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WILLIAM OSTRANDER Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM OSTRANDER
Frank Bond
October 3, 2011
Mr. O… You were there for me during the toughest times of my life, your influence was unprecedented, and you helped me get my music scholarship that helped me get where I am today. You will be greatly missed... -BHS '84
Barbara Connelly
October 2, 2011
May you be as fulfilled in the great beyond as you were in life. Thank you for giving so much to so many. Condolences to your family Mr. O.
June McCracken
October 2, 2011
He was the best teacher I ever had. in Browning. He really cared and he really made you feel you could do things - whether in music or in life. His teachings went far beyond music, he was wonderful.
Ronnie Racine
October 1, 2011
Today's a very sad day for me, his family and for the hundreds of students Mr. O taught from Browning, Montana to Vermont. My prayers and condolences go out to his family. He was a great man and left an impression on everyone he came into contact with.
When he came to the Blackfeet Indian reservation, it was his very first year taking the challenge. I was a 7th grader wanting to know how to be a drummer. You see, drummers were supposed to be cool and I wasn't cool, nor could I drum. Even though I stunk, I stuck it out and learned how to dodge flying drum sticks. Our fist year of music sounded like a hundred people running their finger nails down a chalk board and my drumming was like a hundred buffalo running down the prairie. By the time we left middle school, we were playing music and it wasn't too bad. People were actually listening to us and we developed a sense of pride and determination.
By the time we entered high school we were well on our way to having one of the best music programs in the State of Montana. Everyone had their chance to shine and everyone had such and attachment and deep respect for this man, they gave up their nights and evenings to practice until they got it right. We all got the opportunity to meet his family and became one big family. Eventually, were were on the road traveling to basket ball games, music festivals and holding concerts. People were buzzing about the Indian band in Browning and the teacher who used to play for Kiss and what he had done for the music program. We actually had a fan base and it was growing State wide.
By the time his original band members were seniors (us) we were taking music festivals by storm and completely ROCKING the house at basketball games. The community of Browning got involved and supported us through it all. His legacy went on after we left. His band continued to create music and entertain people State wide.
By the time Mr. O left Browning to continue his venture, he left his respect and legacy with the Blackfeet Nation. He went on to create award winning bands and music back east. His students missed him and the music program in Browning, Montana was never the same.
My friend, my teacher and my hero. Rest in peace and have a great journey. My thoughts and prayers go out to Carol, the kids and their families. He was a Great one and will be missed deeply. Thank you Mr. O, for finally teaching me how to drum, be semi-cool and for the memories that last a lifetime.
Jeri Gobert
October 1, 2011
The "OZ" was an inspiration to all his students at BHS, taking the class to state tournaments and winning every time. He was a very patient and caring teacher. He will be sadly missed.
Jay LaPlante
September 30, 2011
I am deeply saddened by the passing of one of my greatest teachers, Brooke Ostrander. He came to the Blackfeet Reservation and Browning Public Schools in 1974 or 75 when I was a 7th grader. At that time, you could hardly say we had a school band program. Within a year and in the years after, we were traveling to music festivals all over and winning solo and ensemble compettion, classical and jazz. We cut albums for fundraising. One we called "Plum Catty" which means "Very Cool." We had an awesome pep band that followed our team to state basketball championships. Mr. O cared about us, that was certain. We all looked up to him. He has been missed since he left for Vermont, and I see that he made quite an impact there. I count myself among the lucky to have learned from and to have known him!
Laura Wroblewski
September 30, 2011
He was an awesome man! He was the best band teacher ever he definately rocked our town back in the 80's. He will dearly be missed by all who knew him. RIP MR O..
Shirley D. Weatherwax
September 30, 2011
To the family of Mr "OZ",
Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with the student of Browning High school home of the Browning Indians in Montana, and to our Blackfeet Rez. I enjoyed going to basketball games just to hear my brother play his guitar in the band,he would ROCK the gym. My prayers are with his wife and kids, again Thank you..
Bruce Dragonfly
September 30, 2011
I have some pictures from yearbooks in facebook of his outstanding time in Browning he did for us
Bruce Dragonfly
September 30, 2011
Brooke was my band teacher when I was a 7th grader in 74... He made this town with his music talents winning at music shows... he made us good... We called him the great Oz... I talked to him last year on the phone...he said if I was still practicing on the trumpet...we will all miss him
Karol Zubach
September 30, 2011
Mr. Ostrander was an amazing teacher, I will never forget him. I didn't have him as a teacher but went to school at Browning High School and everyone knew and loved "the OZ"! My condolences to the family, please know he touched many many lives on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Walk Proudly with the creator Mr. O!!
Dawson B
September 22, 2011
Band class was the best, always looked forward to it, couldn`t have asked for a better teacher. Talk about a good look, rolling into school in that scary lookin` old panel van. Thanks for the music Mr. O, and may you rest in peace.
Heather King
September 17, 2011
RIP Mr. Ostrander.
Alan Meeker
September 17, 2011
Dear Carole Ann, Katie, Jordan
Cathy and Bruce,
I am terribly sorry for your loss. I have many memories of growing up with Brooke, Cathy and Bruce. So many great times on Spruce Street, Birch Drive and, of course U.C.B.O.S.S.
I was able to keep up with Brooke's family and career over the years through Mommy and Daddy-O, who spoke of him with great pride. Such a wonderfully talented man.
My deepest sympathy to you all.
Mark Brundage
September 16, 2011
To my friend Cathi, My heartfelt prayers are with you and your family.
Chuck Spires
September 13, 2011
BROOKE made a difference in my life even though I never met him directly. He played a very important role and my best wishes to his family during this hard time.
