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Winston Vitous Obituary
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Winston Jerome Vitous
Winston met Helen at Eastman, and their passion continued for the next five decades as they settled in Marysville and had four children, Anderson, Rolf, Kirsten and Rachael. He was involved with the American Kennel Club, the Saint Bernard Fanciers, the Fox Terrier Fanciers and numerous other dog breeding and judging organizations. Following in his father's footsteps, he became a Freemason. He joined the Crystal Lodge in Marysville, serving as their Grand Master in 2007, joined the Scottish Rite in Shoreline, and used his background in music in serving the Shrine Band as conductor.
In his final years, Winston battled health issues and finally succumbed in February. He lived a full, rich life having been a son, husband, father, mentor, teacher, grandfather, advisor, and friend.
He is survived by his four children; and by four grandchildren. He will be missed by those who knew him.
A reception will be held at 2:30 p.m., March 12 at the Crystal Lodge in Marysville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Winston Vitous
Brett Thomas
March 20, 2011
I remember his great sense of humor, the way he talked to us like adults, and his love of music. We were all lucky to have him as a teacher.
March 19, 2011
Mr Vitous was such a great band teacher & a wonderful person, its a sad time that we have lost him. I know he is in a very peaceful & happy place now, hopefully joining many loved ones awaiting for him!!! God Bless to all that have been effected by this loss.
You can now teach in heaven...lucky to have known you!! Dawn (Andersen) Halstead.
Mary Beth Lannoye
March 19, 2011
Mr Vitous was my brothers and my band teacher at EHS in the 70's, Dave graduated in 1972,myself when when Mr Vitous retired in 1975. I just listend to a recording of the 1812 Overture that my brothers band played at Marysville Pilchuck competion. It was awesome....our band was more challenging but Mr Wilson kept us in busy. Flags, fundraisers,trips wondering who would fit into the drum major uniform being tall and talented. It was the best memories in those days being in band. We think of you often and didn't know it then, but do now, how great of a teacher you were, Mr V.
Christine Kraemer
March 19, 2011
Mr. Vitous gave so many of us such deep and rich musical experiences to carry through our lives. His vision, expertise and humor brought out the best in us. He will be missed by all who had the happy chance to be in "Band" with him.
David Haskett
March 19, 2011
I posted this once already but it did not show up so I am sorry if it now shows twice.
He was the best teacher at Everett High School. I have thought about him soooo many times over the years. We gave him a lot of reasons to just hate us, (band trips and others), but the man was, though much older then us, a person who understood that us as teenagers would make a LOT of stupid mistakes and take a life lesson away from it. He let us know that life lesson if just in a casual comment or a look. God bless and I think whoever directs the young adults band in heaven better look out for their job.
David Haskett, Class of 1976 Everett High School
David Haskett
March 18, 2011
He was the best teacher at Everett High School. I have thought about him soooo many times over the years. We gave him a lot of reasons to just hate us, (band trips and others), but the man was, though much older then us, a person who understood that us as teenagers would make a LOT of stupid mistakes and take a life lesson away from it. He let us know that life lesson if just in a casual comment or a look. God bless and I think whoever directs the young adults band in heaven better look out for their job.
David Haskett, Class of 1976 Everett High School
Gary Iverson
March 13, 2011
Your gift of music to many young people growing up in Everett during the 60s and 70s are very much appreciated! Rest in Peace Mr. Vitous.
March 13, 2011
I was a student of Mr. Vitous from 9th (Everett Middle School then) and through graduation from Everett High. As I was a child of jazz and rock, Mr. Vitous gave me an appreciation for classical music which our bands played often (Mozart, Holst, etc.) He was a teacher of music but a man of wonderful humor, cared about his students, and he always made me sense that he wanted my best for the best intentions a teacher could have. I have often told others about his musical influence on my life and now I celebrate that life and thank God for him.
