Tributes have been pouring in following the sudden death, on Tuesday, August 27, of one of Tenby’s most respected gentlemen, Dr John Harrison.

October 2024 would have been a 50-year milestone for John in his role as organist and Musical Director at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, and a special celebration had been planned for Sunday, October 6.

Former Tenby Mayor and County Councillor Sam Skyrme-Blackhall wrote:

“John would support and help young musicians strive to achieve their goals and move on to greater things, always very humble with any praise given.

“He had a wonderful sense of humour, and we would always jest he was the epitome of a musical encyclopaedia!

“On a personal note, John was my mentor from the age of 7, making me Head Chorister in 1988 and encouraging me always with singing. I am privileged to have had him in my life for all these years and grateful for his knowledge and tuition. 

“Tenby owes John a debt of gratitude on so many levels. His commitment to the church and to music. We were the privileged ones.

“He was part of the fabric of St Mary’s that is irreplaceable. But his legacy of the love of music will always live on.

“John’s final duty was to be last Saturday at a local wedding, doing what he did best. 

“Our thoughts are with Anna and all the family at this very sad time.”

John had a close association with Tenby Male Choir and had accompanied the choir just a week before his passing, adding drama and power to the final chorus of ‘American Trilogy’, as he had countless times before.

Recently retired Rector of St. Mary’s, Canon Andrew Grace, in a letter to former parishioners, explained how he and John had first met in 1973 and became lifelong friends. He said John was, “A man of absolute integrity, a gentleman, a gentle man, a great sense of humour, kind and caring, totally loyal, a brilliant musician and above all a man of deep faith.”

Andrew added “Just as the view of Caldey Island and Goscar Rock and the spire of St Mary’s are all part of the very character and landscape of the town of Tenby, so too in so many ways Dr John was a part of the very fabric of Tenby itself, and he was so proud to have been born within its walls.”