World-renowned carillonneur Wendell Wescott died on April 30 at the age of 99, after more than 50 years of bell ringing at Beaumont Tower.
Wescott was the official carillonneur of Beaumont Tower from 1947-88, but continued to play in the tower every Sunday until he was 96. Wescott continued piano until four months ago.
“He could run up the 72 stairs of Beaumont and just start playing,” said Iris Wescott, his wife of 62 years. “Kids can run up there and they are breathing hard, he’d do it no problem.”
The theme of his life was: “What are you going to do next, Wendell?” Iris said.
“You never knew what would happen next,” she said, “But he knew what he wanted and he knew how to do it.”
Wescott started playing piano and organ at an early age, taught by his aunt and mother.
Wescott toured Europe and America with his bells and was recognized by news organizations across the world, including the BBC, New York Times and The Today Show. He also wrote the book “Bells and Their Music.”
Beaumont Tower will hold a memorial performance on Sunday at 3 p.m.
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