HUNDREDS of people came together in a heartfelt farewell to Rex 'Mr Blues' Everett, co-founder of the Basingstoke Blues Club, who died on Friday, January 5.
Rex, a driving force behind the Basingstoke blues scene, took his final bow at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy etched in the very soul of the music he cherished.
His funeral service held at Basingstoke Crematorium on Monday, January 29, saw an overwhelming turnout, with hundreds of people gathering to pay their respects and celebrate the life of the legendary figure in the local music scene.
The solemnity of the service, led by Jilian Brannam, was underscored by poignant musical selections, with the processional music, Just For You by Tommy Allen, setting a reflective tone as attendees entered the venue.
READ MORE: Basingstoke mourns the loss of Mr Blues Rex Everett
As the service drew to a close, the recessional music, That’s Life by Frank Sinatra, resonated through the space, serving as a farewell to a man who had left an indelible mark on the hearts of many.
Affectionately known as Mr Blues, Rex stepped down as the head of the Basingstoke Blues Club in May 2023, concluding a remarkable journey of more than three decades devoted to organising countless blues gigs and raising substantial funds for various charities.
The club's other co-founder, Rod Garfield, a true blues legend and a harmonica virtuoso, died only recently at his home in Tasmania.
Rex and Rod kicked off the Basingstoke Blues Club journey with a local festival held at the Park Prewett Hospital Social Club in 1991.
This event's overwhelming success inspired the duo to establish the club, with the proceeds from their gigs supporting the hospital's appeal for pioneering keyhole eye surgery.
Following the funeral service, a warm gathering took place at The Irish Centre in Basingstoke, where friends, family, and members of the community came together to share cherished memories of Rex.
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Amid heartfelt tributes and shared stories, attendees raised a toast to the enduring spirit of Rex, ensuring that his legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rex’s family extended their thanks to all those who attended the service.
In honouring his legacy and his dedication to charitable causes, donations in his memory are being directed towards Asthma and Lung UK (asthmaandlung.org.uk).
Rest in peace, Mr Blues.
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