Obituary of John Trexler

John Trexler, beloved brother, uncle, and friend, died Saturday June 9, 2012 from injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. John was born in Charlotte on February 18, 1951 to the late Isabelle White and Charles Brent Trexler. A graduate of Myers Park High School and UNC Chapel Hill, in his early professional life he was advertising director of Stewart and Everett Theatres, Inc. Subsequently he became a partner in TF Investment Associates. His life centered around his family, his faith, music, and cycling. Trained classically with a college degree in clarinet, John played in the 1970?s for the Charlotte Symphony. As his music interests expanded, he became an accomplished Celtic and folk musician. He played numerous instruments, specializing in early music and folk wind instruments. John played all types of recorders, shawms, flutes, and pennywhistles. His friends will long remember his performances on the hurdy gurdy and bagpipes. He taught at the Mountain Collegium Early Music and Folk Music Workshop every summer at Cullowhee, NC, and performed with the CPCC Early Music Consort. He regularly led sessions of Irish music at Ri-Ra in Charlotte, played with the CPCC Jazz Big Band, and was a contra dancer . He performed locally and internationally with the Charlotte Waites band featuring Renaissance music in full medieval costume, and was annually a performer with the Charlotte Renaissance Festival. His collection of obscure and antique instruments brought wonder and delight on many occasions. John?s passion for music was equalled by his passion for cycling. He participated in numerous charity rides and frequent excursions with his beloved Cannonballs Cycling Team. He was a lifelong member of Covenant Presbyterian Church, actively participating in numerous musical and educational programs and singing in the choir. Growing up in the theatre business, he retained a love of movies, which he always loved to critique and discuss. He travelled frequently, both to visit and perform, particularly enjoying music festivals, and always seeking out new people, good food, and craft beers. John is survived by his siblings; Alice Trexler and her husband Downing Cless of Arlington, MA; Brent Trexler and his wife Claire of Charlotte, NC, Mary Trexler and her husband Jurij Homziak of Burlington, VT, and Henry Trexler and his wife Kelly Zellars of Charlotte, NC. Beloved nieces and nephews are Elliot and Isabelle Cless, Charlie and Diana Trexler, and Nicholas, Allie, and Maya Homziak. A worship service celebrating John?s life will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Tuesday June 19 at 2:00 PM with the Reverend Bob Henderson and the Reverend Joan Watson officiating. A reception will follow in the church Fellowship Hall. Musicians are invited to bring instruments to play during the reception in a session as they did so frequently with John.