Local musician Doug Furze passes away

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

Local musician and founder of Concerts for Charity, Doug Furze, has died.

Furze was surrounded by friends when he passed away peacefully at approximately 4 p.m., Thursday (Dec. 17) at his home.

The lifelong Rockford resident had been battling metastatic pancreatic cancer for the past six months. He was 50.

Furze was heavily involved in the Rockford music scene for more than 30 years, playing with a host of bands, including the Boulas Trio, Blunatics and others. For many years, Furze performed at nursing homes for seniors, playing his last dates just a few weeks ago.

As head of Concerts for Charity, he organized several music festivals such as the Catfish John Memorial Music Festival and Hot Fest for Hospice, both of which raised money for local schools and charities.

Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced as they become available.