To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jeff Lantz
August 28, 2007
To the Family of Leon Merian,
I was privelaged to know and study trumpet with Leon since 1994. He was not only my teacher, but my friend. I have been out of town for 1 month, and did not know of his passing til yesterday.
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. We have lost a good friend and great musician, but Heaven has just gained a great lead trumpeter in their All Star Band.
Rest in Peace, Leon
Your Brother and Friend
Jeff Lantz
James Ingenito
August 27, 2007
You changed my concept of trumpet playing, music, and life at a time when I needed a "kick".. Your talent and wisdom will NEVER be forgotten..Rest in Peace....
Todd DeMaria
August 26, 2007
It was an honor to have been a student of Leon in 1989.The lessons I had were priceless and I continue using his techniques today.I still play on one of his prototype jettone mouthpieces.God Bless.I know you,Gabriel,and Maynard must be having a blast.Thank you.
Daniel Arakélian
August 25, 2007
MON CHER LEON
TU ME LAISSE BIEN SEUL A PRESENT
JE T'AIME TONTON LEON
TONNERRE DE BREST !
Daniel ARAKELIAN from Montélimar France
Patty Arakelian
August 24, 2007
It was a privilege and honor to have met and known Leon. I only saw him play a couple times but his talent touched my heart and soul. May you (Leon) rest in peace and play your trumpet loud and clear for all Heaven's angels and the Lord to enjoy!
Blessings and eternal rest!
Rita Donovan
August 23, 2007
Our condolences to the Merian family. Leon played for us in May 2007 and was well received and enjoyed by all of the residents here at Freedom Village.
Cynthia Barsamian
August 23, 2007
We will miss Leon--- He has been our lives since 1948--- Artie was on the road with him from 1950 to 1952. The memories are endless-- Wonderful man and a great musician---Our deepest sympathies to the Merian families--
Artie and Cynthia Barsamian
Micah Westphalen
August 23, 2007
Hey Leon. You know I will ALWAYS love you. I'm grateful for the 5 years we knew each other. I feel completely comfortable calling you my godfather. Because thats what it feels like. I miss you everyday, and hope to make you proud through my music and demeanor. You taught me so much about life, not to mention music. Every time I play, I think of you. I hope you enjoyed the Prayer of St. Gregory I played for you. I'm sure it would've sounded better had you given me another lesson on it :) LOVE YOU.
Pam McGrath
August 22, 2007
Dear Leon and Family:
I am so sorry for you loss. Your dad was such a wonderful man. He was my French teacher at Milton High School in the the late 70's and was the one who finally turned me on to liking French! You were a little boy and one day he took our class to a French restaurant in Boston and he brought you along. I don't know if you remember...but I always remembered that day. Leon wanted to teach us not only about the language, but also about their culture. He also got our class so involved in music that we would go out after high school and even throughout college to hear him play. What everyone else says about his compassion is so true. He was bigger than life...charismatic, charming, hilariously funny and incredibly talented. I will always remember him and his joie de vivre!
May all of your wonderful memories bring you peace.
Leon and Cody May,2004
Beverly Beaver
August 22, 2007
We first met Leon in 2004 at a fundraiser for the school band at Island Middle School. My son was in the eigtht grade and the trumpet player in the band. Leon "traded" trumpets with him during the concert and challenged him to a trumpet duel. We caught it on video and it was one of my son's biggest thrills to receive a nod of approval from Leon. He will be missed on this earth, but he will live on in our hearts and in the lives of the trumpeters that he influenced.
Eileen (McLellan) Velez
August 21, 2007
I'll never forget the wonderful jazz music Mr. Merian played for a concert when I was a student at Milton High so many many years ago. I only wish he could've played for our prom in 1973. Thanks for the great memmory! I never forgot that terrific music!
JOANN FABRY
August 21, 2007
Dearest Leon you surely were
"The Man With The Horn" and "The Real Thing."
What a joy and wonderful experience it was to hear you play. You played with your heart and your soul. Your beautiful music was creative and even spiritualizing. That is why your music reached me and touched both my heart and my soul. I'm positive everyone who heard you, received what you gave and how fortunate we all were. It is painful to know we no longer will hear you play that beautiful trumpet.
However, even more than your music, I will miss YOU and YOUR VERY BEING.
How happy and grateful I am to God for opening His Friendship Door and sending you through it for me. Such a rewarding friendship we shared. What fun, laughs and wonderful times we did have together.You were unique, special, interesting and oh so brilliant. I always enjoyed listening to you talk about all your various experiences in your amazing life. I can honestly say that you touched my life in a very remarkable way. I will miss you immensely Leon but oh what awesome memories I have stored in my heart.
Thank You Dear Leon, My Most Extraordinary Friend!
You and Your Passionate Trumpet have made a beautiful difference in many music lover's hearts.
My sympathy to your marvelous son, Leon James and his family. May the Merian name live on through them.
Joann Fabry (Palmetto, Florida)
Sherry Grizzel
August 21, 2007
We met this great musician a few years ago through our friends the Casertas on Anna Maria Island. Leon leaves a void indeed. We so enjoyed knowing him, and will continue to hear his wonderful music on the CD that Kathy and Vic gave us. Our sympathies to all of his family and friends near and far. Sherry & Ralph Grizzel
Larry Pyatt
August 21, 2007
Dear Leon,
What a beautiful sound...
