The City of Portland (Vic) reeled last week when news spread that the Musical Director of the Portland Citizens Band, Frank Thompson (45), had lost his life in a farming accident on his property

Frank was a stalwart of the banding movement in his role in the local band, being a mentor and teacher to many young people and a ‘people person’ who communicated superbly with whomever he came in contact. He was heavily involved in many facets of his community which added to the sense of shock the community experiences.

On Tuesday, 20th October, the city was almost at a stand still, as many hundreds of people packed into the Civic hall for what was an extraordinary celebration of Frank’s life. The hall was packed with many standing around the side wall area and a large crowd spilled over to the fringes of the building, including the open side doors and foyer area to hear and witness the occasion.

The Portland band, led by Warren Holman, a retired Salvation Army officer, provided fitting music for the prelude of the gathering, leading into the singing of the opening hymn of the service. The service was a moving and fitting tribute to a man who had made a huge impact on his city in such a short time.

The band world has indeed lost one of its treasures all too soon and all people of goodwill would wish the family and indeed the community of Portland their prayers and condolences for such a sad loss.

Allen Woodham
Executive officer – National Band Council of Australia Inc.