Lost Members

This section is dedicated to the memory of those members of the Town North Concert Band that have reached the finale of their music enjoyment here on Earth and have moved on to a wonderful place where beautiful music is always in their ears.

	Shirley Alexander Clarinet May 12, 1934 – November 19, 2017 Music History: I was born and raised in Greeley, Colorado where the University of Northern Colorado is located. I started playing clarinet at age10 in school, and was very fortunate that my parents sent me to the university for instruction. I played in the college band from about age 15, and received so much experience being around the professors and students at college. I received my degree in music and education from UNC. I played for a while in Denver in a symphony until I moved to California. Due to my young family I was unable to play for about 10 years. When I moved to Dallas, I immediately started with Town North, the Garland Symphony, Bravura Band and Metropolitan Winds. I now play in 5 bands total, and plan on playing until I fall out of the chair.
	Sherwin Brotman Founding Member December 29, 1930 – April 9, 1999 OBITUARY: Sherwin Brotman, a devoted husband, father and grandfather, born Dec. 29, 1930, in Chicago to Abraham and Ruth Brotman, passed away Friday, April 9, 1999, in Dallas, Texas. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Hillcrest Memorial Park, Dallas, with Rabbi Gerald J. Klein officiating. Sparkman Hillcrest, Dallas, is in charge of arrangements. He is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Ellen Brotman; daughters, Teri Bennett, Lori Prager and Cindy Nelson; a son, Jay Brotman; stepsons, John and Bill Kallaher; grandchildren, Joshua Bennett, Aaron Brotman, David Brotman, Zachary Prager, Sarah Prager, Rachel Nelson and Christopher Kallaher.
	Joseph Michael (Joe) Brown Director (1994-2000) April 28, 1951 – 12 July, 2000 OBITUARY: Joseph (Joe) Brown, conductor of Town North Concert Band of Dallas; Texas, musician, and teacher passed away on July 12, 2000 from a heart attack at the age of forty-nine. None knew that the Fourth of July performance of the year 2000 would be the last time we would hear him say, “Have Fun,” as he gave the downbeat. This was his way of making us feel relaxed at each concert. He had high expectations, not only for himself, but also for the Town North Community Band. Every member of the band will agree that Joe’s dedication and skills as conductor and musician were great assets in helping us improve our skill as musicians, as well as improve the sound of the Town North Concert Band. His enthusiasm about music and about helping others become better musician was strongly felt by every member and by every person who knew him. Joe held a bachelor’s degree from North Texas State University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. While in Permian Basin, he helped develop a community band made up of band directors and was a frequent guest conductor of the Odessa College Community Orchestra. While in Odessa, Texas, he studied conducting, theory, and counterpoint under Ethelston Chapman. Additional theory (theory proctor) studies were done at Nadia Boulanger’s Fountainbleu School of Music. He received private instruction from David Sloan, past president of Texas Orchestra Association of Directors and from Daratl Rauscher, bass trombonist (retired) of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. He received the majority of his tutelage in music, score study and conducting coaching from Yves L’Helgoual’ch, Conductor Emeritus, of the New Philharmonic of Irving; Anshel Brusilow, conductor of the Richardson Symphony Orchestra: and Fredrick Fennel, conductor of the Tokyo Kosee Wind Orchestra. Joe did not play an instrument until he was in college, but once he started, he made a career of teaching music to others. In 1976, Mr. Brown began teaching music in Brownfield, Texas. He taught in Andrews, Texas for several years before joining the Dallas Public Schools in 1987 where he taught high school, middle school and/or elementary until his death. He showed compassion for all students regardless of their background finding instruments for those who could not afford them and most importantly, listened to the students. His heart and arms were always extended to all needing nurturing. Joe was an active performer participating in church music ensembles, brass choirs, community orchestras, dance bands and other performing groups. In contrast, piloting an airplane, fishing and bicycling were his means of deviation from his love of music. The Town North Concert Band presented a scholarship to his widow, Risa Wyatt Brown, and his daughter, Thea, who is majoring in Spanish and cello performance at Texas Christian University. The scholarship was raised from donations from the members and friends of TNCB. Joe is now playing with the “BIG BAND.” Play it out Joe—HAVE FUN!
