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John Trexler Obituary
By Elisabeth Arriero
It's hard to pigeonhole John Trexler.
From unabashed pun master to avid cyclist, from craft-beer aficionado to versatile musician – Trexler had many passions.
Trexler, 61, died Saturday after crashing while riding his bicycle through rural Cabarrus County with his bicycle club, The Cannonballers. Although he was wearing a helmet, doctors said he suffered a traumatic brain injury.
""We've truly lost a treasure in this city,"" said friend Marie Arnold.
On Sunday, members of several Charlotte niche communities said Trexler's death leaves a large hole behind.
Don Boekelheide, Trexler's bandmate in the band The Charlotte Waites, a group that played Renaissance music, said Trexler shone during a recent trip to Colchester, England, where similar bands from all over the world met to perform.
""John was very popular while we were there,"" said Boekelheide, who also is a columnist for the Observer's community news section, University City News. ""He was absolutely in his element.""
He said Trexler owned more than 100 rare and antique instruments – all of which he played regularly.
The hurdy-gurdy, shawm, dulcian, wooden flute – Trexler could play them all.
""He always had some kind of obscure musical instrument with him,"" said Tom Hanchett, who knew Trexler through the Charlotte Folk Society. ""He was the kind of person who could pick up any tune and start playing along.""
Nearly two decades ago, Trexler became one of the first local musicians to be hired by the Carolina Renaissance Festival.
""John was a very talented musician that was always searching for the next opportunity to play his beautiful music,"" said Matt Siegel, the festival's marketing director. ""The news of his passing has hit hard around the nation to those in the Renaissance Festival community …""
The Plaza Midwood resident was equally well known and respected in the Charlotte area bicycling community.
Friends said Trexler would bike everywhere, from late-night parties to the grocery store.
""He was passionate about cycling,"" said Walter Richardson, president of the Cannonballers. ""And he was such a caring person that a lot of us saw him as family.""
Fellow Renaissance Festival musician Lee Arnold said that one of the most endearing qualities about Trexler was his ""innocent soul"" and ""child-like wonder.""
He was also quick with a joke, he said. ""We called him the Pun Master. He always had a witticism that was slightly quirky,"" said Arnold.
When The Charlotte Waites had a gig, Trexler frequently would tell a joke near the midpoint of the show, said Boekelheide.
""We have a little dancing puppet that accompanies our show. John would step forward and say, 'Well our puppet has finally decided to get married to his girlfriend, Annette. You see, he really wants to marionette.' Get it?"" he said.
Trexler formally worked with his family in the movie theater business, but the family sold the company several years ago. After that, he became a partner with an investment company.
""He didn't have to work day to day so he basically ended up being more of a full-time musician,"" said his brother, Brent Trexler.
Outside of bicycling and music, Trexler also enjoyed experimenting with new craft beers, singing in the choir at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte and watching movies.
A divorcee with no children, Trexler's life was nevertheless overflowing with love, said many friends.
""He had such a big heart. He touched so many people's lives that we didn't even know about,"" said his brother, Henry Trexler, who said he was surprised by the array of people who came to visit Trexler in the hospital on Saturday before he died.
Boekelheide said John Trexler set a good example to live by.
""He was an extraordinarily unselfish person who was absolutely passionate about the things he loved,"" said Boekelheide. ""That's a lesson for all of us because we never know when the end will come.""
Memories and Condolences
for John Trexler
Sponsored by Alice Trexler.
122 Entries
Andrea Counts
April 5, 2015
I used to clean for John and he was always quiet, withdrawn and secluded while we were there. Except when we got to those instruments and his larger than life collection of art and music. He would go on and on telling us about it. He was very simple, messy (a typical bachelor), and always tipped us. He was sweet....
August 13, 2012
Henry, I am just now seeing this obiturary for your brother John. I am so sorry for you and your family. I know it has been a long time, but I so remember our trip to Belize with John and what a wonderful person he was. I see that you are married now and doing so well with your music. Jack and I are still together and Natalie is getting married in 2 weeks, on Aug 25. I hope your are doing well. My home email is [email protected] if you get this and want to say hi. I think and talk about you fondly as someone who meant alot to me in my life. Say hello to your family for me. Thanks Henry, Linda Knauf Teuschler
David Savage
July 28, 2012
Our sincere sympathy.
