Elton "Smokey" John has passed on.

Elton "Smokey" John, bass player extraordinaire of City Symphony Steelband (T&T) and the National Steelband of Trinidad & Tobago (1960's), and founder of the Mississauga Academy of Steelband Music passed away yesterday in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.  He was a pan pioneer in Trinidad & Tobago as well as Canada.  Condolences to his widow, Janet, and his family.  May God grant him eternal rest!

Ian Jones

Chair, Ontario Steelpan Association

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    • Sokey took his Wife, she died on the day he was to be buried, however the Funeral was posponed.
      • Hameed,

         "The "Smokey" award at Pan Alive

        The Ontario Steelpan Assos. must name the winning trophy after our most senior and distinguished Pan Pioneer/Ambassador- The Elton "Smokey" John award/trophy.   

        Save the Steelband.  

        Panman Pat

  • It is always good to hear the outpouring from the pan fraternity when one passes; it would be so much nmore powerful to honour them while they are still alive to appreciate the love and respect so deserving and earned. Smokey/Train smoke was a tenor/first pan player, before he moved to base. He was a top tenor man when bands used to dub/drown out each other as they passed by. And he became the top bass player in all the world/Trinbago. He started and played with different bands in Canada, which makes him a pioneer, having come to Canada when there was no pan. He came to expo 67 where they wowed the crowds from world over with this magical invention the PAN We need to put a tribute together For pan, for the fraternity, for the young pan players who  are now here and who are coming. One Love   Rico Pannist John
    • Stay up, brother Rico!

      Smokey will be missed.

      His legacy- teach pan to kids, he had the best collection of pans ever in Canada.

      Le us all keep his legacy going.

      Panman Pat

  • Funeral Arrangements- Elton “Smokey” JohnSaturday July 2nd, 2011
    1-3pm – Visitation
    3pm- Funeral service
    Glen Oaks Memoral Gardens
    3164 Ninthth Line (at Dundas)
    Oakville
    (Ninth line is the same exit as Ford Drive- going north it becomes 9th Line)
    (QEW- Hwt 10; Mavis;Winston Churchill; Erin Mills, then next one)
  •  

    To mentor young people in the art of the pan,  takes thinking about the future of this art form. And smokey was one of the lovers of the arts. My you rest, and be a great player up there.

    Horace Thorne

  • My deepest sympathies to Smokey's family.  Pan Alive, Snowflakes on Steel and all the major events in the Toronto's pan community won't be the same without his lively, humorous and upbeat presence.  

     

     

  • Funeral on Saturday July 22011 Erin Mills and Dundas, Mississauga. Viewing from 1-3pm

  • My condolences to my dear Uncle Smokey's family . . . Aunty Janet, Chauncey, Abdullah (Cory) and all the grandkids!!!!!!!!!!!!

     

    As you join daddy (Fenwrick "Michigan" Noel - Former captain, arranger and tuner of City Symphony) in the BIG panyard in the sky, may your song always be heard by those of us closest to you!

     

    May God help us all get through this time of great sorrow!

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