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Celtic Thunder's George Donaldson Dead at 46

03/14/2014
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Celtic Thunder's principal singer George Donaldson died on Wednesday (March 12th) after suffering a massive heart attack at his home in Glasgow, Scotland, the band announced. He was 46.

Celtic Thunder producer Sharon Browne and both current and past members of Celtic Thunder also paid tribute to Donaldson. Browne writes: "When starting Celtic Thunder, I wanted to cast a mature, dependable Man as one of the characters. Over the 7 years since, I learned that George Donaldson was the embodiment of such a Man. A kind, loving, gentle giant, George was as affectionate as he was professional. A pleasure to work with, an amazing family man to his wife Carolyn and his daughter Sarah, an important and loved friend to myself and everyone in Celtic Thunder. I am devastated at his sudden and untimely death. Rest in Peace with your parents George, you will be sorely missed. Sharon x"

Ryan Kelly - "Today I lost a colleague, a Celtic Thunder original brother, but, more importantly, I lost a very good friend. From the first day I met him at the audition for Celtic Thunder in 2007, we became "thick as thieves" and shared so many great times together - on and off the stage. I know he's looking down now on the two most important people in his life - Carolyn and Sarah - and on the rest of us holding them up for him, with his guitar strapped around his neck and a pint in his hand with that big smile of his. As he always sang Phil's words, in his own inimitable way: "though he may be gone, memories linger on, and I'll miss him... My Old "Bro"... Rest in peace Big Man. Those of us in what you deemed "Celtic Thunderland" will miss you more than you'll ever know... Ryan xx"

Keith Harkin - "Always looking to laugh, joke and see the best in things, no matter how dark or dreary the situation. A big kid at heart, the fatherly figure that never stopped breathing, eating and sleeping Sarah and Carolyn. George was a good man, a hard worker and one of the best people to have on the road, both on and off the stage. I'm sure you're playing music with the angels now George, I am going to miss you man. This is one of the hardest things I have ever had to write. RIP George Donaldson. Keith x"

Neil Byrne - "To a dear friend, my days spent with you have been some of the happiest days of my life. Always remembering the countless inspiring stage performances we shared and, more importantly, the confidences and laughs. Holding you close to my heart for the rest of my days,
My friend George x"

Colm Keegan - "I really don't know what I can say to either sum up how I feel, or how to pay tribute to one of my best friends. George wasn't just an incredible friend from my first second in Celtic Thunder, but a role model. He constantly looked out for me. The two things I know more than anything in the world are firstly how much he loved Celtic Thunder; he really had his dream job and his love for everyone in the company was contagious. Secondly, more importantly, is how much he loved Carolyn and Sarah. They were the 7th and 8th members of our group because of how he included them. He loved them both more than anything else and was so proud of both of them. I'll miss you so much G, always. RIP Big Man. Colm"

Damian McGinty - "George was a man who brought light to peoples Lives. An incredible talent. Working with him from a young age, he was always the man to make all the Celtic Thunder gang laugh. He had such joy for life. I am deeply saddened by his loss, and my heartfelt condolences go to his family at this time. RIP George. Love, Damo. x"

Emmet Cahill - "George you were a wonderful friend to me. I can only look back on my memories with you and laugh to my hearts content. You were a true gentleman. A gentle giant. You have left a great legacy behind you and most of all, you were a wonderful spirit. I will miss you so much bro. Rest in peace Big G. Emmet x"

Paul Byrom - "George was the first member of the group I met at the auditions, and from day 1 he made me laugh. He had a great sense of humour and made working away from home a hell of a lot easier. I have many great memories with the big man. He will be sorely missed but I know his musical legacy will live on in many hearts and minds. Till we meet again George, May you rest in peace. Paul"

David Munro - "A wise man once said, when a friend dies it's like a library burning down. Today my life is poorer for the loss of the man who never failed to call me 'brother' and I never failed to feel like he meant it. Goodbye brother and I'm happy to say there are no regrets. I was proud of you every single time I had the pleasure of hearing you tell your stories. David"

The band requests that their fans respect the family's devastation and privacy at this time and restrict their comments and messages for the family to the website here.

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