David and Sterling Savage
Pat Day
July 12, 2012
I met John at Cycle NC where a couple of years I shared a few beers with him and rode with him a few times. He was always a delightful person to converse with on many topics and I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Sandra Sparks
July 10, 2012
My music partner and I played with John when he and Pat were still together in the early 90's, all musicians at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. He was an incredible musician, and I loved not only listening to him play, but talk about all the instruments he and Pat carried with them - especially the Hurdy-Gurdy, my favorite. Life changes took all four of us in different directions, but I still cherish those times...
F.Marion Redd
June 27, 2012
Henry, so sorry for your loss- I fondly remember John playing in the Redd Sled
during Advent for many years. Can still hear his Ullian pipes and huurdy gurdy.
June 21, 2012
Tom and I have heard John play for the "Folk Music Society" for many years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Tom and Becky Estes
Beth Ferraro
June 21, 2012
Truly a great loss to many who knew John Trexler and his gift of music.
Carol Raedy
June 20, 2012
I wanted to let the family know that John impacted my life in a positive way even though I did not know him well.
Phoenixsong Alysia Stellamaris
June 20, 2012
John was such an incredibly talented man with a generous spirit and huge heart. Even though he and i were at opposite ends of the spectrum musically,he always gave me respect and encouragement.I sat in with him on drums when his regular drummer couldn't make it to play in the kiosk in the Lane at the Renaissance Faire and learned so much from this consummate teacher.My heart goes out to henry,Brent,Mary,and all the Trexler family.John,you are greatly loved and greatly missed!
Jackie Hamann-Lenke
June 19, 2012
My prayers go out to the Trexler family for their loss.
Rodney LaBelle
June 19, 2012
I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the Trexler family and his extended musical and cycling family. Although I never met John in person he was made aware of Juvenile Diabetes event that may daughter started. Without hesitation John called me and asked if he could sponsor his entire cycling team. I will never forget such a kind gesture from a total stranger. God bless you John Trexler.
Kim Ellis
June 19, 2012
I will miss John dearly. He was a wonderful man and a great musician. As one of my castmates has said, "the Festival just got quieter." I will pray for his family. Castmate Kim Ellis
Bill Barfield
June 18, 2012
I've made music with John over many, many years, including three years at the Ren Fest. He was always a blast to play with. And was a heck of a nice guy. But although our time on this Earth is transitory, our memories are eternal. In that respect he will always be playing at our side. We will keep listening for you, John. I'll try to play in tune.
Daniel McCusker
June 18, 2012
My condolences to the Trexler Family.
Harry & Sandy Johnson
June 18, 2012
John Trexler was one of the most giving individuals I have ever had the honor to know. Giving was his passion. John was blessed, and we were in turn blessed, with his ability to see needs and voids that he saw he could fulfill through his music and by simply riding a bike.
His diverse talents on multiple musical instruments and his harmonizing voice touched thousands in this community. In venues such as at the Renaissance Festival and at RiRa's he entertained and delighted; at Covenant Presbyterian he enabled devout contemplation, and when Sandy & I made the request, John Trexler was that solitary figure, a dear friend, standing in the distance piping in both of our Dads to their final resting place.
Besides making him feel like a kid, John's bike served as a means for him to reach out to those in need; whether it was Juvenile Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, the Union County Red Cross, or Trips for Kids. But mostly his bike served to connect him with his second family, The Cannonballs. His laugh and sense of humor resonated at our gatherings, and his love enriched us. We miss him dearly.
June 17, 2012
My condolences to the Trexler family,and all of John's loved ones. He was a truly gentle and talented man. He will be missed.(even his corny jokes) Zan McLeod
cindy davis
June 17, 2012
Im very sorry about your loss.Im sure he will be missed.Revilation 21:3-4 talks about seeing are loved ones again and death will no longer exist no mankind can give us that promise only God. my prayers go out to you guys.
