A long-time St. John’s businessman and supporter of the local music industry has passed away.

Fred Brokenshire, the founder of Fred’s Records, a staple in the capital city’s downtown for half a century, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 69.

Brokenshire founded Fred’s Records back in 1972 at the tender age of 19. He was an active member of the Juno Awards Committee and an avid sailor – having once crossed the Atlantic from St. John’s to Gibraltar in Spain weathering a hurricane along the way.

Visitation is taking place at Carnell’s Funeral Home this evening and tomorrow. The funeral service, at Carnell’s Memorial Chapel on Saturday at 2:00 will be by invitation only.

Donations in his memory can be made to MusicNL.