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GARY IIDA Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for GARY IIDA
Sponsored by Lowell Smith LPHS Band Student.
Rosemary Ruiz Fernandez
November 7, 2020
Gary Iida was my band director at La Puente High School from 1970-1974. One of the last times I saw Mr. Iida was on Fathers Day 2013 when I gave him a ticket to hear me play clarinet with the LA Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. We performed Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. I could see him from the stage, and the pride in his face from having one of his students fulfill a dream, was evident. It’s been 7 years since that magical time. I still remember it as if was yesterday, and I remember Gary Iida too. I love you Mr. Iida and miss you more than words can say.
John Dzerigian
March 6, 2014
Gary was my guitar teacher in 1964 for a year ---- He set my right . I am an accomplished musician and Always have and Always will give credit to Gary for starting me out right and with no bad habits . His influence as a person , as time goes by , has been remarkable . A great man and example of a teacher . Thank You so much Gary , words aren't enough -- your legacy continues in all of us you taught and met .
John Dzerigian
March 6, 2014
Gary was my guitar teacher in 1964 for a year ---- He set my right . I am an accomplished musician and Always have and Always will give credit to Gary for starting me out right and with no bad habits . His influence as a person , as time goes by , has been remarkable . A great man and example of a teacher . Thank You so much Gary , words aren't enough -- your legacy continues in all of us you taught and met .
Brandi Frame
December 9, 2013
Mr. Iida was one of the best things that ever happened to me during my high school years. A great teacher and friend to many. As many others have said you cant help but smile thinking back on what he did for us. You will be greatly missed but never forgotten!
Gary and me at Brackett Field on the day I got my pilot's license.
Denise McElrea
November 23, 2013
Gary was a great friend and colleague for many years. He was always so kind and supportive. He was instrumental in helping me get my pilot's license. I gave him the first ride after I got my ticket. I have a great picture of the two of us on that big day! I keep it in a special place. I loved Gary and will truly miss him.
Brian Shyer
November 18, 2013
Gary is an exceptionally noteworthy & gifted man. An outstanding man--- full of life, great humor, kindness and friendship---with an extraordinary passion for music & teaching that he graciously shared with others. This is how I remember Gary. Thank you Gary for being such a positive influence, and for making such a wonderfully memorable difference, in so many people's lives. Your love lives on.
Jill Raiguel
November 18, 2013
Gary Iida made such a difference with his life. He touched so many students. What an inspiration, Jill Raiguel, fellow CHS teacher
Steven Jahnsen
November 18, 2013
Mr Gary Iida was without a doubt my favorite teacher when I attended Claremont High School. I remember as a freshman trying out for the varsity band that I was one point below what was required to make the band and Mr Iida allowed me to perform some musical scales on my trumpet. Mr Iida then bumped up my score which enabled me to become a member of the band. His kindness was greatly appreciated by myself and I can honestly say that my time in the band was my favorite period of time at high school. Mr Iida made it fun to be a member of the band and I enjoyed playing chess against him on many occassions, occasionally when i should have been attending another class such as math. Mr Iida was not only my favorite teacher but I would like to have considered him as a friend as well. He will truly be missed by myself as well as many others whose life he inspired. Thank you Mr IIda for everything you have done for me. Steve Jahnsen Class of 1979.
Rosemary Ruiz Fernandez
November 17, 2013
What a beautiful celebration of the life of Dr. Gary Iida. The love that you spread wherever you went was evident by all the people who came to pay their respects for a life well lived. We love you and whenever we think of you, it will be accompanied by a smile.
Jo-An Burdick Gottlieb
November 16, 2013
Gary, you were a mentor to many, friend to all and someone the students and others respected and looked up to. Your energy will be missed but we will never forget you. SCSBOA Adjudicator Jo An Burdick Gottlieb
Don Klein
November 15, 2013
Very sorry to hear of Gary's passing...He was the epitome of 'A GENTLEMAN AND A SCHOLAR'......He will be missed....My condolences to the family.....Central High---Class of 60---Classmate.........Don Klein
David & Debbie Birks
November 14, 2013
To my favorite teacher ever and a good friend from Claremont High School 1974-76
Ron Fortier
November 14, 2013
I was very sad to hear the news of the passing of Mr. Iida, a fantastic teacher and role model.
Mr. Iida technically taught music, but the reality is that he taught so much more. He and Mrs. Allen fostered a family culture between the band, drill team, tall flags and majorettes. It was amazing how many stuck with the program for four years, and were followed by younger siblings. That dedication speaks volumes to the quality of the program Mr. Iida ran.
