A fixture and pioneer in the Island's tourism and entertainment industry has died.

After a short illness, Terrance Brannon died yesterday at age 76. He had recently returned to Bermuda after living in Florida for more than two decades.

Mr. Brannon was the owner and manager of the venerable 40 Thieves Nightclub in the 1960s and 1970s and through his music connections was able to book many of the top names in the industry.

An Englishman from Hanley, Stoke on Trent of Irish descent, he was a musician by training and served in the Coldstream Guards Band during Second World War, having qualified through the Royal School of Music exams.

After ceremonial and courier duties including work at Buckingham Palace, Mr.

Brannon performed in nightclubs and theatres around London, and after the war he began a career as a professional musician, in the style of American jazz man Stan Kenton.

In 1949 he arrived in Bermuda for a job at the Hamilton Princess, eventually marrying Marion Ware in 1950.

After working for Masters Limited until 1957, he opened the Bandstand, a music store and then opened the 40 Thieves in 1962.

Such names as Mel Torme, Aretha Franklin, Gerry and the Pacemakers graced the club's stage in addition to local talents, Hubert Smith and the Coral Islanders, the Strollers, and Joe (Conchshell) Benjamin.

His wife died in 1995 and he is survived by his children Anthony and Marilyn and his grandchildren Jody and Nicola.

Yesterday his son Tony Brannon said many Bermudians recalled his father's businesses fondly and he said the 40 Thieves played an unsung role in desegregating Bermuda.

"When the 40 Thieves opened,'' Mr. Brannon said, "it was used for lunch meetings and all sorts of political leaders such as Sir Henry Tucker, Hilton Hill and Walter Robinson, who made speeches on the issues of the day.

"Dad told me he was shocked at the way Bermuda was segregated. He said it was strange, as he and the Hamilton Princess Band had never experienced anything like that before.'' Mr. Brannon added: "He used to get criticised for seating blacks in front row tables in the 40 Thieves Club. In fact, in many ways the 40 Thieves helped to socially integrate Bermuda. I am proud of Dad for this.'' Funeral arrangements are pending.