Sincerely,
John R. Reed Class of '73 EHS
March 11, 2011
Jessica Pavish and I (Cathy Harvey) are sitting here drinking wine and reflecting on the impact Mr V made on our lives, and it was a significant impact. Band trips to Victoria, the ever present 1812 (pay attention Bloom it was the 1812) overture, marching band, maybe always a little crooked, the conversations in that hallway, reading the Godfather in that hallway, being there when the rest of the world had beat us up just a little bit. Who else took us in and who else could our parents have trusted us to? We will be there tomorrow to pay our respects and relive memories with one of the most important men in our lives. Jessica and Cathy (Everett and Bow, Wa respectfully)
Mishelle (Mounsey) Prochaska
March 11, 2011
I had the honor of getting to know your family on a personal level through Kirsten, Rachel, and Rolf during my teenage years. I have always thought fondly of your parents. The love, support, and inclusiveness they showed me was amazing. They also taught me about the value of an education and about the love of music. Whether they knew it or not, they helped to shape the kind of parent I would be in the future. They were both great people who changed the world for the better..one person at a time. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time.
March 11, 2011
Jessica Pavish and I (Cathy Harvey)are sitting here drinking wine reflecting on how important Sir Winston was to our musical lives, and he was VERY important. Band trips to Victoria, oh and yes that ever present 1812 (Bloom pay attention 1812) Overture, marching band (crooked of course) the great conversations in that hallway, reading the Godfather after school in that hallway, and the universe we created in that hallway when the rest of the world beat us up. Being handed over to Sir Winston was the best thing our parents ever did.
Judy (DeGroot)Morin
March 11, 2011
I also have many fond memories of Mr. Vitous. He was our band director from 5th grade at Whittier through middle school and high school. The effort he gave to the band students was just amazing. We did so many extra things that provided us with experiences that can not be forgotten. Thanks to his memory.
Kathy Wyatt
March 11, 2011
Thinking of all of you. Winston and Helen were a lot of fun and had a great sense of humor. Their lives had many reflections and influences from their enjoyment of their time living in Europe. Family was important to them too.
Jeff Kinard
March 10, 2011
I have numerous fond memories of Winston over the course of six academic years (three at North Junior, three at Everett High) that it was my good fortune to have him as band instructor. He loved his music and cared for his students. I recall under his direction a 7th grade concert as Mr. Trombone; playing in musical competitions in Abbotsford, B.C.; winning 2nd place with the Marching Band at the PNE in Vancouver, B.C. (2nd largest parade on the West Coast next to the Rose parade); and our Senior Year trip to Spokane to march in the Lilac Festival. Winston was an inspiration to many of his students and a true gentleman. A number of my class got together for a reunion party two years ago and Winston happily joined us. He will truly be missed!
Judy Howard
March 10, 2011
Memories of Mr. Vitous always bring a smile to my face. From 1969-1971 I was one of the lucky students at Everett High School who had Mr. Vitous as a teacher. For those three years he shared his love and appreciation of music with us. It's something I will always treasure.
I was also Mr. and Mrs. Vitous' #1 babysitter. Whenever they went to dog shows I knew I'd get the call to babysit Andy, Rolf, Kirsten, and Rachael.
I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Vitous' passing. He was a great teacher and a very nice man who enriched my life. My thoughts are with his family.
Debbi Doughty Mock
March 10, 2011
Mr. Vitous made an enormous impact on the lives of so many music students at Everett High. He had high expectations but also made music a fun experience. Unforgettable - thank you!
Ray Hendrickson
March 9, 2011
I have not thought about Mr Vitous in years but I have a love of music that comes from years of his teachings.
Steve Bloom
March 9, 2011
Mr. Vitous was a a very important part of my high school life. An icon. He was a special guide on my life's path.
I'm sitting here with an ear to ear grin on my face, as I relive my fond memories of Mr. Vitous; the band room; the parades; 2112 Overture; Marching band at the football games; band parties... sigh.
Thanks, Mr. Vitous
Steve Bloom
Scott Primozich
March 9, 2011
As a student who grew up in north Everett. I started playing clarinet at
Whittier Elementery than on to North Junior. I went to Everett High from 1968-70. I had Mr. Vitous as my 1st period music teacher all thru high school. It was always my best class and truly enjoyed and respected Winston for his professionalism and humor. I remember one morning when he wasn't in the classroom for a couple of hours and some of my fellow music students actually picked his car up and carried it into the auditorium (it was a very small car) and set it on the stage. I really think he got more of a kick out of the prank than we did. He was a great teacher! And I will miss knowing he is not with us anymore.
Scott Primozich from Arlington
March 9, 2011
Kayleena-Lyn Landre (Froso's Marysville)
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