	Art Garza Alto Saxophone July 20, 1944 – October 4, 2010 Obituary: Arturo R. Garza as born on July 20, 1944 in LaRosita, Texas to parents Antonio Garza, Sr. and Juanita Rodriguez Garza. He spent his childhood years and graduated from high school in San Diego, Texas in 1963. During the Viet Nam Era Art was a proud member of the United States Air Force stationed in Tripoli, North Africa. While serving as attendants in a friend’s wedding in Concord Hill, Missouri, Art and Mary Rose Glosemeyer met and after a three year courtship, they married on June 6, 1970. Arturo and Mary were living in the Chicago area when their two sons, Dennis and Gary were born in 1973 and 1974. In 1986, Art earned his degree in Information Technology from the University of Texas at Dallas and was employed by Xerox for 25 years before transitioning to Electronic Data Systems from 1994 until his retirement in 2002. Art’s competitive nature was quite evident when he enjoyed league bowling and playing softball. He was a determined and strong man who always had a positive attitude even during his 6 1/2 year long battle with cancer. He enjoyed gatherings with family and friends and was instrumental in coordinating a reunion of his old Air Force buddies last year. People enjoyed being around Art as well because he was an understanding person and had a gentle spirit and gave of himself whenever someone was in need. Art loved life and was passionate about living it to its fullest. He was a talented photographer and musician. Music brought Art great comfort and he enjoyed playing with the Town North Concert Band of Dallas, the German Band, and the McKinney Community Band. Art played the saxophone when he was in high school and as an adult. A friend gave him a clarinet and he taught himself how to play. Art’s heritage was very important to him and he became interested in genealogy. He was President of HOGAR de Dallas, a Hispanic genealogy group for 6 years and even registered his personal DNA. It was through this search he became aware that he was a cousin to local news woman Gloria Campos. Art passed away at his home on October 4, 2010 with his family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years Mary Rose (Tutti) Garza, sons Dennis and Gary Garza, brothers Andres R. Garza, Ruben Escalante (Armidah), sister Alicia De Los Santos, sister-in-law Carol Neider (Bob), brother-in-laws Maurice Glosemeyer (Jayne), Ronald Glosemeyer (Diane). Arturo was a godfather to Delmira De Los Santos and Tina Glosemeyer; he is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and friends. Arturo was preceded in death by his sister Amelia Cervera and brother Antonio Garza, Jr. The family extends their thanks to the many physicians and staff who provided loving care during his journey. Special thanks to Dr. Todd Odom, Dr. John O’Connor, Dr. Dave Bonnet, Dr. Kyle Doughty, Dr. Alan Slomowitz and Dr. Eugene Wyszynski.
	Roger Wayne Gilliam Director (1990-1993) November 22, 1948 – October 14, 2013 OBITUARY: The Sentinel, Sunnyvale HS Student Newspaper The Sentinel is sad to report on the passing of a valued member of the Sunnyvale community. Former District Director of Bands Roger Gilliam died in the early morning hours of Monday, October 14. Gilliam became SISD’s first band director in 2004, serving as District Director of Bands until 2011. “I think some of the things I admired most was his persistence in the band program here,” current Band Director Mark Conaway said. “He really worked hard for this program, especially in its early years.” Gilliam also worked extensively with the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra, serving as music director and conductor since 1994. “I knew Roger before I actually started here at the school,” Conaway said. “We were both in Mesquite Symphony Orchestra when he had just taken on its leadership and became conductor in ’94. I knew him as a colleague back then. We have many years going back, even before Sunnyvale.” In addition to his conducting skills, Gilliam was also a renowned trumpet player, serving as principal trumpet player in the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra from 1988-1990. He also played in the Corpus Christi Symphony, the Hartford Symphony, and the Connecticut Opera Orchestra. “Roger has been an instrumental part of the growth of performing arts – specifically the Mesquite Symphony Orchestra – for the past two decades here in Mesquite,” Mesquite Mayor John Monaco said. “During those 20 years, Roger’s influence and leadership was tremendous.” During Gilliam’s seven years here at Sunnyvale, he helped build the district’s band program from the ground up. It is safe to say that without his contributions, Sunnyvale’s band program would not be what it is today. “We are going to miss Mr. Gilliam a lot,” Conaway said. “He was a good friend, a good colleague. I know that he will be well missed by the people of both Mesquite and Sunnyvale.”
