Arnold "Tuffy" Epstein

I am listening to KVNO 90.7 fm . Tuffy's daughter Marti is Ben Rasmussen guest and I am learning about Tuffy for the 1st time. Sounds like he was a wonderful musician, but more importantly an amazing teacher who touched the lives of dozens throughout his years of teaching music and encouraging his students. I took private flute lessons in 1974 and quit after 1 year. I'll bet if I had Mr. Epstein as an instructor, I'd still be playing. I'm 62 now, but maybe I'll try taking it up again. God...

I have often thought of Mr. Epstein over the years. He is the reason I love cello to this day! He saw something in me that I never saw in myself! I'm so sorry for his passing.

I have often thought of Mr Epstein since he taught me to play the Viola at Nathan Hale Jr High! I have always regretted not continuing to learn, despite his urgings! I was blessed with listening to him at concerts outside of school, he was always gracious when I approached him at such events. I have recently decided to take up the Viola. I'm now 63! Days, dates, when...it was yesterday! I loved every minute of my time in his class! Deann Rae Jensen

So sorry for the late response, but I just found out about his passing. I was talking to a friend at work about teachers who inspired me and Mr. Epstein was the 1st teacher that came to mind. I was in his band class for 3 wonderful years at Nathan Hale. I played drums and I always thought Mr. Epstein was a very talented musician and teacher and he always gave us plenty of encouragement and I could just tell he loved his job. I was honored to be one of his students and I will miss him.

Helen & family, we were saddened to read of your beloved, Tuffy´s passing in the Jewish Press. We have such fond memories of seeing him play his instruments & at the J. He will be remembered as a great talent & mensch. Debbie & Larry Maschino Cave Creek, AZ

I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I was a student of his at Nathan Hale Jr High School's 76/'77, 77/78,78/79 school years. He was always a very large looming presence but had a heart of gold. He was strict but nurturing. He gave me my style of drum playing and provided constant interest-building lessons for the expansion of instruments to play. He loved music and his students, I am sorry I missed his service on the 12th. Larry L Anderson 4026892433 [email protected]

My condolences to Arnold's wife and family. I taught at Hale many years while he was there but in very different departments. It was a pleasure to be on the same faculty with such a devoted teacher.

I had the pleasure of taking private flute lessons from Mr. Epstein when I was a teen. He was a true inspiration. My sincere condolences to the family.

When i was a teen, I made a couple trips back to Omaha from LA, and stayed with my uncle Tuffy and Aunt Helen. He brought me to a wild blues jam, introduced me to teaching (which led to a forty year career), and was the first person i saw who had a garden in their backyard...been growing food ever since...blessed my wedding with his beautiful flute...Tuffy was what love sounds like