The NBA Recognizes, With Sadness, The Passing of
Frederick Fennell

An open message from Dr. Fennell's daughter:

I want you, and the greater music community to know that my father died peacefully in his sleep early this morning, Tuesday, December 7, 2004. Elizabeth and I were by his side. I had promised him that I would do all I could to get him back to Siesta Key so he could watch the sun set over the ocean. With the help of Hospice, he arrived home in time to see the brilliant orange and pinks in the western skies last evening. A bit before Midnight, dad told me he was "frustrated and disappointed." When I asked him,"Why?" he replied, "There`s no drummer here yet. I can`t die without a drummer!" I told him that I loved him, and that "Heaven`s best drummer was on the way." Moments later he said, "I hear him! I hear him! I`m OK now." This was my final conversation with my dad.

I was blessed to be able to dress my father in his finest set of tails after he died, complete with the usual struggle with his tie. Elizabeth asked if he could be "dressed up" and I could think of nothing finer for a lasting memory. Dad asked to be cremated and that I scatter his ashes in the woods at Interlochen, Michigan this summer. This, of course, I will do.

Elizabeth is OK at this point. We are closely watching her, monitoring her blood sugar levels and seeing that she gets the diet and rest she needs after such a life transition.

There will be a small Memorial Service at a church in Siesta Key. No date or time has been set yet. As knowledge of my father`s death is communicated, please keep both Elizabeth and me in your prayers.

Fondly > Cathy Fennell Martensen