	Jerry Gray Tuba September 21, 1938 – July 27, 2018 OBITUARY: Jerry B. Gray was born September 21, 1938 in Wichita Falls, Texas to Mamie Lipshy Gray and Samuel Gray. He passed away peacefully at home on July 27, 2018 in Richardson, Texas. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn; Son – Neal Gray, wife Rhonda Zeng and granddaughter Allison Gray; Son – Steven Gray and wife Varda. He was preceded in death by his brother Leo Fields. Jerry grew up in Wichita Falls and graduated from Texas Tech University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He began his career as civilian employee of the US Army and subsequently worked as a corporate executive for Zale Corporation in Dallas, TX. In 1986, he and his wife started their own company, Gray Graphics, Inc., which they owned and managed for the next 16 years prior to their retirement. In retirement, Jerry was an active Richardson community volunteer with First Richardson Helpers, the Richardson Fire Department, and the Richardson Police Department. Jerry spent many decades as an active musician playing the Tuba with the Richardson Community Band, the Town North Band, and the New Horizons Band. He enjoyed owning and showing Basset Hounds for many decades and he was a long term member of the Dal-Tex Basset Hound Club. Jerry received great satisfaction in helping his community and individuals who needed support. He will be remembered as a person who could be counted on to be there when help was needed. Jerry and his wife enjoyed traveling the world during their retirement and meeting people of other cultures. He was an member of Temple Shalom in Dallas, Texas and was a past president of the Brotherhood.
	Ernie Hammond Trombone Carrollton, Texas
	George Keeling Saxophone Rockwall, Texas Biography: George William Keeling was born December 4, 1928 in Dallas, Texas to Arthur & Sara Lillian Keeling. George passed away June 12, 2012 at Baylor Hospital in Dallas. He attended Dallas and Highland Park schools and graduated from SMU. He enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War, attaining the rank of Lieutenant and served at sea as a navigator in the Atlantic, Arctic, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and the Middle East. On release from the Navy, he re-entered the construction business with his brother as Keeling Bros. Construction Co., building many churches and public buildings in the Dallas area. He later joined with Jack Frost to form Frost & Keeling Assoc. Inc., doing primarily Federal projects in Texas and Oklahoma. George was a lifelong Methodist and active in the Park Cities Rotary Club. Playing the saxophone was a great interest for George, along with music in general. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Bonnie, his brother James A. Keeling, and four daughters, Julia Riddle, Carol Byrd, Martha Yelle, and Amy Matthews and their husbands and nine grandchildren. George joined the Town North Band in 1968, playing continuously until recent years, when nighttime driving made the long trip from Rockwall difficult. He will be missed by all, particularly the band members.
