Community mourns the passing of Felipe Canete from Luc & The Lovingtons

Felipe Canete (Photo by Mocha Charlie)

The Northwest music community is shocked and saddened by the passing yesterday (5/17/13) of Felipe Canete, who sang and played guitar with Luc & The Lovingtons. Canete’s untimely death is the result of an apparent heart attack.

Canete was born with a heart condition and had surgery as a teen. He kept information about his health private, only divulging his ailment to a select group of friends and confidants.

Always quick with a hug, smile and warm greeting, Canete was a well loved and respected artist in the community.

Canete, a U.S. expatriate by way of Chile, added an authentic latin flavor to Luc and The Lovingtons’ eclectic blend for folk, rock and world music. His passing leaves a significant void in the band and community at large.

Canate’s heart condition, did not impede is ability to perform and put smiles on people’s faces through his art. His talent was only eclipsed by his positive energy and indomitable spirit.

Not only was Canete a talented artist, he was a passionate teacher as well. He founded Sing with Senior while he was teaching Spanish to middle school students in Seattle.

Having realized that a lot of the songs used to teach Spanish were traditional music from different countries in South America, he wanted to introduce art into his teaching and one day, inspired by his students, started to play the guitar and wrote an original song for the students. They loved singing the song and then asked to make more. It was clear that the students were learning while expressing themselves through songs that they could sing and through simple lyrics that they could follow. He started to write songs that would fit the curriculum but at the same time would be fun and catchy to sing.

Canete’s sudden departure has sent shockwaves across the Northwest music community, but those of left behind can take comfort in knowing that he made a positive difference and left an indelible mark on the lives of many. We are a better community because of him.

Below are some thoughts and quotes left from Canate’s friends on Facebook.

I am heartbroken to hear about the loss of our dear Felipe Canete. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family. We have lost a great person in this world.

-Carrie Watt / Seattle Living Room Shows

I’m utterly shocked to hear that Felipe Canete just passed away suddenly. My heart goes out to Luc and the Lovingtons, Soleil Kelley, his friends and family. I remember playing a number of shows with him back in the day with Handful of Luvin’- and he was always so caring, carefree, and kind. Very tragic…. Seattle lost a good man today.

-Andrew D.B. Joslyn / Passenger String Quartet

I’m am just truly heartbroken to hear about Felipe Canete‘s passing. Felipe was one of the most gentle and kind souls I’ve ever met, not to mention a very proud and loving father.

-Kevin Sur / Artist Home

Canete is survived by his wife Katy and son Malai.

Fans and friends can share thoughts and comments on Felipe Canete’s Facebook page.