September 12, 2011
Rest in peace Brooke, and thank you for the music
Mallory Breiner
September 11, 2011
Dear Ostrander Family,
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of Mr. O -- he was an extraordinary man and teacher. I will never forget how it felt to be on stage, part of the band, performing under his direction. At the end of the last piece of the concert, at the last note, he would give us a little thumbs up if we did well -- Feeling like we made him proud was such an achievement and an honor. He gave us the gift of music and a sense of being part of something greater than ourselves. He has touched countless lives with his humor, strength, intelligence, and guidance. I am very grateful to have been his student. Wishing you so much comfort and solace during this difficult time, Mallory Breiner (New York, NY -- formerly Swanton, VT)
Nicole
September 10, 2011
I am so sad, the world lost a teacher who made a huge difference in many lives...thank you for making a difference in mine, your passion gave me a reason to keep coming back. Thank you!
Terri Bey
September 10, 2011
To the family of Mr. Ostrander,
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your blessed father and husband. I only know of him as his band, "Wicked Lester," would eventually give rise to a great band named KISS of whom I have been a fan of for 34 years. Therefore, I wish to say I am proud to know that he was a contributor to such a great band.
May he be with God the Father, and may God comfort you at this sad time.
I will be praying for you as well.
Melody Walker
September 9, 2011
He taught me that you have to work hard for every seat in life! Rest in peace - you will never be forgotten. - Class of 2001
Tom Harlan
September 9, 2011
Brooke was a wonderful man; so talented, intelligent and cool. It was a pleasure knowing him, talking with him and recording music with him ... I am so happy that I met him and am so sad that he is gone. I'll miss him very much. My sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Steffen Parker
September 8, 2011
He was one of a kind and I am a better person for having shared a part of life's highway with him. Our thoughts and prayers to his family and the MVU community.
Glenn Giles
September 8, 2011
I met Brooke decades ago when we judged All State Auditions together. We visited at many All States and musical functions after that and he was so enjoyable to visit with. The last few years I have had the honor to work with some of his music students and I know how significant he was to them as teacher and friend. To his family I thank you for sharing him with all of us in the Vermont music community. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Teri Peppe
September 8, 2011
Carol Ann, Katy, Jordan, Bob and Angela,
I know that this is a huge loss for your family and I extend my deepest sympathies. I am sending prayers and thinking of all of you..............
David Chambers
September 8, 2011
Carol and family...You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I will try to attend if I am able. Keeping you all close to my heart.
Heather McKeown
September 8, 2011
Dear Carol Ann and family, The words just won't come this morning. If I could play an instrument in Brooke's honor, I would. The pieces I'd choose would be multiple and varied but each would contain a gentle beginning, a central crescendo and a finale that would at once be uplifting and strong without losing the gentleness of tone. The music would linger after the final note and make each in his chosen audience smile. I love you all and you just come over any time. Love, Heather oxoxoxox
Nicole L'Heureux
September 8, 2011
To The Ostrander Family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I was blessed to have had the oppurtunity to meet your dear, loved one a month or so ago. Our conversations were full of love for his family, friends, and students. He spoke proudly of his wife and children. His passion for music was so evident. It saddened me and my colleagues that we couldn't do more for him. May the love of family and friends see you through this very difficult time. Rock on, Brooke! ~Nicole, RN
Danielle "Conder" King
September 7, 2011
Carol, Katy and Jordan, I am so sorry for your loss. Brooke was the best teacher and mentor to me during my years at MVU. I have so many fond memories of being in his class and spending time with all of you. I am deeply saddened and my heart and thoughts are with you all during your time of sorrow.
Tom McGonegal
September 6, 2011
Brooke and I worked together as paperboys some 55 years ago, give or take a few, in Roselle Park, NJ. I hadn't seen him since then until I attended a MVUHS musical and saw his name in the program. We met after the show and chatted about our past friendship of so many years ago. The musical at MVUHS was about 6 years ago, and I hadn't seen him since then.
We were two ships that passed in the night, twice, and I have every reason to believe that he was a good and honorable man.
I extend my sincerest sympathies to his family. RIP old friend.
Amie Ready
September 6, 2011
I am blessed that I had a chance to be Mr. Ostrander's student for the full six years I attended M.V.U. God bless him and his family--we've lost a great teacher, mentor and friend. My thoughts are with the family and may his legacy live on.
September 6, 2011
I did not know him personally, yet he brought much joy into my life as The Music Man of M.V.U.. All of the musicals and concerts I attended were always excellent. He also was admired by my autistic son, Marcus Martel, who shared his love of music and was also impressed that Mr.O. knew Gene Simmons. He will be missed but fondly remembered. With Sympathy, Marlene Corse
September 6, 2011
"There's no one in town I know,
You gave us some place to go.
I never said thank you for that.
I thought I might get one more chance.
What would you think of me now?
So lucky, so strong, so proud?
I never said thank you for that,
now I'll never have a chance.
May angels lead you in."
And for the love of all things holy, may those angels be singing and playing in tune! Rest in peace, Mr. O.
My only hope is that you knew how many lives you touched with your never ending wisdom, vast knowledge and passion of music.
Barb Beaudoin
September 6, 2011
Carol Ann, Katy and Jordan, My heart goes out to you at this time of sorrow. Find comfort in knowing that Brooke touched so many lives and will never be forgotten. His music and his love of teaching has inspired many others to follow in his footsteps. He really was a great man.
Elizabeth Hunter
September 6, 2011
Although I was not in band, I admired you as a teacher, person, father, husband and friend. I will never forget you! You will always be in my heart.
Anni Pigeon
September 6, 2011
He was a Great teacher and will be missed by many!
September 6, 2011
Mr. O you were an amazing teacher. I always looked forward walking into your class everyday. You were like no other teacher, Rest In Peace.
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