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Robert Avalon Obituary

ROBERT AVALON, 47, died in Houston, Texas on the 30th of April 2004. Avalon, who was born Robert White, was a musician and composer who was active in many community organizations. Avalon organized the Foundation for Modern Music, which sponsored concerts, recorded music, and engaged in other activities designed to encourage living composers. Avalon was a prolific composer whose CDs released in 1999 and 2000 by Centaur Records received critical acclaim. One was nominated for a Grammy award. Avalon directed annual musical concerts at the Pablo Casals Museum in Puerto Rico. Avalon prided himself in the multicultural nature of his work, and he composed texts in Spanish, Latin, Japanese, Greek and Dutch. He received an award for his lifetime contribution as musical director of Houston's Multicultural Educational and Cultural Association (MECA). Students he taught from Mexico went on to careers as acclaimed concert pianists after graduating from the Julliard School of Music. Many consider Avalon's musical protégés to be his most significant legacy. Avalon is survived by his long-time partner, Wayne Dockery; parents, Bill and Gloria White; brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Andrea White; nephews, Will and Stephen White; and niece, Elena White. The family will be present for a public and memorial visitation from six until eight o'clock in the evening on Monday, the 3rd of May, at Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. A memorial service for family and friends, celebrating Avalon's life and music, will be conducted at five o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday, the 9th of May 2004, at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 2119 Avalon Place in Houston, where Robert played for services on Sundays. In lieu of gifts or flowers, family members have requested that memorials be directed to the Foundation for Modern Music, 1915 Commonwealth, Suite 204, Houston, TX, 77006.

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Published by Houston Chronicle on May 2, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Avalon

21 Entries

John Pollard

May 6, 2004

To Wayne, Robert's family and extended family,

It was with great dismay that I opened an email today containing the news of Robert's oh too soon transition.

I met Robert during my brief stay in Houston in 2000-2001, but will always hold the memories of his smiling face near and dear to my heart. Both he and Wayne became good friends whom I will always be thankful for.

Wayne, please know that my heart and my thoughts are with you, and I just wanted to let you know that I think Robert was thinking of me last night as I was rearranging my CD cases, and something (or rather SOMEONE) made me take out and read the inscription on one of the CD's, "To my new friend JP, I am sure you will inspire some music that is yet to be performed!"

I'm sure that he is performing that music right now as he waits for us to join him.

My love always,

Tammi Wallace

May 6, 2004

I am deeply saddened by the loss of Robert. My memories of Robert will be that of encouragement and passion. Robert truly made a difference in those around him. Thank you to Robert's family for your willingness and support as Robert shared his wonderful talents with the community.

Duane Bradley

May 5, 2004

I was shocked to find of the too-soon and sudden departure of Robert.

His passing saddens me, but I hold dear the memories and music. I will always remember his infectious smile and the inspiration he provided to all who had the blessing of knowing him.

The joy he exuded while playing with the Space City Gamelan & HSPVA kids at the Orange Show recently is my final,and a fitting, memory.

He will be missed.

Marion Moore

May 4, 2004

In Galveston Tommy Hicks introduced me to this most gracious and loving Robert Avalon ...... a wonderful...gentle man, a scholar, an excellent musician, who developed into a caring/loyal friend making everyone feel precious and special and the most gifted person in his life....with his love, encouragemnet & nurturing, he brought out the talents in each of us that we were afraid to bring forth and carried me forward 'kicking and screaming' (just a little resistance), to heights we could never have imagined....Imagine my surprise when he asked if I would sing at his brother's inauguration...with all the singers he knows and all the instrumentalists he knows, etc., he asked me..what joy I felt....he loved his brother and was extremely proud of him....and his great love and pride was brought out more so as he played his rendition of the Natl. Anthem...he said it had to be extra-ordinary, grand, majestic.... and Wayne agreed...and we 3 worked on 'me" until I could embody what was required for this special occasion...and along with listenning to Robert's exquisite accompaniment and with each phrase, high note, I was lifted and carried to heights I'd only imagined internally and externally...I was humbled to be a part of the ceremony...and afterwards we rode the Metro together!!!!!Because of Robert's faith in me, I will continue to remain open to the myriad of opportunities that come to me in my life professionally and privately...and stop the 'kicking and screaming'into the future......Thank you, Robert.

Love to all,

Marion

Brandon Wolf

May 4, 2004

I am so saddened by the news of Robert's death. I will always remember Robert for the small, intimate concerts which he organized and presented, often in the living rooms of friends. These concerts helped to bring music "up close" to those attending, and they were always a delightful experience. From Robert, I first learned of Carlotta, the subject of his opera. Carlotta was tricked along with her husband into believing Mexico wanted them to rule their country, and their lives with shattered as a result of historical developments. I can still see Robert playing the piano. He didn't just smile while playing - he glowed. Robert was one of a kind, and the world is a lesser place now, with him gone.

SUE LOVELL

May 3, 2004

Please accept our deepest sympathy. Robert was a good man with a big heart who was very talented and made no secret about how much he loved his family. He will be missed. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers ..