	Roger Keough Trombone Mesquite, Texas Music History: The Town North Band has given me the opportunity to play my trombone for 22 years. Prior to joining the band I kept my skills alive as I had opportunity to play an occasional solo in my church. Since I moved from city to city in my work, I participated in various church orchestras. I learned to play the trombone when I was in seventh grade in my home town of Gasport, New York. There I played in the school orchestra and band. After graduation from high school I played in two local marching band: American Legion and Harrison Radiator, a division of General Motors. Both groups played at fireman’s field day gatherings each Saturday in local communities. At Syracuse University I played in the football band for a fall semester prior to four years in the army during WWII. For the past 14 years I have played in the Symphonic Winds group and the Jazz group at Richland College. I also studied all of the musical courses taught at Richland College. In addition I studied trombone with Phil Graham, 2nd trombonist in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. Simultaneously, I played for 10 years with the Richardson Community Band. Biography: Roger Franklin Keough went to be with the Lord, Jesus Christ his Savior on Monday October 26, 2009.  He passed away peacefully knowing that his home where he was going would be filled with joy! He was born in Gasport, NY, on February 7, 1921, to John Franklin “Frank” Keough and Nellie Mae Chaplin.  He graduated from Gasport Union High School and then entered Syracuse University. World War II took him out of school and into the Army Air Corps where he met his wife of 42 years, Albena Kulinski.  Upon leaving the military, Roger worked for the Scully Jones Corporation, later to be known as Bendix Corp., as a sales engineer in industrial tool sales.  He was a Sunday School teacher for 58 years, much of which was serving at the Casa View Baptist Church in Dallas, Tx.  He played his trombone for the city of Dallas Brass Band Orchestra and the Town North Concert Band, read books to the blind, painted with oils and even went back to school at Richland College at age 72 until he quit taking classes at the age of 86. He was a gentle but strong husband, father and friend. Roger is predeceased by his wife, Albena and his first born son, Roger Jr.   He is survived by his three children, Kathleen Schoene and her husband, Jim, Deborah Purdy and her husband, Dave, Mark Keough and his wife, Kimberly, Marcia, mother of Mark’s four children, his stepmother, Beatrice Keough, his half sister, Susan Lia and husband, Dennis, along with 13 grandchildren and his beloved girlfriend, Maxine Lentz.  Roger was buried with full military honors  at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Houston, TX.
	Zeno P. “Buddy” King Director (1966-1976) and Founding Member January 16, 1919 – October 10, 2013 OBITUARY: Zeno P. “Buddy” King, 94, passed away Thursday, Oct. 10, 2013, at his home with his family by his side. He was born in Mexia on Jan. 16, 1919, to Zeno P. King and Frances Gibbs King. He grew up in Mexia and finished high school, a member of the Class of 1936. His college training at Southern Methodist University was interrupted by four years in the U.S. Army where he served as Chief Warrant Officer and Band Master of the 83rd Infantry Division, participating in five European Theatre campaigns. After returning to SMU, he received his degree in music and served for three years as Associate Director of the SMU Mustang Band. He was married in 1939 to his high school sweetheart, Anita Massey, with whom he celebrated their 61st anniversary on Aug. 19, 2000. In 1949, he entered the life insurance business in Dallas and in 1969 retired as Vice President and Agency Director of the Universal Life and Accident Insurance Company. In late 1969 he purchased H&W Sales Company, a wholesale agriculture supply and accessory business. He retired as chairman of the board in 1992. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anita M. King; his parents; his sister, Frances Elaine King Carson; and by a granddaughter, Holly King Bennett. Survivors include his three sons, David M. King and wife Carol of Jefferson, Stephen P. King and wife Ann of Rowlett, and Lindsay G. King and wife Shannon of Corsicana. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Chris King, Justin King, Carren King Price, Kyle King, Kelly King Brown, and Kurt King; and 15 great grandchildren. Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia. Church services will be 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, at the First Methodist Church of Teague in Teague, Texas. Graveside services will follow at the Mexia Cemetery in Mexia, with Pastor Alan Neil Van Hooser officiating.