David Heard
June 16, 2012
May God's Grace strengthen and abound in every family member and friend of John. As a fellow bicycle rider, John was passionate and very giving. I will miss his smile and spirit. God bless his family.
June 15, 2012
I had the opportunity to work with John back when he remodeled his home after a fire. I agree with the testimony of all who knew him; a great, kind person. A loss to all who knew him.
The Doncaster Waites
June 15, 2012
We were deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of John's untimely passing. A kind and generous musician who went out of his way to express his appreciation of the music making of others.
Pamela Paige
June 14, 2012
His music will live on.
Jim Leathers
June 14, 2012
My sympathy to the Trexler family. The Charlotte Waites provided the entertainment at our Rotary Christmas party in 2011. That was the last time I heard John perform. I always enjoyed his music at Christmas time.
June 14, 2012
What a wonderful musician and funny. I very much enjoyed his music and banter on the tower at the Renaissance Festival. God gave us much joy working with him. John Van Camp, trumpet
Karen Hite Jacob
June 14, 2012
John was a person who loved to play most any kind of music. However, that did not keep him from being part of an audience. He attended many Carolina Pro Musica concerts over the years. Sometime during the concert I would look out and see John. Afterwards he would stay around to talk and discuss instruments and music with the performers or others in the audience. He performed on one of our concerts some years back playing recorder on a Henry Purcell work and then other instruments. He was always supportive of our musical endeavors and had lots of information to share. Carolina Pro Musica members will continue to look for him in our audiences. His support will still be there.
Thank you, John, for all the music and the times we were fortunate to create it together. "Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves." – James M. Barrie. John was truly a joy and sunshine.
Dave Robinson
June 14, 2012
I have fond memories of playing with John in Ed Stoddard's Incredible Dixieland Jazz Band during my freshman year at UNC. So sorry to hear this news.
Gordon Hann (trumpeter)
June 14, 2012
So sorry. I had a lot of fun joking around with him at the Renaissance Festival in the late 90's. He and I would play a little of dueling banjos on trumpet and bagpipe at the front gate in the morning.
Charles Vaughn
June 14, 2012
Although I did not personally know John, it is obvious from the vast number of entries in this guest book that John touched many lives. I do know John's brother, Henry, who is a fine bassist and a wonderful person. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved John trexler.
William Marshall
June 14, 2012
As members of The York Waits, an early music ensemble in England, we met John and his Charlotte Waites colleagues twice - in Holland two years ago and only two weeks ago in Colchester, England, at gatherings of the International Guild of Town Pipers. On both occasions we really enjoyed the sound, the musicianship and repertoire of the Charlotte Waites, including, of course, John's dynamic and versatile contributions. It was an enormous shock to learn that he met with a tragic accident so soon after he returned to the USA and very saddening that we will not meet him in Europe again. But we earnestly hope that his colleagues will feel able to regroup and carry on, bringing a touch of the Old World to the New. We didn't have a chance to get to know John very well, but we suspect that is what he would have wanted. Our condolences and best wishes go too to his co-Waites
Rita Dioguardi
June 14, 2012
June 14, 2012,
Dear all,
My heart sank, as I read about the untimely death of your remarkable brother John. The Dioguardi Family wishes to send our sincere and heartfelt sorrow during this time of grief. We send our comforting thoughts to all and especially Alice, Downing, Elliott and Isabelle. John will be missed.
Warm thoughts,
Rita, Jim, Joseph and Renee Dioguardi
Julian Sobers
June 13, 2012
Back in February of 2004, I remember riding in my first organized bicycle event, the 5th Annual CSC Winter Training Ride. It was a 70 mile ride. I was doing well up to about mile 50, but then I hit the wall and bonked. I was pulling up the rear and was about to throw in the towel and take the SAG vehicle to the finish line when I met up with John at a rest stop that they were closing up as it was getting late. It was at that stop where John and I decided to help support one another and finish the last 20 miles of the 70 mile route together.
