist and Choirmaster at St. Mark's Church Longwood in 1974. Over the years, we have helped each other out with church services on many occasions.

He was an accomplished musician and teacher in both the religious and secular setting. He has helped many to develop their musical talents to the full.

Rodney has contributed greatly to the organ scene and has been the driving force in the preservation and refurbishment of a number of church organs. His pinnacle achievement is perhaps the installation of the rebuilt and enlarged Linthwaite Methodist Church Organ into Linthwaite Parish Church.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Jackie and family at this time. Rodney's death is a great loss to the musical world in Huddersfield and farther afield.

Denise robson (cousin)

2/3/2014 03:52:03 am

As Rodney's cousin, it so lovely to hear everyone's beautiful comments and memories of him as he was a very special person.

One of my fondest memories is when he used to play the organ at
meltham hall (for David browns workers) - he played divine and had such a passion for music which clearly has touched many souls.

God rest Rodney. All my love Denise

gordo farrar

29/6/2014 12:50:45 pm

Sorry to hear the news I sometimes met rodney at funerals I conducted, we now live on the black isle scotland regard from me and the family.

David Windle

3/1/2016 11:56:16 pm

I first met Rodney in Huddersfield in !975.
I last saw him at the North Marine Hotel in Fleetwood in 2012.
Only today did I hear of his passing.
So sorry and what a great loss in terms of musical talent and a nice man.
RIP Rodney.

Robert Holmes

5/3/2016 03:23:39 pm

I first met Rodney in 1970 when he came to tune our piano(for Woods music shop). He became a very good friend of the family and I spent many happy hours listening to him play and going to recitals with him. Sadly, we lost touch when I moved to Norfolk. He encouraged my interest in music and the organ and I shall never forget him. RIP dear Rodney.

Ali Bushnell

6/5/2016 05:56:54 pm

I was only thinking of Rodney the other day and it prompted me to look him up. I was so sad to see that he had left us. I met Rodney in Manchester when we were students of music and many times he accompanied me on the piano when I was doing trumpet recitals. I will always remember his smile, his love of music and his fabulous accent. Thank you, Rodney. I wished I had tried to find you sooner. RIP sweet music man.

Christopher Briggs

7/10/2019 12:05:29 pm

I had the honour of being assistant organist at Christ Church, Linthwaite, so knew Rodney very well in my student days before I decided that I would prefer to be with other students at Holy Trinity (a wholly different music tradition, but I had other reasons for wanting to be there and never regretted that). However, I am sorry to read via the Internet that Rodney has passed away.

I can also tell you that there is another organ that would would not now be there without Rodney. If you ever visit Norway, where I now live, and in particular the church of Indre Arna in Bergen, most people you speak to will still remember me even though it's 15 years since I left.

The organ at Arna has (since I left) now not only been repaired, but thoroughly restored, a new console put in, and six extra registers that were intended for it in 1947 but never installed through lack of funds - finally put in to complete the instrument. Back in 1998 I was pretty much alone among all my colleagues in wanting to save the instrument. People told me all kinds of scare stories, saying that at the time it had been built only poor materials were used because it was just after the war (the opposite was later found to be the case at Arna, where only the best were used).

Anyhow, long story short, I had begun to doubt my own judgement myself, and I rang Rodney. I began to go through the list of objections people had. "Christopher", he calmly, but firmly said, "can I ask you one question".... there was a pregnant pause in the conversation... and then Rodney said "Does it make **music**?".

From that moment I was never in any doubt. It's a long story, which you ever do visit Indre Arna in Bergen, you will probably hear foretold. However, Rodney was definitely the unsung hero. After the organ was restored, they invited me back to Bergen for its ceremonial rededication service and concert. I was also thanked by a former mayor - but truth be known, had Rodney not asked that simple question, this is one organ that would not now be here today.

Rest in peace, Rodney.

Rodney Pearson BA FTCL FLCM

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