Now as an adult with children, I am even more impressed by how selflessly Mr. Iida gave of his time. How many non-paid nights and weekends did he give up in the four years I was lucky enough to be a student of his? In the era of smoke filled teacher's lounges, Mr. Iida often chose instead to spend his free time interacting with students playing chess.
He had immeasurable patience for screw-ups like me. I can't tell you how many times I heard his little scissors cutting my hair because I wasn't able to follow a simple rule of not allowing it to touch my collar. His patience and persistence were powerful tools in helping to mold young teenagers into responsible adults.
Mr. Iida's impact goes far beyond teaching notes on a scale. How many of us still play the instrument we did in high school? My guess is not many, but I would guess that 100% of us could instantly flash back to those happy days the moment we saw Mr. Iida's smiling face in the photo.
Mr. Iida was a great teacher, but he was a far better person and I am thankful that he was my teacher for four great years. Rest in peace Mr. Iida.
Blake Pusztai
November 14, 2013
Dr. Gary Iida?, you will be missed dearly. You transformed my life and many, many others. I will always remember your smile, warmth, encouragement, and infectious joy for music. You always drove us to be excellent at our craft, and made sure we never lost sight of the joy that made us pick up our instruments in the first place. To this day, I can't help but hear the crack of a snare drum, boom of a timpani, or the blare of low-brass without getting chills. May you rest in peace and your legacy be cemented in Claremont history.
Michael Diltz
November 14, 2013
Thank you Dr. Iida for your encouragement and otherworldly level of patience with young people. You made a big difference in my life. Michael Diltz class of 1991
Tamara Slaughter
November 13, 2013
Mr. Iida was loved by Many and will be missed by all that were touched by his kind Heart and gentle but firm guidance... I will be forever greatful for his lessons and have great memories of being a part of the award winning marching band that he created 1978 - 1981? My sympathies to his family.
Roger & Janet Samuel
November 13, 2013
Gary Iida – a friend of 45 years and teacher of our 3 children; Greg, Gail, and Brent. Thank You! We have fond memories of working with Gary as band and orchestra parents at CHS. It was also an honor and pleasure to have him as our Assistant Conductor of the Claremont Young Musicians during it's formative first 6 years. We still quote him today during rehearsal, “If there is an Italian word in your music, just look up”.
Gary was a loving and kind person who was dedicated to teaching and music and was always willing to help. We will think of him often.
Cheryl Sage
November 13, 2013
The most influential and patient man, a mentor and respected teacher...I am forever touched by his wisdom. My life was made better, as were many, many others, for having the honor of knowing him. Always in my heart! With love, Cheryl Sage CHS class of '85.
November 13, 2013
Thanks for being such a positive influence for my son, in all aspects of life and especially music. Great teachers live on in their students. Calgary, Canada
Thank you Mr. Iida for being such an important part of so many people's lives. You will forever be a part of the La Puente High School Band Family.
Lorraine Ruiz
November 13, 2013
Shelley Butcher (Beckley) CHS '80
November 13, 2013
The mark of a life well lived is the impact that person has on the lives of others. Mr. Iida impacted the lives of so many in a positive way, my own included. So glad to have had the privilege of knowing him.
Kerry Hodgkinson (Quinn)
November 13, 2013
I am a 1985 graduate of Claremont High School and alumni of the CHS band. So many find memories of Dr. Ida. My life lesson from him is the first time you make a mistake it's a mistake. The second time it's not a mistake but a habit.
My favorite memory is his kids running around band practice and bringing him Thanksgiving dinner left overs!
My thoughts and prayers to his family!
Alvin Harrell
November 13, 2013
It has been over thirty years ago, but I can still vividly Dr. Iida running through our half-time show formations during our Wednesday nights band practices. He was usually armed with his hand-held microphone and the accompanying black cube speaker. I also remember the quiet rule he imposed as we entered into or departed from a performance parking lot. Those foolish enough to talk during quiet time found themselves the target of the Dr. Iida glare and a rapid, concise reprimand. Good times! He will be missed. Rest in peace, Dr. Iida.
Richard Stout
November 13, 2013
Gary was a very warm, witty teacher, who gave immensely to his students. He was a terrific colleague. I am lucky I got to work with him.
1993 Dr. Iida
Wendy Schenfeld
November 13, 2013
Dr. Iida is the teacher that inspired me the most, not just in school subjects but life! After I started high school I joined marching band, and I am so glad that I did. Dr. Iida not only taught us how to get along with each other, but how to just find enjoyment in helping others and in life! He has inspired me to become a teacher and be the best I can. He has blessed so many people. Thank you to his family for sharing such a wonderful man. He is missed.
