Frank Maher, beloved N.L. accordion player, dead at 90

Frank Maher, a beloved St. John's accordion player known for his knowledge, wit and energy, has died.

Born in 1934, Maher found his passion for music in the Battery neighbourhood of the capital city. 

Christina Smith, a friend of Maher's, said he would busk for members of the Canadian Armed Forces in the summers of the Second World War.

Maher died on Sunday, just five days short of his 91st birthday.

"He wouldn't have called himself a teacher, but so many of us learnt so much from him. He was so generous with his time," Smith, who plays in the band that bears Frank's name — the Maher's Bahers — told CBC Radio's On The Go on Monday.

"He was just so welcoming, and so many people are missing him."

Maher was known for being a talented musician on the accordion, but also played harmonica in groups like Figgy Duff, the Newfoundland Kitchen Band and Maher's Bahers.

And outside of playing the instrument, Smith recalls Maher's almost encyclopedic knowledge of the accordion and accordion music.

Daniel Payne, a musician from Pasadena who had the chance to play with Maher, remembers the man was able to prove that extensive knowledge when the pair travelled together to play a gig in Woody Point.

WATCH | When Frank Maher was asked to be a model, it was just too weird to pass up:

Remembering N.L. accordion master Frank Maher

3 days ago

Duration 2:01

The original member of Figgy Duff died Sunday, just shy of his 91st birthday. Frank Maher is credited with being one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s greatest accordion players. We dipped into the CBC archives for a look back at the musician’s talent and his sense of humour.

"Before we had pulled away from the curb, there was accordion music from his MP3 player playing. And we didn't turn it off. We drove all the way to Woody Point, listened to accordion music the whole way," said Payne.

"We did the same thing on the way back. So it was something like 18 or 19 hours of straight accordion music. And we were loving it, and it didn't repeat either."

But beside his knowledge, Smith and Payne say they'll remember Maher for playing music with love and passion.

"Playing with Frank, it was like being on the caboose on the bullet train. I mean it was just so exciting. The energy and the drive, and it was all coming from him," Smith said with a laugh.

"He would be the most energetic performer on the stage. Just crazy."

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