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Charles Lord Obituary
Aug. 19, 1924 - Nov. 9, 2015
Charles Edward Lord III, beloved father, brother, friend and well known local music educator, passed away on Nov. 9, 2015, at age 91. Chuck was born Aug. 19, 1924, in Oakland, CA, the eldest of three children born to Marie and Charles E. Lord, Jr. He grew up in Dimond, attending high school in Oakland and graduating summa cum laude with a Master's degree in music from San Francisco State University.As a music teacher for 38 years in the Richmond Unified School District, Chuck introduced many students to band and orchestral instruments, guiding and nurturing their relationship with music throughout their public school years. He taught most recently at Portola Jr. High and El Cerrito High School, where he produced award-winning jazz bands.
Chuck's primary instrument was trumpet. He was a member of the Bohemian Club and the Family Club bands, performing at summer encampments for over 50 years.
Inducted into the Army upon graduation from high school in 1942, Chuck served three years with various U.S. Army bands during WWII, wherein he played many bond drive shows, and worked with the Skinnay Ennis band. He also played at the Santa Barbara Hotel R&R under Dore Schary of MGM. After receiving his discharge from the Army in 1946, Chuck and other members of the 329th formed their own band in Salinas, CA, with Randy Emlay, leader.
Chuck had 20 years' combined membership with the Walt Tolleson organization and 10 years with Ray Hackett groups, as well as many years with Ringling Brothers/Barnum & Bailey Circus bands. He was a regular participant in the Oakland Municipal Band and the Golden Gate Park Bands' Sunday concerts. For many years he marched with the Green Street Mortuary Band, and greatly enjoyed playing the local ballrooms, such as Sweets, the Ali Baba and the Avalon.
Chuck married Mary Lord in 1948, and they had a daughter, Francesca Lord. After a divorce, some years later he was married briefly to Maureen Harper, becoming quite fond of her daughter, Philippa. He then moved to Emeryville, where he met and spent a happy 34 years with his new loving partner, Helen Green. The two enjoyed the rest of Chuck's life together, with much traveling--cruising, exploring California and national parks, and attending Dixieland jazz festivals.
Chuck is survived by his daughter Francesca, his friend Helen, his brother Tom Lord and Tom's wife Veryl, of Palm Desert, CA, six nephews and a niece, and many great-nephews and great-nieces. He was predeceased by his parents and his beloved sister Lorraine Salcedo and her husband Barnard, of Washington state.
A Celebration of Life will be held on January 17, 2016, at the Mira Vista Golf and Country Club in El Cerrito.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Lord
Sponsored by Green Street Mortuary.
Sandra Young
August 13, 2019
Dear Mr. Lord put a violin in my hands at the age of 6? He taught me at Coronado Elementary School all the way through finishing junior High school at Helms junior High school in San Pablo...he had a MAJOR influence on my life...he was the kindest most patient man on earth. Thanks to him I later fulfilled my dream playing with the San Francisco Symphony and SF Opera Orchestra and many others. Thank You Mr.Lord!!!
Carl McClaflin
January 13, 2018
Mr. Lord was my music director at Helms Jr high in 1962 thru 1965. Our band was state recognized and was one of the best bands I ever played in. I was his 1st chair clarinet for over a year until I graduated. Mr Lord was a consummate musician and expected perfection. I will never forget you Mr Lord and your standards of dedication, musicianship and discipline. Fridays were always "challenge Friday" this is where a student could challenge another student "higher up" and if you lost Mr Lord would tap your music stand with his baton and say You need more practice!! Try again next Friday. Nothing but respect for you Mr. Lord. RIP
Gary Pieroni
January 13, 2016
Mr. Lord taught me discipline--he expected it in others but also lived it himself. I was amazed at this ability to play so many instruments. Most of all, I remember like it was yesterday: he played a passage that we were rehersing perfectly and then asked us what was wrong with it. Not knowing how to answer, he continued to say: "man, you are playing music!!" He then replayed it, not with just perfect technical notes as before but adding dynamics, phrasing, balance, etc.. This stayed with me forever and these are the things I listen to today when I go to the symphony---which is very often! RIP Mr. Lord. You'll be missed!
One of Chuck Lord's Students today
John Christensen
January 12, 2016
John Christensen
January 12, 2016
Charles Chuck Lord was my Jr. High School Band Director from 1970 to 1973 at Portola Jr. High School in El Cerrito, CA. I was fortunate and privileged to have his inspiration and guidance along with other teachers, e.g. Marvin Nelson and John Coppola who motivated me to pursue music as a career and become a professional trumpet player. He is one of the reasons I am still playing today after 46 years!
Chuck was also one the last Old School music educators who could not only demonstrate the other instrument families to his students, e.g., brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion; he could also play all of the instruments almost on equal par with his primary instrument: Trumpet. My sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family.
Rest in peace my beloved Mentor and Teacher
Respectfully, John Christensen
Gary Miyamori
December 25, 2015
1972-73 A long time ago. So many memories.
I played trumpet, and Mr. Lord
made me a better player. I recently
picked up playing the trumpet again. After 30 years, and I still remember him as if it was yesterday. R.I.P. Mr. Lord.
Gary Miyamori
chris lopez
December 13, 2015
Thank you for your life in music and for bringing Francesca into the world. 91 years is an amazing achievement. RIP.
Dan Howell
December 1, 2015
I didn't have the trombone chops, but he got the most out of me and everyone else. A great teacher and musician he was. I had the fortune of playing on his WT Helms Band.
Suzanne Murillo
December 1, 2015
I learned to play violin At Walter T. Helms Jr. High School in 1965 in Mr. Lord's class. I was never much of a violinist, but Mr. Lord always made me feel like an important part of the orchestra.
Jennifer Wong
December 1, 2015
Portola Jr. High 1980-81, 5th period: concert band. Me and my squeaky clarinet... and Mr. Lord's patience and confidence we could all pull it together. Thanks for being such a dedicated educator and supporter of awkward tweens and teenagers.
Richard Burdick
December 1, 2015
I have much to thank him for.
"Chick" Lord, circa 1968.
Francesca Lord
December 1, 2015
Charles "Chick" Lord with his sister, Lorraine, and brother, Tom.
Francesca Lord
December 1, 2015
Ashley Moore
November 30, 2015
He was a kind, encouraging and inspiring teacher who had a strong and lasting influence on me. 30 years later I am still a full time musician and serve as music director in 3 different settings. Chuck Lord made this possible because he recognized and cultivated my talent making him the most important teacher in my life. As a band leader, he lovingly pushed us students to exceed our expectations. In the weeks prior to his passing, I was trying to reach him so that I could tell him this in person.
Rest in peace, Mr. Lord. The world needs more people like you!!
Grace Deboodt
November 30, 2015
He has a wonderful daughter whom he's smiling down on right now! Love you Fran!
Andrea Lum
November 30, 2015
He influenced so many of us at Portola Jr. High and later El Cerrito High School--I remember him as an extremely dedicated teacher. My sincere condolences to your family.
Francesca Lord
November 29, 2015
He was a wonderful father. I miss him tremendously.
liz rorem_hull
November 29, 2015
Had him as my band teacher. He was kind and encouraging, while pushing us to be our very best
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