Cecil McEachern, the last surviving member of iconic Canadian fiddler Don Messer's band has died on Monday, January 13, 2014 in Charlottetown, P.E.I. He was 88 years old.

McEachern, who had a lifelong passion for music, played bass guitar and fiddle for Messer for more than 25 years as a member of his beloved Islanders.

Cecil joined Messers's band in 1948 when Messer was host of a popular radio show on CFCY Charlottetown. He stayed with Messer all through the years of his popular national television show, Don Messer's Jubilee which aired on CBC from 1957 to 1969. He was a natural born musician who grew up in a musical family. He performed with M esser until Messer's death in 1973 and did not play a great deal afterwards.

Cecil was awarded the commemorative medal for the 125th anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of his significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada.