[Dixielandjazz] Vale Tony Howath

[Bill Haesler]

Dear friends,
  It with sadness to report that on Sunday, 24th May 2009, trombonist  
Tony Howarth died of a heart attack at his home in Parkes NSW. He was  
79.
He formed one of the first traditional jazz bands in Sydney in 1947,  
was a member of Bill Townsend's Newport Jazzmen in 1948 and  
participated in the establishment of the Sydney Jazz Club in August  
1953.
  Tony then moved to Newcastle NSW where, in 1954, he became a founder- 
member of the house band of the Hunter Valley Jazz Club along with Ray  
Scribner (trumpet) and Bill Boldiston (clarinet).
  In the early 1970s Tony formed the Blackridge Jazz Band for  
engagements throughout the Forbes - Parkes region of NSW and will  
always be remembered for his promotion and organisation of the 35th  
Australian Jazz Convention in Forbes in December 1980.
Its resounding success led to a return event in 1983 and the  
establishment of the long-running annual Forbes Jazz Festival in  
January 1985. The Australian Jazz Convention returned to Forbes in  
2000 and 2003.
  During the early 1980s Tony was a member of Eric Holroyd's Triangle  
Jazz Band and during the early 1990s played and recorded with Greg  
Englert's Jazz Band. He freelanced until ill health over the last few  
years curtailed his participation in active jazz playing, but not his  
enthusiasm for our music.
  Tony's funeral service will be held at the Lawn Cemetery in Parkes  
NSW on Friday 29th May at 2.00pm.

Very kind regards,
Bill Haesler.