	Ron Kukal Trumpet May 25, 1941 – July 21, 2017 Music History: I played in band/stage band from 4th grade through senior high school in Jennings, MO, a suburb of St. Louis. I was in all-county band in 1958 and 1959 and did trio, solo and brass ensemble work in state competition in St. Louis and Kansas City. I played one year in college band (Culver Stockton College) and two years in ROTC band at Southwest Missouri State in Springfield, MO. I played in big band groups and small combos in high school and college. I was inactive in instrumental music for 42 yrs until 2007 when I started playing here in the Dallas area after practicing at home for 6 months. I now am active in: New Horizons Band Dallas, UpSwing Jazz band, Town North Concert Band, Custer Road United Methodist orchestra and brass ensemble in Plano. I love playing in community bands and am making so many new friends and experiencing the joy and personal growth which have always been what music means to me. Obituary: Ronald Edwin Kukal, our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend went home to be with our Lord on July 21st, 2017. He was surrounded by his family and friends. Ron was born in St. Louis, Missouri on May 25th, 1941. He worked for AT&T for thirty-two years in sales. He retired from the communications industry at forty-three years old and he began a new career in selling adjustable beds. He had inherited the business from his father-in-law, Rodney Fletcher. He sold and repaired adjustable beds for twenty plus years. During this time, he often had the opportunity to share his love for the Lord with many of his customers. In his late sixties, he returned to a love of music that he had early in life with playing the trumpet. He was in five bands and very active with the many concerts at various local venues until losing his sight three years ago due to illness. He loved interacting with people and never knew a stranger. We shall miss him greatly but know in our hearts that he is now playing glorious music on his horn for his creator and the angels. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Marie Kukal. He is survived by his loving wife, Beverly Kukal of Dallas, daughter Beth Kukal of Dallas, daughter Margaret Sylvester and husband Tony Sylvester of Plano, step-daughter Shannon Griffin and husband Greg Ball of Savannah, grandson Calvin Sylvester and wife Scarlett Sylvester of Dallas, grandson Sam Sylvester of Plano, granddaughter Yasmine Griffin of Savannah, brother Gerry Kukal of Las Vegas, Nevada and former wife and friend Mary Kukal of Plano. The memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 27th at 11:00am at Arapaho United Methodist Church located at 1400 W. Arapaho Road, Richardson, Texas. Flowers may be sent to the church or a donation may be made in Ron’s name.
	Art Leonard Tuba Passed September 13, 2019 OBITUARY: Arthur Prudden Leonard, age 96 of Dallas TX, died peacefully on 9/13/2019 after a long, rich, full life. “Art” served in the Navy during WWII. He graduated with degrees from Duke & Georgetown & worked in international marketing for the U.S. Commerce & State Depts. most of his career, traveling extensively, living in the U.S. & abroad. He was an accomplished tuba player, including solos on LPs released by Atlanta dance band “Sorta Forty” in the 1960’s. After retirement, he taught international marketing at SMU & UTD. He played tuba with several bands in Dallas well into his 90’s & was active in his church & community. Preceded in death by Claire, his beloved wife of 52 years, he is survived by children, Frank (Debra), Ned, & Sally Reid (Frank) & brother, Walter Leonard (Mariette), several grand-children & other family. Memorial Service: Mon., Oct. 7th at 1:30 PM in Memorial Chapel at Church of Incarnation 3966 McKinney Ave Dallas 75204.
	Caren Vinatieri Flute and Piccolo March 9, 1948 – June 17, 2009 Biography: For many years, Caren Vinatieri was a valued member of the Town North Concert Band, Dallas, Texas. She was an excellent flute and piccolo player. Her personality brought joy to all with whom she spoke. Not only did many members of the band have the privilege of knowing Caren, many of those years the band enjoyed the company of Caren’s mother who often attended both its rehearsals and concerts. Caren, age 61 of Carrollton, TX, died on Wednesday, June 17, 2009. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 20 at Highland Park Presbyterian Church, Dallas TX. She was an active member of this church for over 20 years. Caren was born on March 9, 1948 in Tulsa, OK to Edward Vinatieri and Opal (Pitt) Vinatieri. She grew up in Yankton, SD, where she attended school at Lincoln Elementary, Yankton Junior High and graduated from Yankton Senior High School in 1966. She graduated with BS degrees in English and Social Work from the University of South Dakota, Vermillion in 1972 and 1975. She also attended Yankton College. In 1975, she relocated to Dallas, Texas. For over 25 years, Caren assisted abused and neglected children and youth through her employment with the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services. Throughout her life, Caren enjoyed music as a member of her church choir and also played flute and piccolo with the Richardson (TX) Community Band and the Town North Concert Band.  She traveled extensively including several visits to Ireland, her self-proclaimed “homeland.”