"World's Greatest Whistler" dies at the age of 91

Former New Zealander and International entertainer dies at the age of 91.

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of seasoned performer and The World’s Greatest Whistler - Ronnie Ronalde, who died peacefully on 13th January at 11pm with both this daughter Carolyn and wife Rosemarie at his side. His other daughter Christina and son Ronnie were not able to be present as they reside in New Zealand. Ronnie Ronalde had been ill for some time after suffering a stroke in 2013, and was being cared for at Brinsworth House, in England. He was aged 91.

The family of Ronnie Ronalde have prepared a short statement:

“Ronnie was a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather. We will always remember him for his kindness, his caring, charitable nature, his sense of fun and his beautiful smile. Ronnie brought joy to millions and will be sorely missed by all those who were close to him. A wonderful performer and marvellous man, he will never be forgotten. Forever in our hearts.”

Ronnie will be remembered for his performances as a singer, siffleur and yodeller. In his illustrious career Ronnie achieved some amazing feats including his 1950 rendition of “If I were a blackbird” which was in the charts' top 20 for six months; his best known recording “In a Monastery Garden” sold over 5 million copies. Ronnie was a huge global star, selling out at Radio City Musical Hall in New York City for 10 weeks; a 25,000 capacity theatre in Toronto every night for two whole weeks and having performed at the longest running variety show in the world The Royal Command (The Royal Variety Performance) in 1953 in-front of the Queen who rose from her seat to watch Ronnie whistle below her box and the Duke dismally trying to copy him. Ronnie's last album released in 2009 was called Route 86.

The links below are articles in the UK press talking about the achievements throughout his career in entertainment.

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2015/jan/22/ronnie-ronalde

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ronnie-ronalde-music-hall-artiste-famous-for-his-whistling-and-yodelling-9993733.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/ronnie-ronalde-music-hall-artiste-famous-for-his-whistling-and-yodelling-9993733.html

Ronnie Ronalde, virtuoso whistler - obituary - Telegraph

Note; Brinsworth House is holding the wake and funeral on Monday 16th February 2015 at 2.00pm U.K. time

Ronnie Ronalde (son) and Christina Morton (daughter)

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