Tag Archives: final note

Final Note: John Setar

Publicity photograph for John Setar (c. 1980).

Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
11/16/1924 – 3/15/2017

by Jay and Katherine Setar

Most musicians knew John Setar to be fine studio, stage, and casual musician (flute, clarinet, and sax), contractor, leader, and union member/committee member. Dad might have cited his television work with Mike Post and Pete Carpenter, the Steve Allen Westinghouse Show, and his work on the “Gravy Waltz” recording (which won the 1964 Grammy Award for Best Original Jazz Composition) as the highlights of his extensive career. However, we prefer to focus on our father as the kind, generous, self-made man who enriched the lives of those around him. Continue reading →

Final Note: Lyle Ritz

Life Member. Ukulele
1/10/1930 – 3/3/2017

Lyle Ritz, 87, Los Angeles studio bassist and ukulele legend, a resident of Portland, died peacefully, March 3, 2017. He was best known as an acoustic bass player for the legendary Los Angeles studio group, the Wrecking Crew. He was also known for his groundbreaking recordings and passion for a much smaller instrument, the ukulele.

Lyle is survived by his wife of 40 years, Geri Ritz; his daughter, Emily Ritz Miyasato; and adoptive son, Thomas Ritz. Thomas Ritz has two daughters, Lauren and Jenna Ritz. Lyle was predeceased by his beloved son-in-law, Jared Miyasato.

Final Note: Elvin Lloyd Myers

Former Member. Drum Set
10/19/1948 – 3/1/2017

Elvin Lloyd Myers Jr., 68 of La Verne, California, died March 1, 2017. He was born in Texas, the only child of Elvin and Mildred Rogers Myers. He attended Brown Military Academy in San Diego and graduated from Montclair High School. He studied home building and remodeling at Cal Poly Pomona university, and other subjects at Mt. San Antonio College, Yale University, and Citrus College. Elvin Lloyd was a gifted musician, licensed general contractor, beloved dance instructor, great friend to many, beloved family member, and a loving son. Continue reading →

Final Note: David E. Stanton

Clarinet
10/13/1953 – 8/19/2016

Note: David Stanton’s passing was reported to Local 47 in March 2017. The following obituary is submitted by his family.

David Stanton, 63, of Hawthorne, passed on Aug. 19, 2016, in his home surrounded by family and friends. His death was caused by a rare form of melanoma. Continue reading →

Final Note: Andreas ‘Andy’ Kostelas

11/10/1924 – 1/20/2017
Life Member. Saxophone/Flute/Clarinet

Andreas “Andy” Kostelas was born on November 10, 1924 to immigrant Greek parents, George and Mary. Andy grew up with two siblings in Sedalia, Missouri where he began his study of the clarinet as a student He began his professional career at age 16 where he performed at several local watering holes and dance establishments. Continue reading →

Memorial for Andrés (Andy) Victorín

Copyist
10/20/1954 – 10/25/2016

Andrés (aka Andy) Victorín passed away unexpectedly last Tuesday, October 25, 2016.

Services will be held at:

Holy Cross Cemetery & Mortuary Culver City
5835 West Slauson Avenue
Culver City, CA 90230

Monday, November 14

4-6pm Gathering of Family and Friends

6:30pm Rosary

Tuesday, November 15

9:30am Mass & Funeral Ceremony

Reception Follows

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a personal contribution in his name to Fiesta Educativa, Inc. (323) 221-6696, PO Box 31285 Los Angeles, CA 90031 info@fiestaeducativa.org and Special Needs Network, Inc., 4401 Crenshaw Blvd. Suite 215, Los Angeles, CA 90043, (323) 291-7100. Andres and his wife Virginia would never have been able to help their child if not for these two wonderful nonprofit organizations.

Final Note: John Caper

Life Member. Trumpet
(2/6/1933 – 9/8/2016)

John Caper Jr., longtime Local 47 member, retired, passed away Sept. 8, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Pamela, his son John Caper III, daughter-in-law Iris Caper, daughter Cathi Wolf, son-in-law Rick Wolf, and grandchildren Courtney Omahen, Scott Wolf, Terry Wolf, Christine Caper, Catherine Caper, and stepdaughter Angelique Lionheart and grandson Joaquin Taylor.

Final Note: Franchot Martin Blake

Life Member. Drum Set
1/23/1935 – 7/3/2016

by Ron Blake, son

Originally from Chicago, he moved out to L.A. to pursue his dream of being a
musician in the ’60s.

A drummer, and a lifelong member of the Local 47, he has played and recorded with numerous artists including Dave Brubeck.

His passion for music permeated everyone he knew including his children.
He is survived by his seven children and two sisters.

Gene Wilder: A Remembrance

Gene Wilder publicity photo, 1970 (public domain)

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a friend. Gene Wilder was a friend to many the world over, who were familiar with his zany genius starring in such classic films as The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, and so many more.

He too was a friend to the Los Angeles music scoring community, whose members created the music to a majority of his most beloved films. Continue reading →

Final Note: Lloyd B. Luhman

Note Tree Life Member. Trumpet
(2/15/1921 – 5/16/2016)

Lead jazz trumpeter Lloyd B. Luhman passed away May 16, 2016. He was 95 years old.

Music was his life. His piano playing will be sadly missed by his soul mate, Louise Allen.