Doug Furze memorial service, celebration Dec. 27

Doug Furze

By Jim Hagerty
Staff Writer

A memorial for local musician Doug Furze will be held Sunday, Dec. 27, at Lyran Hall. A eulogy service will begin at 3 p.m., followed by a musical celebration of Doug’s life.

Furze passed away Thursday, Dec. 17, after a six-month battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 50.

Doug Furze was heavily involved in the Rockford music scene and art community for more than 25 years, playing with a host of bands, including the Boulas Trio, Blunatics and others.

For many years, Furze performed for seniors at area nursing homes, playing his last dates just a few weeks ago.

As head of Concerts for Charity, a fund-raising organization, Furze organized several music festivals such as the Catfish John Memorial Music Festival and Hot Fest for Hospice, which raised money for local schools and charities.

Doug was given an annual Mayor’s Art Award in October. He was named Best Acoustic Performer by Rockford Area Music Industry (RAMI) voters in 2001 and honored by the organization in July with an award for lifetime achievement.

Lyran Hall is at 1115 Fourth Ave., in Rockford.