Thomas Howard Dorward

Thomas Howard Dorward (July 29, 1946 - January 8, 2025)

It is with great sadness that we mark the passing of Thomas Howard Dorward, at age 78, in Halifax, N.S., on Wednesday, January 8. Tom (born in Denver, CO, on July 29, 1946) was the founder of the Halifax Folklore Centre, a much-loved institution of the Maritime music scene for over fifty years. He was a highly skilled repairman and instrument-maker who was largely self-taught. Together with his wife Marla and a small, close-knit group of employees, he created a welcoming, homey space for multiple generations of musicians and music-lovers. Its special atmosphere made the Folklore Centre a hub of the local music scene and a pitstop for countless touring musicians over the years.

Though Tom’s life centred on musical instruments, he was an intellectually curious man who kept his mind sharp to the end, whether through continual study of the Spanish language and literature, an addiction to puzzles and crosswords, or regular Hearts games with close friends. He was also an obsessive sports fan (for everything from baseball to pool), and a keen squash player until his ankles gave out. Perhaps his greatest extra-musical passion, though, was dogs: though he was predeceased by his last two pets, Hamish and Julius, his last request was to be allowed to pet a dog; his neighbour Maria kindly visited the hospital ward with her poodle, George.

Tom leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Marla; his children Nate and Meghan; and his grandchildren Anne, Cary and Beau (by Nate) and Matteo and Felix (by Meghan). His legacy as a modest but essential facilitator of the Maritime music scene will continue, as the Halifax Folklore Centre remains in operation under the care of his widow, daughter and employees. He died surrounded by family and friends, all of them listening together to a final piece of music he selected for the occasion: Joe Cocker’s rendition of “With a Little Help From My Friends.” No immediate service is planned, but a celebratory wake will be held later this year. Those who wish to be notified should send their contact details to [email protected].