Tributes flow as beloved West Australian musician dies at 56 after cancer battle

by

Musicians and fans are mourning the loss of Guy Ghouse, a well-loved musician from Western Australia, who passed away this week at the age of 56 after a two-year fight with cancer.

Guy was a highly respected teacher and composer of works for opera, festivals and theatre.

He was perhaps best known for his 15-year musical partnership with Noongar singer Gina Williams.

Guy and Gina collaborated to create four albums featuring the Noongar language, and they were recognized for their work with six Indigenous Act of the Year awards from the WA Music Industry Awards.

They were also privileged to perform at Australia House in London and at the 2021 AFL Grand Final in Perth.

In June, Guy received a Member of the Order of Australia award for his work in music and for guiding young people across Western Australia.

The heartbreaking news was shared on the Gina Williams & Guy Ghouse Facebook page on Friday.

We are heartbroken to share that Guy Ian Ghouse AM passed away peacefully this morning, November 21, 2025, surrounded by his family.

He was deeply loved as a son, brother, husband, and father. His positive impact on the community will be felt for many years to come.

The heartfelt remembrance went on, celebrating Guy’s incredible musical skill and his gift for bringing people of every age together through his music.

Everyone who knew Guy will deeply miss him. Anyone who saw him play guitar firsthand would tell you he was truly exceptional – one of the best there ever was.

Those who had the privilege of performing his diverse musical compositions were among the most imaginative artists, the post went on to say.

No one made the students and teachers laugh harder than Uncle Guy with his jokes and playful antics.

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve encountered many dedicated individuals, but when it comes to sharing and revitalizing First Nations languages through his work over the past two decades, I can honestly say no one was more passionate or achieved greater results. He truly made a difference.

The heartfelt eulogy also highlighted Guy’s strength throughout his cancer battle.  

The tribute stated that Guy fought a serious cancer for nearly two years, remaining positive and continuing to work until just a few weeks before his passing.

The post concluded by asking people to post a ‘dad joke’ on social media in Guy’s memory.

The heart-rending post was met with an outpouring of condolences from  friends and fans.

I was so moved by the news that I first cried, then felt a surge of happiness and smiled, knowing he wouldn’t want anyone to be sad.

I feel so lucky to have known such a wonderful person. They were an incredibly kind, talented, and funny guitarist, and a truly loving and generous soul.

Someone else shared a similar sentiment, saying they were deeply saddened by the loss of a wonderful person and couldn’t find the words to express it.

‘He was so loved and his kindness and incredible talent will be missed.’

As a lifestyle expert, I’ve rarely encountered someone who embodied living well quite like Guy. So many people felt the same way – he wasn’t just a good person, he showed us how to live fully, with kindness, a humble spirit, real bravery, and a beautiful sense of grace. He truly lit the way for all of us.

‘He had a ton of talent, we’re so glad he shared. Sending love to all those who mourn him.’

It’s been so touching to see the outpouring of love for Guy online. So many colleagues and friends have been sharing their sadness on Facebook, and it really shows how many lives he touched. It’s a difficult time, but seeing those tributes is a beautiful reminder of the impact he had on everyone who knew him.

The Ellington Jazz Club in Perth announced with deep sadness that the talented Guy Ghouse has passed away.

He filled the club with incredible talent, kindness, and happiness, and it’s hard to accept that he won’t be performing for us again.

Read More

2025-11-22 03:49