Since that day I kept in touch with John from time to time and even had the privilege again of seeing and riding along side of him in a couple rides over the next several years. He will be missed and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
June 13, 2012
June 13,2012
John taught me to play the hurdy gurdy in one week, well enough to perform in our students' recital at a Mountain Collegium a few years ago. I had hoped someday to enjpy another week of his skilled teaching. Such a wonderful and talented man, to be much missed.
–Velma Grasseler, Winter Park, FL
Bob Parrish
June 13, 2012
World class human being. How else can you describe John ? There are so many shared memories with you, John. Braving a hot June day in 2004 at Bike Virginia, slogging up hill after endless hill, finally rolling into the campsite side-by-side, contentedly exhausted as we both completed our first Century ride on a bike. Enjoying your famous "Carrot Souffle" on numerous occasions. A group of us together, toasting one another with boudin and beer at Fred's in Mamou, Louisiana at 9 o'clock in the morning. Watching the Tour de France on Peppercorn Lane. Teaching Catherine and me how to dance to Cajun music at the Neighborhood Theatre. Discussing the merits of many obscure films that deserved a wider audience. You providing 2 minutes of entertainment at stop lights by plucking your pennywhistle off the dashboard of your banged-up Sabaru wagon. And your visits to Lorient, France, becoming a member of the Le Roux family, who were pretty convinced that you had a bit of mischievous Korrigan in you. Thank you for sharing your passion for life. You left us far, far too soon, my good and dear friend.
Brent Ballard
June 13, 2012
John was a tremendous musician and first rate human being who touched so many people over the years.
He had a wonderful sense of humor and was extremely talented. I had the pleasure of working with him directly at the Carolina Renaissance Festival. From his saxophone playing in big bands around Charlotte, to his bagpipping and playing of mid-evil instruments at the Renaissance Festival, John added a special touch that was hard to put into words.
Huzzah and Rest In Peace my friend.
Ken Robertson
June 13, 2012
As another one of John's Pi Lamdba Phi fraternity brothers at Carolina, my memories of him go back to the early '70s. In the midst of a crazy, "animal house" setting there was 'Trexler', a very humble, rather quiet guy, who was so musically talented and interested in a wide array of topics. There was a certain stability and trustworthiness about John that just stood out. You knew you could count on him. I regret we lost touch over the years and I most regret learning of all the incredible interests he had around the world when I did not know these things about him. Reading the comments of others who have known him more recently I find that John and I had many, many things in common -Renaissance festivals, celtic music, a love for a wide array of older music,and of course, an everloving fanaticism regarding UNC basketball. Too bad I missed those experiences for I feel the loss of others who knew John more recently. My condolences to his family and friends. John, we brothers will see you when "the welkin rings"...
Mark Richards
June 13, 2012
A good friend.
Mark
June 13, 2012
Johnny was a good friend of my brother, and I remember distinctly his sense of humor and quick wit, which, we also saw in Henry & Brent. :-) Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
-John Burwell (Greenville, SC)
Walter & Cynthia Richardson
June 13, 2012
John was such a kind and generous person. He gave all of himself in whatever he did. We will miss John. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Ed Stoddard
June 13, 2012
I was in the UNC-based Dixieland band, joining after my brother Dave graduated. It was a fun band to play in, especially the long stint @ Carowinds, where we got a lot better playing 36 hours/week. John was fun to be around, and always played to a very high standard, as many people before & since have found. As well as a b-ball fan, he was also an enthusiastic pick-up player. He was a kindly man, and generous, as others here have noted, with his time and talents. If it weren't for him, the band wouldn't have gotten a lot of the work we enjoyed doing. The world is a little dimmer without his light.
Ann Ray
June 12, 2012
We will miss John at Mountain Collegium - his classes on Celtic music, demonstrations on the various types of bagpipes (some very loud) jokes and puns at evening events, and his friendly smile. What a unique person, and what a fine musician. It was a privilege to know him.
Melony Winkelmann
June 12, 2012
At Mountain Collegium in Cullowhee a few years ago, I first encountered John when I attended his pennywhistle class. He had attended his brother's wedding right before classes started. We quickly found out that John was a talented troubador, a natural wit with dozens of ideas spinning in his head, and that he was a joy to know.
