Vic-Firth-Obituary

Vic Firth

1930 - 2015 (Age 85)

About

AGE
85

Obituary

Renowned musician and visionary drumstick maker Everett “Vic” Firth has died at 85, according to a statement on his website.

“Vic was an inspiration to all of us. He was a visionary, a mentor, a leader and a friend,” reads the memorial on www.vicfirth.com. “He always said he surrounded himself with the best people, but the truth is he brought out the best in all of us. His boundless passion for music and musicians drove every decision he made.

“Vic’s spirit and legacy will continue to live at the core of the Vic Firth Company. He will be missed beyond words.”

Firth was born in Winchester, Massachusetts in 1930. In 1963, he started Vic Firth Co., which became the largest producer of percussion sticks and mallets in the world. The company is currently headquartered in Boston.

Firth was a timpanist for the Boston Symphony Orchestra for 50 years and originally made the sticks for his own use, but they quickly gained popularity and have been used by some of the best drummers in music. Drummers using Firth sticks include Roger Taylor of Queen, Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones, jazz legend Billy Cobham and session drumming legend Steve Gadd.

Guest Book

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I feel like Vic was an extended member of my family. He studied percussion with my dad growing up. He loved to go deer hunting with my dad and my brother. I babysat for his daughters when they were in Maine. His father was my high school band director. He was the boy from town who made a name for himself. i was proud to say i knew him. He was a true gentleman

Such a talented man. He will be missed greatly. You have my deepest sympathy on the loss of Vic. During this difficult time in life, May the God of all comfort be with you.

Sympathy and comfort to the family,
May your hearts heal.
"while YOU throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for YOU."
Elizabeth

My deepest sympathies go out to the Firth family. May God give you the comfort and peace your family need on this day. Luke 20: 37-38 speaks of the dead and how they will be raised to life.

I searched for years for a drum stick that gave me just the right feel, balance and consistency with no luck up until I found Vic Firth drumsticks in 1982. Since then, I use no other stick! Thank you Vick! R.I.P.

Vic was a wonderful, caring and thoughtful man. He visited Brookline Oriental many years ago and made fast friends of several people there. He will be missed. Our condolences to the family.

Please accept our condolences at this time, the loss of a loved one is just not something anyone should ever have to experience. We have grief but always remember the thought at John 16:22, may you find solace and peace...(Ca).

VIC FIRTH WAS A INSPIRATION AND I HAD THE GOOD FORTUNE TO MEET HIM AT PASIC 2008. ALWAYS GRACIOUS AND A GENTLEMAN. A CLASS ACT. ON YOU TUBE YOU CAN SEE VIC IN ACTION AND BY WATCHING LEARN MANY TRICKS OF TYMPANI PLAYING. VIC BELONGED TO THE COLLECTION OF GREAT TYMPANISTS: GOODMAN, DUFF,HINGER,HOROWITZ. HIS STICKS FILLED A HUGE VOID AND HE SUPPORTED PAS FOR YEARS. A CLASS ACT. HE WILL BE MISSED