Sandy K. Uchida
November 13, 2013
Dear Gary, my FAVORITE cousin, you my dear were everyone's FAVORITE cousin, FAVORITE nephew and FAVORITE friend. Your August-Leo & Year of the Horse makes you a natural leader, natural teacher and natural entertainer. You were born to be God's special brilliant Angels to spread your wings and accomplished more than the average person and to spread the JOY of MUSIC to all. I know you have organized an orchestra in heaven, you have left so many symbols to remind us all of you = Lion, horse & music & USC. We see you in your children and grandchildren. I'll light a candle and ring a bell to talk to you. Love your cousin Sandy K.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Geoff Iida
November 13, 2013
Thank you all for the kind words about my Dad. He was intelligent, kind, witty, and an endless practical joker. He loved his family, friends, and students dearly. Please see the few photos of him I posted in the Photo Gallery.
And, my Dad never missed an opportunity to entertain others!
Geoff Iida
November 13, 2013
He was a cute kid!
Geoff Iida
November 13, 2013
My Dad was a truly dedicated educator.
Geoff Iida
November 13, 2013
Linda Atherton
November 13, 2013
Dr. Iida was one of the most musically gifted musicians that I have had the pleasure of knowing. But even more important than this, he was a very kind and gentle soul who conducted his life with compassion, integrity, and heart. He will be missed.
Norman Stahl
November 13, 2013
Gary had a heart of gold and a warm, friendly smile for everyone he met. He was one of the more memorable people of my high school years. I always looked forward to seeing him at class reunions. His passing is a terrible loss for all of us who knew him. //Norm Stahl CUHS '60//
Alvin Harrell
November 13, 2013
Dr. Iida was an exceptional person and band director. I was actually intimidated when I first met him as a lowly freshman at band camp. I soon learned that he was actually a very kind, caring man. I vividly remember him racing across the field during Wednesday night band practices with his hand-held microphone and speaker vigorously instructing some poor soul, usually in the percussion section, to march a certain way. Good times and great memories. To his credit, we were always prepared to perform. May he rest in peace.
Rosemary Ruiz Fernandez
November 13, 2013
Gary Iida was my band director at La Puente High School. He taught me so many life lessons that have served me well over the years. It is because of him that I became a band director and music adjudicator. We've stayed in touch over the last 43 years and through that time he has gone from being my teacher, my mentor, to one of the best friends I will ever have. Memories over the years, will always bring a smile to my face. Thank you for being you.
Thank's for the memories...
Rosanna Palas
November 13, 2013
A "VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU" to our Band Teacher GARY IIDA. I was not in band but in Cheer and we enjoyed his wonder work out in the field that he taught our Band and our Drill team at 1/2 time.
Thank you for all your hard and loving efforts you did for our SCHOOL and for our memories of our school.
Family; we saw and witnessed a wonderful caring; giving instructor. I only hope you all felt the feeling we all did.
May your family heal from your lost and enjoy the wonderful memories.
Rosanna Palas
November 13, 2013
Mr Gary that's what I called in in High School!!! You are the best!!! and I know the Lord has a SPECIAL place just for you my friend!! To the family I'am so sorry for your loss!!! May the Lord Bless you all at this sad time!!
Brian Birks
November 13, 2013
Gary Iida was more than a teacher of music. He was a teacher, and an example, of character. He did more than prepare us for the next half-time show or parade, he tried to prepare us for life after high school. Discipline, teamwork, accountability were just a few of these lessons. Thank you Gary. Your music, and your lessons continue on. CHS Marching Band, Class of 79.
Donna and Walter Wallace
November 13, 2013
Thank you, Dr. Iida, for all of your years of dedication to the students of El Roble Junior High and Claremont High School. My daughter, Skye, loved being in the band and orchestra. You were a wonderful role model for our children.
Connie Etherington-Callahan
November 13, 2013
My best childhood memories are the years in the La Puente HS band due to Mr. Iida. Our Mexico trip was awesome. We continued the love of music in my own family. My son was in his HS band and I got to re-live my childhood through his experience being his band booster president. Mr. Iida we love you and will miss you. You touched so many lives. Rest in peace.
Maihien Nguyen
November 12, 2013
Thank you Mr. Iida for your love of music and teaching. I've enjoyed your class so much in learning to write and create my own music. You're music to our ears and your symphony will be remembered. May you rest in peace.
November 12, 2013
Gary Iida was my band director at La Puente High School from 1970 - 1974. It was under his direction that the Warrior Band traveled to Mexico City - a trip we will always remember. Thank you Dr. Iida for bringing out the best in your students. We will never forget you.
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