Dundee music figure Jimmy Tonner

Jimmy Tonner, one of the most well-known and popular figures in Dundee musical circles, has died after a long illness.

Mr Tonner was born in Dundee in 1949 and was educated at Morgan Academy.

On leaving school, he went to the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, graduating in 1971.

Following teacher training at Jordanhill College, he joined the music staff at Grove Academy in 1972, before becoming head of music at the new Whitfield High School in 1976.

In addition to organising school concerts, he was heavily involved in all aspects of music in the city, including a principal part in Tayside Opera’s Cavalleria Rusticana, and musical director of Gilbert and Sullivan productions in aid of the Unicorn Preservation Society.

Mr Tonner also conducted the Dundee Instrumental Band, formerly known as St Margaret’s Silver Band, was founder member of the Sweeney Toddlers barbershop group and was involved for many years in the Whitehall Theatre’s Sounds Spectacular productions.

He was a man of many musical parts. At the news of his death, tributes poured in from many who knew him as a friend, teacher, relative, colleague or musician.

Neil Mudie had known Mr Tonner for more than 50 years.

He said: “We were involved in all sorts of music together and he was man who always made the occasion enjoyable and funny.

“He had an irrepressible, impish sense of humour.

“He was a genuinely lovely man.” Mr Tonner is the brother of the late John Tonner, who was also a well-known face in the Dundee music scene, and is survived by his younger brother Doug and six nephews and nieces.

A funeral service will be held in St Mary’s Church on Friday at 11.45am before proceeding to the crematorium at 1.15pm.