We will be thinking of the times we spent with him, and Mountain Collegium won't be the same this summer without the Hurdy-Gurdy Man. Condolences to his family.
Frederick Beiderbecke
June 12, 2012
Although I hadn't seen John in over 40 years, I felt tremendous sadness and grief at his passing. He was one of my closest, genuine friends during Jr. High and High School. As fellow clarinetists, we often shared the same stand in band and orchestra and played clarinet duets together. Our nicknames for each other were Tiger-Trex and Beider-bits. Although I had a military career and haven't since spent much time in the NC area, we uncannily followed parallel interests of multi-instrumentalism and antiquarian instruments, though John was clearly the amazing master. All of us that knew John lost a wonderful friend.
Vince Summers
June 12, 2012
My wife and I really enjoyed the early morning tuning of John's
Hurdy gurdy on Saturday's and Sundays during the Carolina Ren-Faire season while we were preparing our stage for the days festivities. With deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Vince Summers
June 12, 2012
My wife and I really enjoyed the early morning tuning of John's
Hurdy gurdy on Saturday's and Sundays during the Carolina Ren-Faire season while we were preparing our stage for the days festivities. With deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Barb Malady
June 12, 2012
"To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die." - Thomas Campbell (1777-1844) Scottish poet
John Trexler will surely be around here for a long time.
Mary Murphy Sheppard
June 12, 2012
To Brent, Henry and all of the Trexler family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My years at Stewart & Everett are forever embedded in my mind as some of my most wonderful memories. John and my dad Jim Murphy knew each other well. I have very fond memories of John's quick-witted humor and his hard-working ethics. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June 12, 2012
Brent, Henry and the Trexler family our sincere condolences for the sudden loss of your brother, John. Having worked for the S&E family it was never a dull moment with John and Eddie Marks arguing about what size an add needed to be done for what movie. He was always joking and cutting up. I got him back though with the fake birthday "sponge cake". We will sincerely miss him and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Joe and Lovelace Pugh, Elizabeth and William
Dorr Depew
June 12, 2012
John was one of the first kids I met when my family moved to Charlotte in 1957. He was in my kindergarten class at Covenant Presbyterian, where both of our families attended. I was a "yankee" kid in Charlotte in a time when most Charlotteans were natives, but John was very friendly in spite of the fact that I "talked funny." I remember going to John's birthday party - a private movie showing at his dad's theater. I haven't lived in Charlotte for many years, so did not get to spend time with John as an adult...it's obvious that he was an exceptional individual and will be missed.
Dave Stoddard
June 12, 2012
I was the originator of the dixieland band at UNC-CH back in 1970. John was the regular clarinet player for its entire existence. When several of us graduated and left Chapel Hill, John and banjoist Bob Leary found some new players and soldiered on for another year and a half.
John was an enthusiastic member of the jazz band, and always a lot of fun to be around. We also played together in the UNC Marching Tar Heels for a while.
I last saw John in 1973 when the jazz band was playing Carowinds (I was no longer with them but was living in Charlotte). I had a long phone conversation when I was living in Maryland years later, and he was as full of life as ever.
Johnny, I'm glad I knew ye!
Tanya Brody
June 12, 2012
John and I shared the stage at the North Carolina Renaissance Festival for the first several years. It was always a pleasure to play with him and to listen to his music wafting through the fog on the chilly mornings as he played on top of the Front Gate. One of my favorite memories is when one of the front gate crew got he and one of the trumpeters to play the theme from Deliverance. John was on the bagpipes and listening to the two of them jump right in and enjoy the fun was a wonderful thing. John was very talented and a pleasure to know.
Holly Maurer
June 12, 2012
John will be missed by so many but especially by his music family at Central Piedmont Community College. Not only was he a member of the Early Music Consort and Baroque Consort, but also played in the Jazz Band! I can't imagine early music at CP without him. Always generous with praise and encouragement for others, we'll miss his enthusiasm, his playing, and even his puns.
Lisa Raffety
June 12, 2012
Shirley Kennerly
June 12, 2012
John's music was always welcome and wonderful! It was a privilege working with him at the Carolina Renaissance Festival!
