DAVID DEAN CONN

David Dean Conn, a brilliant, gentle, witty, sharing, rascal of a man passed away in style and comfort on November 24th after a long illness. The eldest son of Dean Conn and Ida Schreiber Conn, David was born in Osborne, Kansas, on March 25, 1947. Possessing a life-long love of music, David's passion was born of the classical radio broadcasts he discovered growing up in Osborne. David was known to dim the lights and lie on the floor as he shook the house with the Mahler symphonies played through the family's Zenith console stereo, an activity often shared with his cousin, Diana. This passion led David to Wichita State University where he earned a degree in music history along with deep, lasting friendships. After graduation, David put his knowledge and personality to work in a 30-plus year career in the music business, first in Wichita, and then from the mid-1970s on in Kansas City, where he was a fixture at both Pennylane Records and The Music Exchange. A customer favorite known for his acerbic dry wit, David measured his words carefully, and could comment quietly with a simple look that spoke volumes. Although he was one the nation's leading experts in recorded classical music, David's humility left no room for snobbery. He loved sharing his knowledge with customers and friends; he was more interested in helping others find their musical path, than in boasting about his own. He also shared his teaching and influence beyond the record store. For years Dave hosted Friday night listening sessions at his apartment, where friends relaxed, learned, and laughed, often until dawn. In the company of his cats and pristine aquariums, these gatherings offered a musical master class not to be missed. Along with his expertise in classical music, particularly 20th century composers, David enjoyed broad musical tastes, including Reggae, Blues, and the Grateful Dead. He was an original columnist for what is now The Pitch, writing about Reggae music, as well as Classical concerns, under the moniker of Davey Dread. For David, music and friends were one and the same; he simply could not separate the two, and it's the way he conducted his life. David had the privilege of spending his final days in the care of the amazing staff at Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care. They are true angels walking the Earth. Family and friends would like to give a shout out to Kristin, Lisa and Sue for their humanity and understanding at a difficult time. David's legacy will continue as his music collection, along with that of his brother, Dan Conn, will be housed at The Marr Sound Archives at UMKC, for future generations to research and enjoy. David was preceded in death by his mother, Ida, his brother, Danny Conn, and his beloved cats, Heinrich and Rodrick. He is survived by his father Dean and his cousin Diana Klimek, along with a host of relatives and countless friends. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 5th at 4:00pm at The Pilgrim Chapel at 3807 Gillham Road in Kansas City, followed by a continued celebration of his life at the Tap Room at Waldo Pizza at 7433 Broadway in Kansas City. Burial will be in Osborne, Kansas at a later date.