Life Member. French Horn
(8/8/1921 – 12/7/2014)
by the Acton family
Raymond Denny Acton, an accomplished French horn player and manufacturing engineer has passed away at 93. Ray was born in Roundup, Montana and was the youngest of four children. Ray was very passionate about music and developed a love for the French horn at a very young age playing in his elementary school band in Phoenix. After moving to Hollywood, he continued playing the French horn at Fairfax High School. Continue reading
Life Member. Vibraphone
5/16/1916 – 7/13/2014
By Jim Bigsby, nephew
Bob was born in Everett, WA, and grew up in Tacoma, WA, where he often had the lead role in Stadium High School’s musicals. In the summer of 1936 he drove his little Austin 1,500 miles south carrying his vibes on its back in wooden cases built by his father. Continue reading
In Memoriam
Catherine Graff MacLaughlin
Life Member. Cello
7/23/1937 – 5/3/2014
Survived by spouse
Elliot W. Franks
Life Member. Drum Set
11/14/1938 – 6/22/2014
Survived by brother & sister
Harry A. Hyams
Life Member. Viola
5/24/1917 – 1/24/2015
Survived by spouse & child Continue reading
In Memoriam
Norman Mamey (Henry)
Life Member. Conductor
11/7/1948 – 11/22/2014
Survived by spouse
Harold C. Poffenroth
Life Member. String Bass
12/25/1919 – 2/26/2015
Survived by spouse
Richard (Rick) Rosas
Bass
9/10/1949 – 11/6/2014
Survived by friend/partner Continue reading
In December 2014, Local 47 lost one of the most loyal, hard-working, and sweet employees we’ve ever known.
Longtime computer systems administrator Candi Busapavanij passed away peacefully at her home during the night of Dec. 16, 2014. Her sudden loss was a sudden shock to us all, as she had been responding well to cancer treatment and planning to return to the Local in the spring. Just a few days before, friends described her as feeling happy, active and energetic. Continue reading
Life Member. Drums
5/16/1912 – 2/20/2015
by the Williams family
Gabriel Williams was the youngest of four children born to Benjamin and Mamie Williams (siblings: Edina, Faye, and Benjamin Jr.). This date, May 16, 1912 was earmarked as a “great event” in the Williams’ household. He was a warm and considerate child, and grew into a kind, hardworking adult. Continue reading
Life Member. String Bass
12/25/1919 – 2/26/2015
By the Poffenroth family
Hal was born on Christmas day in 1919 in Endicott Washington to John and Mae Poffenroth. Mae, was also born on Christmas day. Hal always said, “If it’s good enough for Jesus it’s good enough for me.” Continue reading
Life Member.Clarinet
(7/20/1918-10/22/2014)
By Duane Metcalfe, son
Edwin (Eddie) Metcalfe, my dad, singer, clarinetist, saxophonist, arranger of music, ardent supporter and Lifetime Member of the musicians union Local 47, died in Oro Valley, Arizona of natural causes Oct. 22, 2014. Continue reading
Life Member. Piano
(1939-2014)
By Jason Bourne, son
Magic piano man David E. Bourne passed away on Jan. 30, 2015, at his home surrounded by his loving family. Continue reading
Life Member. Violin
(1932 – 2015)
By Mark LeVang, son
My father, Neil LeVang, the noted studio guitarist whose list of credits includes hundreds of television and film dates as well as a 23-year career with the Lawrence Welk Orchestra, died at home, peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 26. He was 83. Continue reading