Susan Ferguson/Carpenter
June 12, 2012
Blessings to the Trexler family and all the musicians who now feel an empty space in their lives, including myself. John, now you can meet all of the musicians that composed and played the Early music you loved so much.
Eithne Laffan
June 12, 2012
John, You will be sadly Missed, Mick, Eithne, Michelle, we had so many good times with you...........RIP
Susan Houck
June 12, 2012
My condolences to John's family and friends. The loss of this kind and multi-talented man is going to be felt by so many people in so many circles of life. I first heard him at Irish Society events many years ago. Here was a man who had been given many gifts and who freely shared them with others. He will be missed.
James Ross
June 12, 2012
When I came to Charlotte, John and I were colleagues in the Charlotte Symphony and played many engagements together. John, whose life in music moved forward by going back in time, began here and now playing E-flat clarinet solos in Aaron Copeland's "Music for the Theater." Those good notes are still going out there somewhere! Rest in peace, John Trexler.
Hugh Ashcraft
June 12, 2012
I lived across the street from John and the Trexlers and attended school with him from the 3rd grade on thru Myers Park High but never really appreciated the unique man he was until much later. His family, his friends and our community have lost a good and caring man who gave freely of his many talents. I am grateful to have known him. My sincere condolences go out to his family and friends.
Connie Robinette
June 12, 2012
Over the years, John frequented the Publick House Irish Session in Columbia, SC. He inspired us with his music and delighted us with the musical surprizes that he would whip out of case and bag. More than that, he was a kind and willing mentor to many of us in the group. He was a real treasure to many and will be missed terribly.
Michael Plumley
June 12, 2012
John's family and friends are in our prayers. We met John and the Charlotte Waites a couple of years ago via the Charlotte Folk Society. He always recruited my daughter Britney and her friends to play rhythm instruments with them on stage. He will be deeply missed.
Kelly Zellars
June 12, 2012
Dear Friends of John. Thank you for all your incredible thoughts and memories of John. And thank you for the pictures. Your thoughts are truly a gift to John's family. If you want to see some more great pictures of John, go to the Charlotte Cannonball-cycling Team website. Memorial Service announcement will be in Wednesday's paper. John was indeed amazing. I learned something about love and music and movies from him every day.
Kelly Zellars Trexler (sister in law)
Jeremy Adams
June 12, 2012
I had the honor of sitting next to John for several years in Bill Hanna's Vintage Dance Band, and John would always say it as it was anounced and just make me laugh right before I am trying to play. Sometimes I wouldn't even be able to play because he would have me laughing so hard. John will be greatly missed by so many. Such a wonderful person that was so loving and caring towards us all. To the family, I send my warmest thoughts and prayers in this time for you all and know that John has many friends that he made our lives happy and full having him as a dear friend.
Natalya Baldyga and Ryan Wheeler
June 11, 2012
Dear Alice, we were so very sorry to hear the news. All our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Post Workshop Ride - Bethel, NC
Larry Hull
June 11, 2012
A great loss to all who have attended past Mountain Collegium events. Ellen and I will miss his wit and music.
Photo attached of a past ride with John and his brother Henry, July 9, 2005.
April Workman
June 11, 2012
My daughter and I will miss John greatly. We first meet John when we joined the CRF cast. Right away we were amazed at his musical ability. He kept history alive by educating and performing music that had been long forgotten by society. We will miss our Hurdy-gurdy man!
Cline McGee
June 11, 2012
John and I were friends since high school. He played at my wedding, we played music together in a high school band, and I designed the addition to his house so he would have room for his multiple musical instruments. I have lost a good friend and will miss him. My best to his family.
Kathy Killam
June 11, 2012
I will miss hearing John this Autumn at the Carolina Ren. Festival. He brought joy to all those who heard him. He made you want to dance like no one was watching you. He will be greatly missed.
Sam Stowe
June 11, 2012
To Henry and the rest of your family my deepest condolences. John was a bright shining light of a musician and most importantly a humanitarian individual who left this world much richer in knowledge than he found it. He was a man of respect using his humor to lift everyone's heart around him.
