Lennox ‘Sam’ Fortune; Tutor, Arranger, Composer, Driller, Pan Maker, San City SS & Hatters SO, Passes; RIP 26th November 2015.
‘Sam’ at Junil Pennies birthday party Hatters Pan Theatre - 1st February 2010
Principal founder San City Steel Symphony (and earlier of Lee Chong Pan Glow Steel Orchestra), past Captain Hatters Steel Orchestra, Lennox ‘Sam’ Fortune passed away at the San Fernando Teaching Hospital, overnight Thursday, 26th November 2015.
Fortune’s most significant contribution to the steelbands in San Fernando with which he worked, was his insistence that the ’Pan’ and ‘The Panyard’ are a unique cultural gift to TT and an excellent platform from which to start ‘Youth Education and Development’.
He exemplified this principle, in his middle period, with his tutorial ‘Pan’ courses and particularly with the ‘Teaching’ sessions conducted with the youthful San City Steel Symphony. He was strongly influential with the musical development of San City’s current arrangers, Aquil Arrendell and Damion StClare. He went on to found Hatters first Steelpan & Music Literacy Workshop in 2006; which continues today under the stewardship of Kevin McLeod.
Many of ‘Uncle Sam’s’ students from ‘Pan’ went on to further their general education, with some aspiring to tertiary degrees; propelled by ‘Sam’s’ encouragement.
Fortune passed away after a brave-faced but fading 3 week struggle, with complications, at the San Fernando hospital. Lenox ‘Sam’ Fortune will be sadly missed by the steelband people of San Fernando; but his legacy of ‘Pan for Education’ will be fondly cherished and nurtured in his memory. ‘Sam’ leaves a one son, Joshua.
Funeral arrangements, planned for the middle of next week, will be announced as confirmation date becomes available.
tobagojo - Hatters PRO.
Replies
Hatters Steel Orchestra & San City Steel Symphony, on behalf of the family and friends of the late Lennox ‘Sam’ Fortune, RIP 26th November 2015, note your concerned views and condolences posted on this WST Forum, with thanks for your sympathy. Your concerns will be duly conveyed to the bereaved parties at the funeral services indicated below.
Find on the When Steel Talks Forum:
Funeral arrangements for the late Lennox ‘Sam’ Fortune RIP 26th November 2015;Hatters S...
tobagojo - Hatters PRO - 20151130