Sue Lovell and Family

Dennis McClain

May 3, 2004

Dearest Wayne and family of Robert Avalon, How shocked and terribly saddened I was to hear the tragic news of Robert's sudden passing. My world stopped for a couple of days. I am so blessed to have known Robert as a dear and precious friend for as long as I have. He always refered to me as his "Spirit Brother", which to me was always the greatest compliment and honor, coming from Robert whose talent, humble genius, and natural friendship always lifted me from the first time we met. As everyone who ever knew Robert knows, his brilliance, his personality, his wisdom, intelligence,humor and his grace always emited a level of energy that was so contagious that it always lifted the level of energy in everyone even near him. His very being exuded music and creativity in the purest way. Robert was not only one of my truest friends but also one of my heroes. He was also my mentor and a selfless supporter of my own creative works as an artist and a published poet; Robert took 30 years of my unshared poetry in a box, and returned it to me a few months later in a published and bound form, he got me to read publicly and since that time, I have been fortunate to be published 8 times. Robert had this rare, unique quality and gift to quicken the light in everyone around him with his own! For his unconditional support I can call myself a poet and artist with true pride and certainty! I will never know another soul like Robert Avalon, and I will miss his presence, music and friendship sorely. My heart full of love, sympathy, and condolences go out to sweet Wayne and all the family and many dear friends of Robert Avalon...God be with you all!... with love, life and light. Dennis McClain / Galveston Island

Mark Odom

May 3, 2004

I loved you and Wayne from the moment I met you both; I will love the memory of you both as long as I live; no greater moments in life can I remember than the moments I spent speaking and exchanging experiences with Robert; I will never meet/know another man comparable to him; I did not know him in every way; what I knew of him may be all I needed to have known; it was enough; I will treasure him until I die; that is a fact; I loved that most incredible beautiful man; I loved Robert Avalon! I love you, Wayne!

R Michael Lee

May 3, 2004

You illuminated my life with your music. You left your students with the passion to create. You leave us with a legacy: Carlota, the Grand Opera. You will be remembered in my Memorial Garden. I will miss you.

Camille Bogel

May 3, 2004

My deepest sympathy to your family and friends. Mr. Avalon will be missed greatly. I had the opportunity to enjoy one of the Sunday concerts recently and was impressed by the music and the artists/musicians. I appreciate being included in the invitation.

Bruce Austin

May 3, 2004

Robert Avalon was a great artist and he inspired me to share by artistic expression with the MECA organization. This is shocking and unexpected. No writing can exress the gifts he gave to his art and developed in his many students over the years.

Jessica Welsh

May 3, 2004

To Family and Loved ones of Robert -

Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this terrible time. We love you very much.

The Welsh Family

HERMAN OFFER

May 3, 2004

I WAS SHOCKED AND SADDENED TO HEAR OF ROBERT'S UNTIMELY DEATH. HE REPRESENTED A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION AND WHAT IT TAKES TO ACQUIRE GREATNESS. LET HIS MUSIC AND LEGACY LIVE ON. HE WILL SURELY BE MISSED

Barbara Thompson

May 3, 2004

Mayor Bill White, you have our deepest sympathy. We love you and pray your stength in the Lord. You're in the prayers of someone who cares. Barbara Thompson and the Save The People World Wide Prayer Club.

Deborah Harris

May 3, 2004

To the Family,

My God give you the strength to guide you during this trying time. You have my sympathy.

Genece Tilts

May 3, 2004

Dear Wayne, family, and loved ones,

Please accept our deepest sympathy. There are no words that come close to express the enormous loss we feel. He touched our lives so much with his humility and compassion and unbounding talent.

Sincerely,

Genece and Marty Tilts

Ray Hill

May 2, 2004

I am among many shocked and grieved at Robert's sudden death. Our sympathy to the White family and Robert's companion.

Candi McIlroy

May 2, 2004

Mr. Avalon was a very sociable person whom will be missed. I was looking at his display outside his office one day and he even tracked me down in the office across the hall to inquire as to my interest. He was so surprized to hear I was in the funeral industry. Mr. Avalon so wanted me to have his display for my funeral home and he had such great taste in art. His death is a very large loss to the music and art world. My deepest condolences go to his family and friends.

Elsie Martin-Simon

May 2, 2004

To the Family of Robert -- As neighbor of the "Foundation for Modern Music", Robert's smiling face and talents will be missed. -- Signed Elsie Martin-Simon, Attorney at Law, 1915 Commonwealth, Suite 203 Houston, Texas 77006.,

Joe Wilson

May 2, 2004

There are people and events in life which change us forever. Through the privilege of standing near the light of Robert I know my life has been enriched. Witnessing Robert at work and feeling his energy and enthusiasm never failed to lift me. Robert always had a warm hug waiting and that wonderful gift of being able to make me feel special. The light of his talent was one of invitation, of curiosity. It was never off-putting or intimidating and so could flow. This was a man who composed important works of music, who performed in some of the more prestigious venues world over yet would gladly ride his bicycle to teach young music students, often for free. Perhaps we are only given so much to give in a lifetime. As Robert gave life to the rest of us constantly, I wonder if he simply ran out of life for himself. His beauty will live on through his music, through his students and most importantly in our hearts. Goodbye my friend.

Jim Rothgeb

May 2, 2004

Wayne and family, may God watch over you and keep you near to heart. I pray that strength and faith are yours especially at this trying and sorrowful time.

As you well know, Robert was an inspiration whose touch will remain with us eternally. Thank you for your friendship!

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