George Johnson
June 11, 2012
I had the privilege of sitting beside John for 30 years of playing Contra Dance music, New England and French Canadian styles. In addition, he was one of the Klezmorim: those who can play Jewish music. In a larger city he might have been a star clarinetist in a Klezmer band. John, thank you for being you.
Sheela Repoley
June 11, 2012
John was a dear, kind, generous man, the most talented musician I ever met.I am so sorry for this terrible loss, for his family, his friends and for all who treasured his talent and spirit.
Judy Hill
June 11, 2012
John was a joy to be around and always had time for a joke or a bit of play at the Carolina renaissance festival. I felt privileged to consider him a friend. He will be greatly missed.
Spyglass Adams
June 11, 2012
John will be greatly missed at Fairhaven. I always loved to stop by and listen for a few minutes on my way to the Tilt Field. John could play any instrument. I often had to ask what was the instrument he was playing. I think my favorite was his hurdy gurdy
Judy and Chris Meister
June 11, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Nowaczewski
June 11, 2012
Our prayers are with you. May His peace surround you and comfort you.
Scott Hammontree
June 11, 2012
I spent hours with him, literally, riding across the State of NC on 2 weeklong occasions. Quiet, modest, and so very kind. You will be greatly missed...
Heather Gaffney
June 11, 2012
One of my favorite memories of John was when I was a washer wench with Carolina Renaissance Festival. He would come by the well, and play the Irish Washer Woman on one of his whistles. Will miss you and your music John, know you are loved as you embark on the next adventure!
Mike Clark
June 11, 2012
I first met John at the Whitefish Mt JDRF Ride to Cure Diabetes while working in the Bike Room. I had the pleasure of seeing him at many subsequent Rides - from Vermont to Death Valley - and it was always a pleasure to observe his love for cycling, his drive to Do Good and his love for life. Condolences to his friends and famiily.
denise pryor
June 11, 2012
I loved John and his music for many years at the ''front gate'' of the'' Ren Faire''. He was a dear soul, and will be truly missed. RIP John Trexler. Love and memories always. Denise Pryor
Pitt Dickey
June 11, 2012
John was a member of the Pi Lam fraternity at Chapel Hill when I had the opportunity to get to know him back in the early 1970's. As many others have indicated he was a great guy and a most excellent musician.
We will all remember John in different ways. Leonard Cohen wrote some lines that may help his friends get over John's tragic passing.
"Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That's how the light gets in."
John let a lot of light into the world. He will be missed
- Pitt Dickey, UNC class of '72
Betty
June 11, 2012
We will miss John at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation(JDRF)rides. He was always an inspiration.
Wesley Sturgis
June 11, 2012
John was a "round brilliant" gem for sure, with so many facets that touched so many hearts. I give thanks for having had opportunity to know him. As someone stated previously, one wouldn't know what instrument he might have with him to play; his Hurdy Gurdy always drew interests at contra dances and music festivals. I am deeply saddened.
Godspeed, John, and my condolences to all of those who grieve his death.
Shawn Moseley
June 11, 2012
Our deepest sympathy to John's families and friends from everyone at 36th Street Racing.
Jack Murray
June 11, 2012
I got to play with John with CPCC's jazz band-John was always such a nice guy and always made me feel very welcome there. I will miss him. My condolences to his family.
Bobo Busker
June 11, 2012
"Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly."
-G.K. Chesterton (1874-1936)
Jim Talbert
June 11, 2012
John was a true gentlemen. His wit and ability to make people smile was unconditional and without bounds. We are all better people for having known John. I extend my condolences to the Trexler Family. God bless.
Christopher Jones
June 11, 2012
I am the most recent actor to wear the King's crown at the Carolina Renaissance Festival and it was always such a joy to hear him perform each day. He would always goad me with his puns, knowing that I would play up the reactions for the crowd's enjoyment. A fine musician has left us...and the world doesn't sound nearly as sweet as it used to.
Louise Hudson
June 11, 2012
I'm so sorry for the loss of John Trexler.
