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1953 - 2016

BORN

1953

DIED

2016

Harry Tarpinian Obituary

Harry "Alan"
Alan Tarpinian

11/23/1953 - 5/12/2016

Harry Alan Tarpinian passed away at home on May 12, 2016. "Alan" born in Norwalk, CT, was predeceased by his mother M. Irene and father Harry Tarpinian of Norwalk, CT.

Survived by his loving children Sylvie Irene and James Eugene, their mother Violetta; sister Heather Aylene; brother James Ephrem (Elaine); and two nieces.

Alan co-founded Eugene Jazz Orchestra, was faculty at Lane Community College, Treasurer, American Federation of Musicians, taught privately, appeared regularly with Eugene Symphony, Western Oregon University, Oregon Festival of American Music, Washington Chamber Orchestra and Bravo! Vancouver.

Throughout his illustrious musical career Alan performed with many internationally renowned artists including Dave Brubeck, Herb Ellis, Charlie Rouse, Bucky Piazzarelli, Bobby McFerrin, Poncho Sanchez, Nancy King, and Dave Frishberg.

Alan's compassionate, comical nature, love of people and music is greatly missed by all. Donations to Armenian Church of the Holy Ascension (ACHA) 1460 Huntington Turnpike, Trumbull CT 06606.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Eugene Register-Guard on Jun. 19, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Harry Tarpinian

17 Entries

Heather (Alan's sister)

June 13, 2024

Thank you, Tom. Great photo!
Alan is missed every day by many.

Tom Bergeron

June 13, 2024

Hagberg-Bergeron Quartet in 2004 - outside the studio where we recorded the CD "Jobim Now."

Saffiya

November 23, 2023

Happy Birthday darling... so often in my thoughts and especially today. All my love always Saffiya

Saffiya

April 29, 2018

Thank you for being my best friend and for sharing your life with me. I became a better person for knowing you and I miss us every day. Always and 'forevah' sweetest x x x

Heather Tarpinian

June 29, 2016

Thank you all so much for your kind words and remembrances, truly a comfort...
Sincerely,
Heather (Alan's sister)

Violetta Tarpinian

June 25, 2016

Thank you so much, all of you, for your kind words and remembrances of Alan. We were and still are family in body and spirit, and always in music, forever.

Isaac George

June 23, 2016

My name is Isaac George, and I had the pleasure and privilege of playing with Alan for almost 3 years. I really appreciated it skills as a drummer and classical guitarist, but it was who he was as a person that always was in the forefront. His humor and enthusiasm was a delight to be around. My condolences to Violetta, to his children and family. I know he will be missed by you and by the music community in Eugene and beyond. Much love, Isaac

James Monroe

June 22, 2016

I had the pleasure of being in a rock-blues band with Alan in the 90's. What an outstanding percussionist he was! I echo the previous descriptions of Alan as a kind, giving, humorous, multi-talented man. Alan was also a man of admirable humility. It was years later after the band that I became aware of the richness of Alan's musicianship, his notoriety, and amazing diversity. I feel honored to have known Alan and am grateful for our times together.

Craig Einhorn

June 20, 2016

I moved to Eugene in 1996 with little money and no connections. Alan helped me get established as a musician and I'll forever be grateful. He was a superb musician and a really nice guy who laughed during every conversation. He will be missed. So sorry to his family.

Tom Bergeron

June 20, 2016

When I picture Alan, I see him laughing. He was sensitive, warm, and generous of spirit both as a musician and as a person. I am richer to have known him, and deeply saddened to see him go.

Spencer Doidge

June 20, 2016

The picture shows Alan as a drummer, but he was also a totally respectable classical guitarist. I enjoyed the too few times I had with Alan. He was a cool guy and well-liked by everyone I know.

Tom Boyd

June 19, 2016

I'm so sad to hear of Alan's passing. It has been many years since we played a set, but I still smile whenever I think of him. Playing music with Alan was a rare privilege, in part because he was such a good musician, but also because he was unassuming, encouraging, and hilariously funny. Alan was a teller of stories, whether of his experiences in various bands or of his kids and family, who meant so much to him. Joanie's and my condolences, Violetta, Sylvie, and Jimmy.

June 19, 2016

Dearest Tarpinian Family - I was so sorry to read about Alan's passing. Please know that I hold you all in my heart. With Love & Blessings Always, -Judith Voss

Sylvie Tarpinian

June 19, 2016

Happy Fathers Day Dad

June 19, 2016

Thank you, Cathy and Tom
Heather Tarpinian (Alan's Sister)

Kathy McGrew

June 19, 2016

I am deeply saddened by Alan's passing. Alan was a very important part of my son, Jonah Sokoloff's life. Jonah was only 3 years old when we first met Alan at a class he was teaching called "I Love To Drum". Jonah took percussion lessons from Alan from the time he was 3 until Alan moved to Portland when Jonah was around 8. Monday afternoons with Alan were a highlight of our week. By the time Jonah was 5, Alan had taught Jonah to play basic rock, blues, and jazz beats. He was always trying to get Jonah to join him onstage when he accompanied Sun Bossa at the Saturday market. He was so proud of his young student.
Jonah is an amazing marimba player now, thanks to Alan and the way he shared his passion for percussion. I will always fondly remember our intimate music lessons with Alan in his funky little studio.

Cathy Tom and Alex (Combs) Crandall

June 19, 2016

We are sad to hear of Alan's passing. Please know you are in our thoughts.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results