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Dennis K.M. Kam

1942 - 2018

BORN

1942

DIED

2018

Dennis Kam Obituary

Name: Service for Dennis K.M. Kam
Start: 2019-02-02T20:00:00.000Z
Location: Granada Presbyterian Church

KAM, DENNIS K. M. age 76, of Palmetto Bay, FL. passed away peacefully at home with his family on December 25, 2018. He is survived by Cynthia Chun, wife of 42 years; devoted father of daughter Lauren Lee; sister Donna Burkeen of Honolulu, HI; nieces and nephews. Born in Honolulu in 1942. He received Degrees in Music from Oberlin Conservatory, University of Hawaii, East-West Center and University of Illinois (DMA) Between degrees, he attended Mozarteum Academy, Austria, Toho Gakuen School of Music, Japan for conducting, and was awarded a Ford Foundation Grant Contemporary music project to be Composer-in-Residence for Honolulu and the State of Hawaii. In 1974, he began teaching at the University of Miami, Frost School of Music and was Chairman of the Music Theory and Composition Department from 1976-2012. Honors include the Phillip Frost Award for Excellence in Teaching and Scholarship and the UM School of Music Most Meritorious Faculty Award. He retired from UM after 39 years but continued to compose, conduct, and be active in music ministry. At Granada Presbyterian Church, he was the Heritage Worship Director. He was the South Florida Youth Symphony Composer-in-Residence from 1994 and Associate conductor from 2014. In 2017, he conducted the Gold Award winning Festival in Washington, DC and at Carnegie Hall in February 2018, they performed his "Music for Celebration". His latest CD was released this past April with his string quartets and piano works. Dennis will be remembered for wearing aloha shirts, music compositions, teaching and mentoring students, loving the color green, playing tennis, tai chi practices, wanting time to read his extensive library of music, philosophy, and theology books, and foremost, loving his family, friends, and faith. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to: South Florida Youth Symphony c/o Marjorie Hahn 12645 SW 114th Ave. Miami, FL 33176 www.sfys.net Granada Presbyterian Church www.granadachurch.com/give Services to be held at: Granada Presbyterian Church 950 University Dr. Coral Gables, FL 33134 Saturday, Feb. 2nd at 3 pm Men: opt. aloha attire

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

Published by the Miami Herald on Jan. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Kam

15 Entries

Lisa Werner

May 3, 2019

I am so sad to hear of Dr. Kam's passing. Dr. Kam was one of my favorite professors at the University of Miami. He was a wonderful teacher and had such a winning personality. It was always a pleasure to be in his class. I learned so much and I will never forget him.

Armando Garcia

March 16, 2019

my name is Armando Garcia guitarist.
I had the honor of being a student in dr Kam's music theory classes mtc 201 and 202. I am very grateful to dr Kam's wonderful lectures where he taught the great works of music.
I had been selected by a great graduate in compostion a student of Dr Kam. who was the late maestro Rodolfo Guzman and he dedicated his three Cuban Dances for guitar for me and I premiered them at um guzman hall in 1978.
my deepest condolenses to dr Kam's grauates students and his family.
RIP maestro you are the greatest composer of our times

Armando Garcia

March 16, 2019

I am Armando Garcia guitar concert and recording artist.l had the honor of being a student in dr kam's music theory class. In 1977 in m t c 201 and 202. At the university of miami. I also premiered the three Cuban Dances for solo guitar that dr kam's Great music composition student maestro rodolfo Guzman who wrote these three Cuban dances for me and my guitar at um Guzman hall in 1978.
I am very grateful to dr kam because his wonderful
Music theory lectures where he taught me great works of music. And dr Kam will always be one of the great composer of our times. RIP Maestro.

Elaine Rinaldi

January 25, 2019

Sending my deepest condolences to Cynthia and family. Dr. Kam was a gentle guiding presence throughout my musical life, from conducting my first appearance as a soloist with the SFYS or as a theory teacher and adviser at the Univ. of Miami. He will be greatly missed!

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January 24, 2019

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dennis. When someone you love become a memory, the memory becomes a treasure that fills your heart with love and brings you joy. May you find comfort in Jesus promise of the hope of everlasting life at John 6:40.

Suzette Chaves Rivero

January 23, 2019

My husband and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Cynthia, Lauren and the Kam family. May his music continue to flow with the angels, and allow us to feel his presence around us and his family daily.
Love and Blessings

January 23, 2019

My condolences to the family on the loss of your loved one. May the God of all comfort be with you during your time of sorrow. (Psalm 145:19)

Tai Chi luncheon

Paula Lindsay

January 22, 2019

Dennis past much too soon with so much to look forward to. We go back to 1976 at UM. Enjoyed analyzing the 20th C music, playing his contemporary music, but never really enjoyed listening. We share the love of tennis and just this year he told me how his game was improving. He loved life and music. I will miss our occasional luncheons and our conversations in Tai Chi class. Rest in Peace Dennis.

One of our many lunches together at UM

William VanderWyden

January 22, 2019

Our deepest sympathies to Cynthia, Lauren, and to all Dennis' family. Dennis had become a wonderful friend over these past few years, and all who ever knew him will miss him greatly. In our small gatherings at UM, Dennis always raised insightful issues of Faith and values. We will miss that. May the angels and saints welcome him in the heavenly kingdom. There will be music. He has gone no farther than to God, and God is very close. There is solace in knowing that he is at peace and that he remains a part of you for all of your days.

Maureen Redmond

January 21, 2019

Cynthia, I remember when Dennis came with you to our choir rehearsal. What a privilege for us to work with and learn from such an accomplished musician and fine man! My condolences to you, Lauren and Paulie and my prayers that Dennis is now resting peacefully, enjoying the sights and sounds of heaven.

January 20, 2019

John Van der Slice

Sr. Helene Wood

January 20, 2019

Our prayers are with you . May our loving Lord receive Dennis into His heavenly kingdom and bring comfort and peace of mind and soul to you Cynthia

Cynthia Chun Kam

January 20, 2019

I'll always remember our shared love and life together. I hope you're composing and conducting the Orchestra and Choir of Angels.
You now have the time to read your books.
Love, Cynthia

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