Sending love and light and prayers to all who were touched by his amazingness.
Bless
Jane Pope
June 11, 2012
John brought wit and music to a world that can always use more of both. I fondly recall getting to know him though the Charlotte Folk Music Society and the Celtic Trader back in the late 1980s. May a joyful tune keep his memory alive in all who knew him.
Catherine, Bob, Denise, Dany & Jean-Yves Le Roux - Parrish
June 11, 2012
There is no sun in Brittany today John, your friends are hurting. They reminisce the good times that we all spent together when you came to the Interceltic Festival on different occasions. Mom remembers how special she felt when you played the gaïta in her apartment, just for her. It was so loud! We all miss you, but we feel very privileged to have known you. We just wish you could visit again and play the "bombarde" one more time... Kenavo John !
John Bird
June 11, 2012
I was in the dixieland band with John the first summer Carowinds opened, in 1973. I was a replacement banjo player who did not know how to play tenor banjo or anything about dixieland music. John and the other band members helped me learn and be a part of their great group as we went around and around on the riverboat. He had an amazing wit, and he was an incredible musician. I have not seen him in many years, but I have thought about him often. My deepest condolences to his family and many friends.
Karen Dobbs
June 11, 2012
John seemed to be everywhere! My connections with him began in the Charlotte Symphony in the late 70's. Since then, I've seen him biking through all sorts of weather, playing Big Band Gigs, singing in the Covenant Choir, and most recently, he was a friendly face in the Bill Hanna Band. He was a true Renaissance man. He will be missed. Peace.
Sarah McKay
June 11, 2012
I was just talking about John the other day, watching and listening him play the hurdy gurdy at the NC Ren Fest was always a highlight for me. He was such a wonderful man and I always enjoyed talking to him. I may not have known him well, but he will be missed.
Dany LE ROUX
June 11, 2012
Nous avions la chance de connaître John et d'avoir pu le cotoyer, chez nous en France, lors du Festival Interceltique de Lorient, ou chez lui à Charlotte, lors du Festival Renaissance, des soirées musicales chez lui, ou de randonnées vélo. Il va beaucoup nous manquer et nous ne l'oublierons pas.
Nos condoléances à ses frères et toute sa famille.
Marti Sams
June 11, 2012
My condolences to Brent, Henry & your sisters. It was such a privilege to jam, practice & perform with John. We never knew what instrument he would bring out next, but he mastered every one of them. Although his discussions of "diminished 7ths" were way over my head, John was always patient with my learning the tunes by ear. I'll miss his corny jokes and meeting him in the contra dance line. Charlotte will not be as colorful without your brother.
tom ozment
June 11, 2012
to my fraternity brother, rest in peace.nfybal
David Mills
June 11, 2012
What a joy it was to be on a ride and see John.Somehow his spirit lifted yours,his kindness and genuine interest lifted you on your pedals.And to talk about all things Carolina!We are all less without you my friend.May we find that joy in our memories of you and somehow catch a glimpse of you on a long ride.Peace.
Jurij Homziak
June 11, 2012
An incredible guy, my brother in law John - quirky, funny, talented, generous and open hearted, intensely passionate in living his life as he saw fit. Godspeed, John - you'll always be my hiking partner.
Debra Poles
June 11, 2012
I don't think I have ever met anyone like John. He was fun, witty and extremely talented. He loved so many things in life. His love of riding is how I became friends with John. Without his love of riding, I would never have had the pleasure to meet someone like him. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Trexler family during this difficult time.
June 11, 2012
Brent and Henry, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I have great memories from the S&E days and many involve John. He was a kind hearted and gentle man. May God Bless you all during this sad time and my his music live in your hearts forever.
Peggy Johnson Meeks
Angela Pearl
June 11, 2012
Godspeed to a wonderful musician.
I was lucky enough to see John perform once at CRF. I loved that he was so personable and knowledgeable about each of his unique instruments. I can only imagine that she shared the same love with his friends and family.
My heart goes out to John's friends, family, and the Carolina ren fest family.
-Angela Pearl
Music Director, Georgia Renaissance Festival
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