Peter McNeely Fyfe, 92, died May 7 in Nashville, Tennessee. For 35 years, he served as organist and choirmaster for Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal) in downtown Nashville. He was an adjunct instructor of organ at the Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University. Born August 23, 1923, in Covington, Tennessee, Fyfe became organist for St. Matthew Episcopal Church in his hometown while he was in high school. In 1943, he left for service in the U. S. Army in World War II, and while in battle in North Africa, played a pump organ for chapel services. Returning from service, he earned degrees from the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago and the Union Theological Seminary School of Sacred Music in New York City.
Peter Fyfe married Lois Gainer Fyfe on November 28, 1953. In January 1959, the Fyfes moved to Nashville, when Peter was appointed to Christ Church. In 1993, Lois established Lois Fyfe Music of Nashville. At the 2012 national convention of the American Guild of Organists, Peter and Lois Fyfe were presented the Guild’s Edward Hansen Leadership Award. Lois Gainer Fyfe passed away June 18, 2014.
Peter Fyfe is survived by one daughter, Catharine Fyfe McEacham, two grandsons, Charles and Joseph, all of St. Paul, Minnesota, and one sister, Nancy Fyfe Cardozier, of Austin, Texas. Funeral services were conducted June 6 at Christ Church Cathedral, Nashville.
