Howard LEYTON-BROWN

LEYTON-BROWN, Howard
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Howard Leyton-Brown, on Friday, January 13, 2017. He is again with his beloved wife Myrl (nee Walker), who died in 2011, bringing an end to their marriage of 67 years. In his immediate family he is survived by his daughter Jill; sons Kenneth and David (Anne); granddaughter Allison; grandson Kevin (Jude); and great-granddaughter Emily. He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Frances; sister Valerie; and brother Eric. Howard was born in Melbourne, Australia, on December 19, 1918, and raised in that city. At an early age he demonstrated an extraordinary talent for music, and in 1937 he left Australia to study violin in Europe, with Carl Flesch and Max Rostal. World War II interrupted these studies and Howard enlisted in the Royal Air Force, serving as a pilot in Bomber Command and also as an instructor and examiner with the Commonwealth Pilot Training Program. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his wartime service. While stationed in Estevan, Saskatchewan he met his future wife, Myrl, and she joined him in England in 1944; it was there, after the war, that his two sons were born. After the war Howard resumed studying violin under Max Rostal, in London, England, and earned the Licentiate of the Guildhall School of Music, receiving the highest marks ever awarded in the British Isles. He subsequently performed as a soloist and also served as Leader of the London Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1952 the family relocated to Regina, Canada, where his daughter was born. He accepted a position as Head of the String Department of the Regina Conservatory of Music, becoming Director in 1955, and was appointed Director of the Western Board of Music Examination system in 1953. He held both directorships until his retirement in 1987. Howard remained active as a soloist and conductor, notably of the Regina Symphony Orchestra, and served on the boards of many organizations dedicated to music and the performing arts. He was founding Chair of the Department of Music at the University of Regina, earned a doctorate from the University of Michigan and continued to contribute, as he was able, long after retirement, teaching until 2016. He was the recipient of many honours, the most significant of which include being named a Fellow of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 1955, Member of the Order of Canada in 1991, Member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit in 1996, and Chevalier of the French Legion of Honour in 2015. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK S4P 2R3. The family express their appreciation for the kindness and sympathy of the staff in ward 4A at the Pasqua Hospital. Family and friends are invited to sign the online obituary and tributes page at www.reginafuneralhome.ca. Arrangements entrusted to