Local luthier and musician Chris Pearne, long recognized as a pillar of the Seacoast music community, passed away on June 24 at age 66.

Pearne will be remembered for his work as a top-notch guitar craftsman and a skilled singer-songwriter and guitarist who performed and recorded with many local acts, including groups like Late Great Scott and The Working Band.

Pearne was born in Oakland, Calif., and grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland. He moved to the Boston area in 1966 and quickly immersed himself in the city’s rich folk scene. He migrated to New Hampshire in the ’70s and settled in the Peterborough area, where he became a staple of the Folkway club, serving as a performer, soundman and emcee. He also established his own guitar building and repair shop.

Pearne moved to the Seacoast in 1988 and began repairing instruments at Gary’s Guitars in Portsmouth. He later opened his own shop at the Button Factory. 

“One of the reasons I opened Gary’s Guitars in 1989 is so Chris and I could work together,” said Gary Traversy, owner of Gary’s Guitars. “He was the man who kept all local guitars up and running with his wealth of skills and meticulous approach.”

Pearne worked with many area musicians, including Bob Halperin, Jerry Tillett, Marc McElroy, Jim Tierney and Jamie Brockett. 

“He was a fine songwriter and guitarist as well as a scrupulous and artistic instrument builder and repairman,” said Halperin. “His songs inspired me to play better and more evocative accompaniments than I had ever played before.”

Pearne was a regular at Port City Coffee Roasters and was known around town as an exceptionally kind and gentle person.

“In the 23 years that I’ve known him, I never saw him raise his voice or talk of anyone with disrespect,” Halperin said. 

He was also a mentor to other musicians and instrument makers and a devoted friend who was eager to share his knowledge.

“He was a warm, loving man who was happy to share his time, skills and ideas with just about anybody who asked,” Traversy said. “We all miss him.” 

There will be a celebration of Pearne’s life on Saturday, July 23 at noon at The Press Room in Portsmouth, where he often performed.