WA musician Guy Ghouse dies, aged 56, after cancer battle
Guy Ghouse (right), pictured with Gina Williams, has died at the age of 56. (Supplied)
Western Australian musician Guy Ghouse has died at the age of 56 after a two year battle with cancer.
Mr Ghouse, who was best known for his musical partnership with Indigenous singer Gina Williams, became a Member of the Order of Australia in June.
Mr Ghouse's performing career took him all over the world, and he was also a respected music teacher and mentor to other artists.
The guitarist began performing with Ms Williams in 2010, igniting a partnership that garnered numerous awards and critical acclaim.
The duo released four albums in the Noongar language from WA's south-west and won Indigenous Act of the Year six times at WA's Music Industry Awards.
Mr Ghouse co-composed works for opera, theatre and festivals.
Guy Ghouse was best known for his performances with Noongar singer Gina Williams. (Supplied)
Mr Ghouse was born in Perth to Malaysian-born parents who arrived in Australia on a cargo ship.
The news of his death was revealed in a social media post on Friday afternoon.
"It is with the deepest of sadness that we announce that Guy Ian Ghouse AM took his last breath, surrounded by the love of his family this morning," it read.
"He was an adored son, brother, husband and father. His contribution to community will resonate for generations to come.
"Guy's loss will be felt far and wide. Those who were lucky enough to experience his skill and craft as a guitar player up close will all agree — there was none better.
Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse on stage with Michael Cathcart at the Perth Festival in February 2024. (ABC RN: Kim Jirik)
"For those who were lucky enough to share his vision of music composition through performing his many varied works — none were more creative."
The post said Mr Ghouse had "battled the worst of cancers for close to two years".
"Through all of that time, he never complained and he continued to work until as recently as two weeks ago," it read.
Perth music journalist Bob Gordon, a friend of Mr Ghouse, said his death was "everyone's loss" and described him as a "a brilliant musician and a brilliant man".
"He was a very kind and talented man," Mr Gordon told ABC Radio Perth.
"He was a pretty big guy with a big heart."
Mr Gordon said Mr Ghouse had an "ability on guitar that was second to none", and was a man with an "amazing sense of humour" who loved dad jokes.
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