Larry Pyatt
Kathy & Vic Caserta
August 21, 2007
Leon the jazzmaster! I use to call him the "JAZZangel" and now he has been called to play with the big band in the sky! It is an honor to have known him, hugged him, listened and emailed with him. There will never be another JAZZangel like Leon.
He will be missed!
Pennsylvania to Anna Maria Island
since 1999 when we met LEON!
Regina Alexander
August 20, 2007
When Leon Merian was Director of Languages at Milton High School, my deceased husband, Julian Alexander, was the Director of Art at the same time (30 years ago). Leon is remembered for his friendship, personality, fluency in languages and especially his music. A special memory is when Leon played Taps on his trumpet at the snowy graveside service for my husband. Rest in Peace Leon!
Don Sumwalt
August 20, 2007
On behalf of the entire staff at The Woodwind & Brasswind, I want to extend our thoughts and prayers to you. Leon was not only a fantastic player, but a gentleman interested in helping fellow trumpet players and a dear friend of our company. We shall miss him and the joy he brought so many people through his music.
Don Sumwalt
Brass Products Buyer
Woodwind & Brasswind
Carol Felts
August 20, 2007
My son Kiel Felts is the third generation trumpet player in our family and was very blessed to have had private lessons with Leon. Not only was Leon a really "cool dude" to my son, but he also gained a friend and fan with Kiel's grandfather as well.
We will miss you here, Leon, while
the sounds of Heaven just became sweeter- Carol, Ernie, Nick and Kiel Felts-Myakka City, Fl.
Deborah Davies
August 19, 2007
Leon, It was a pleasure to be with you as you decided your last path on the planet. Meeting you was a gift I shall always treasure. Your music and your stories live on forever. Your nurse and partner in your end of life travel.
Jim Tyrrell
August 19, 2007
As a retired banker I remember meeting Leon when he moved here from Boston. He would visit my office and we would discuss music and I have enjoyed his friendship since that time. He was one of a kind and I don't think I have heard a better trumpet player. He was a wonderfull person and I will miss him.
Bryce
August 19, 2007
I'm glad to know for a fact I will see you again. Thank you for giving me a piece of you in my playing. Miss You.
Chris Czedik
August 19, 2007
The Charlotte County Jazz Society wishes to express its deepest sympathy to Leon's family and friends. Leon last performed for CCJS in May of 2003 and thrilled his audience. Swing on Leon!!
Jeanne Green
August 18, 2007
What a void you have left in the music world. I spoke with another trumpet player this morning,also a friend of yours, Gordon Coupland, and he was saddened to hear of your passing. Thanks for all the times you played my favoite song, Over the Rainbow. "Judy "will be happy to see you.
Jerry Swartz
August 18, 2007
It was a pleasure to have met you and enjoy the beautiful words expressed through a magical instrument. We met after my booking of big bands had passed. Now a thank you for such wonderful memories. Jerry Swartz
ron unger
August 17, 2007
To a special friend who will be truly missed! Thanks for the memories boobala-rest in peace-love your friends ron & mary unger
Ellsworth Helm
August 17, 2007
It was an honor to know Leon, he will be missed.
JAMES GALLO
August 17, 2007
MANY FOND MEMORIES OF LEON AND HIS FABULOUS TRUMPET PLAYING. I WORKED WITH LEON MANY TIMES IN BOSTON, AND WAS ALWAYS IN AWE OF HIS TALENT AND MUSICIANSHIP.
Joe Triscari
August 17, 2007
I'm so glad I was able to call Leon my friend. I studied with Leon while I was in the Air Force Band..in New England...
I miss him dearly!!
Joe Triscari
[email protected]
Mark Van Cleave
August 17, 2007
A great loss for musicians and trumpet players world wide. I will never forget your "stories"! You will be dearly missed.
sherwood finley
August 17, 2007
A great loss to the music world and especially to trumpet players . i first heard / met leon in 1965 and continued a long and deep friendship with him . his advice , whether in books or in person was always helpful . in person , he did things on the trumpet which were jaw-dropping , and he did them on demand -- rarely a miss . i feel very lucky to have known him closely . and -- i have a copy of his autobiography , one of my most treasured possessions . leon had a far greater influence on trumpet players than most people know . hey , next time you're listening to muzak , pay attention : that's probably leon . he did it all . what else can i say ? my prayers to all his family .
Don Williams
August 17, 2007
It was a joy, privilege and honor to have been able to play with you. I will be looking for you in God's heaven along side another great player, Gabriel.
S Berry
August 17, 2007
He was such a talented man...he played Amazing Grace at our Father's graveside service, who was also a musician and always praised his music. My condolences to his family.
dolly lyon
August 17, 2007
Just had a E-mail from Sarasota Jazz Cub re Leon Merian's death - when I lived in "Sarasota" for 27 years I enjoyed his
"big" band and also his quartet many times. My sympathy!!!!
Bette Lou Cookson
August 17, 2007
I thank you for bringing so much joy with your music, not only to me, but to so many here in the Sarasota area. You will truly be missed.
Kathy Eubanks
August 17, 2007
Leon,
Your father will truly be missed. He has played numerous times for us at El Conquistador Country Club and what a pleasure he brought to his guests. It was never a problem getting a crowd when your father played. With Love and Sympathy,
Catering Director
Rita Bailey
August 17, 2007
It was an honor to be able to have a part in taking care of your Father during the remaining days of his beautiful journey through life. His music will stay with us forever and everytime we hear it, we will all think of his lifelong contribution to the art of entertaining with his trumpet playing.
Don Scott
August 16, 2007
Rest in peace, my friend. I shall miss you.
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