Jack Whitney was just 5 when he made his first musical instrument from a roast beef can, a piece of wood, some nails and string that he pinched from the screen door.

It was the beginning of an illustrious career that saw the naturally gifted and popular musician perform his unique brand of country and western tunes at venues and events across the Island.

Mr Whitney passed away last Saturday at the age of 90 and will be buried this weekend with his beloved mandolin.

His daughter Beth Trafford and wife Loraine led the tributes to the respected musician who played no less than eight stringed instruments and entertained thousands as part of the renowned Jack Whitney and the Bermuda Plowboys in the late 1940s and early 1950s

“There was always music in the family home when I was growing up,” said Mrs Trafford.

“My father was the soundtrack to my life. He always had his guitar in hand, and taught me to play the guitar as a child too.

“He was a wonderful family person and involved me in all of the things he enjoyed; his music, his horses and chickens and also his gardens.”

Mrs Whitney described her husband as a “wonderful person” who took pride in everything he did.

She added: “He took great pride in his music — it had to be just right. He was a real animal lover and had prized chickens that had to be just perfect.

“He also put a great deal of work into his beautiful gardens”

Mr Whitney was raised in the Riddell’s Bay area of Bermuda and attended Warwick Academy. At 17 he ran a small A1 grocery store in Riddell’s Bay and went on to form Jack Whitney and the Bermuda Plowboys in 1947. The group regularly performed at Rowley’s Guesthouse in Southampton as well as other venues on the Island.

Mr Whitney also worked as an actor double for US star Sandy Kenyon in the US television series Crunch and Des that was filmed on Darrell’s Island in Bermuda.

He married his first wife Verna Legge in 1956 and the couple had one daughter, Beth. After his first wife passed away, he later married his second wife Loraine in 2002. Up until a few years ago Mr Whitney and his musical friends including Jean Howes would entertain residents at care homes across the Island and patients at the hospital.

Long-time friend and fellow musician Bobby Barton told The Royal Gazette: “I had known Jack for many years through music; he was one of Bermuda’s best guitarists in western style. He loved cowboy music and the memories I have of him are him playing his one string bass with me on the harmonica.”