Willy Joosen, the Calgary Flames’ organist since 1988, has died
Willy Joosen, Calgary Flames’ long-time organist, died Friday at the age 66.
The Scotiabank Sattledome has had the well-known jazz pianist as its backman since 1988.
“For 34 years, organist Willy Joosen brought so much joy and happiness to everyone who came to Flames games. He was an extraordinarily kind soul who lifted everyone around him,” tweeted Calgary Flames Friday.
For 34 years, organist Willy Joosen brought so much joy and happiness to everyone who came to <a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Flames?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#Flames</a> games. He was a kind and generous soul who lifted up everyone around him.<br><br>We send our deepest condolences and sympathies to his family. Rest In Peace, Willy ❤️ <a href=”https://t.co/COWMcdpo1l”>pic.twitter.com/COWMcdpo1l</a>
—@NHLFlames
Rob Maciak, a friend and fellow professional musician, described Joosen to be a pillar of local arts.
Maciak wrote in a Facebook post, “The performing arts community lost an extraordinary man, a cornerstone and a legend today.”
“I am grateful that Willy Joosen gave me the opportunity to meet him and that I was exposed his ingenious art.”
Joosen often lent his musical talents to local theatre productions and jazz bands, added Maciak.
In a previous interview with CBC in 2017, Joosen described his job playing the Korg Triton Organ at the Flames games as “such a cool gig.”
“Yeah, it’s cheerleading. And I hope you’ll be singing the right song.
Source: CBC News
