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Thaddeus Howard Haycock Outerbridge
Thaddeus Howard Haycock Outerbridge
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Thaddeus Outerbridge Obituary
Pipe organ builder Thad Outerbridge passed away Sunday, February 4, 2024 after a long decline. Mr. Outerbridge came to the United States from his native Bermuda to attend Boston University in 1958. He returned permanently in 1964 to pursue his life-long interest in the music of the pipe organ and its construction, renovation and repair with David Cogswell at the Berkshire Organ Company. In 1968 he
moved to Beverly, Mass, and opened his own company Thad H. H. Outerbridge LLC, located both in Bermuda and the USA. He built a steady list of clients who appreciated both his calm expertise in diagnosing and correcting pipe organ issues and his consideration for the institutions' financial resources. He was also well-regarded in the larger organ community as demonstrated by his work on the historic organ at All Saints Episcopal Church in Ashmont (Dorchester) where his tonal revisions were considered "energetic, articulate, and brilliant". He and partner Armando Furtado also did the console renovations for the storied Casavant Freres organ at Boston University's Marsh Chapel in 2004.
In addition to major renovation, relocation, and rebuilding of existing organs he leaves behind two instruments of his own design at Second Congregational Church and First Baptist Church (1979) of Beverly. The later organ may fairly be considered his masterpiece, representing his full thoughts on tonal tonal development and construction practices. This also demonstrates his consideration for the church's history, reusing materials provided from the disastrous fire in 1975.
Thaddeus Howard Haycock Outerbridge was born on December 12, 1937 in Paget, Bermuda, the second son of parents Percy Clisdell and Phyllis Haycock Outerbridge. Older brother Miles preceded him and is succeeded by brother Evan & wife Susan and their two children Haley Outerbridge and Mark Outerbridge in 2001. Thad joined with long-time business partner Armando Furtado to create Outerbridge Organs, LLC of which Armando is now sole owner. Armando and Kathy cared for Thad through the end of his life.
Arrangements by Casper Funeral Services 187 Dorchester St. Boston. Tributes can be made to Hospice House 78 Liberty St. Danvers, MA 01923. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 16 at 11 am at St. Peters Church 4 Ocean Ave. Beverly, MA 01915. Thad will be laid to rest at Holy Trinity Church, Baileys Bay, Bermuda at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Tim Paul
March 25, 2025
Tim Paul
March 25, 2025
I am sad to know that Thad has passed. I got to know Thad and Armando when I worked with them from 1991-1993. That was a wonderful time working with them and experiencing the joy of organ building and maintenance with them. Thad's calm presence and striving for peace in all that he did made him a pleasure to be around.
Aside from working with Thad, one of the most important events Thad was a part of, was when he played the organ at my wedding in 1994. We had been planning to have the church's organist play but the week before the wedding, due to 'irreconcilable differences' we parted ways with him and asked Thad to play. And Thad said yes and what a blessing to have a dear friend and wonderful musician play at our wedding.
Thad is a beautiful soul and my life is so much richer for having known and worked with him.
Sue Hunt
July 20, 2024
I met Thad when I was a young student practising the organ at Holy Trinity Bermuda. I will for ever be grateful for his infectious enthusiasm, knowledge and encouragement. Thank you Thad.
Douglas Chapman
June 20, 2024
During a very difficult rime in my life Thad was a beacon of calm friendship and help. I will always share a joy in knowing him. Thanks to Armando et al for all their help with Thad.
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Luke Parkin
March 14, 2024
I met Thad in 2016. He was an extraordinary exponent in sound. As I was a young composer, keyboard artist and organist, he had much to teach me. He knew a great deal about instruments (having built them) and all the repertoire too. He asked tough questions about what I had learned, and who I had studied with, and if we had differences in experience, we were both required to explain. I came from applied music training and moved into computer music and engineering. I deeply appreciated his background and he appreciated my knowledge of current technology. He became a great friend. I worked with Armando Furtado because of Thad and I am grateful to he and Cathy as well for what they did for him. When COVID hit, It was hard to see him but I will always remember what a great human he was. Love you forever Thad!
Luke Parkin
Amesbury MA
Luke Parkin
March 14, 2024
I met Thad in 2016. He was an extraordinary exponent in sound. As I was a young composer, keyboard artist and organist, he had much to teach me. He knew a great deal about instruments (having built them) and all the repertoire too. He asked tough questions about what I had learned, and who I had studied with, and if we had differences in experience, we were both required to explain. I came from applied music training and moved into computer music and engineering. I deeply appreciated his background and he appreciated my knowledge of current technology. He became a great friend. I worked with Armando Furtado because of Thad and I am grateful to he and Cathy as well for what they did for him. When COVID hit, It was hard to see him but I will always remember what a great human he was. Love you forever Thad!!!
Luke Parkin,
Amesbury MA
Joe Sloane
March 12, 2024
In my years as an apprentice in the organ industry, working with Thad and Armando on various projects was really fun and educational. I was always impressed with how willing Thad was to share his knowledge with others in the trade. After once telling Thad about having visited Bermuda a number of times, he insisted that the next time we went, my wife Priscilla and I must stay at his family cottage. We took him up on the offer and had a very memorable experience. Evan and Susan were the consummate hosts and made us feel truly welcome. At the cottage, we even spotted a marvelous cedar box gifted to Miss Minnie Outerbridge from a Boer War prisoner on Bermuda
in 1902, attesting to the family's long tradition of hospitality. I am very proud to have known Thad as a colleague and friend!
Robert Couchon
March 7, 2024
Thad was the very best pipe organ builder, voicer, and technician that this world ever had, and a long term friend with a beautiful soul that enriched my life for several decades! He was also a very humble and trustworthy friend and I shall miss him greatly! Most Sincerely! Robert Douglas Couchon
Jasmina
February 25, 2024
I am lucky to have known him. My condolences to all his friends and family.
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187 Dorchester Street, Boston, MA 02127-2846
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