Lee Statom

I have such fond memories of Lee. He was so exuberant and lively! I remember going to their house in Arroyo Grande to visit with Mom & Dad (Bunny & Don) when I was a kid and bunking with all their kids. Really fun times! We asked Lee to play the piano at Mom & Dad's 50th wedding anniversary party, thinking he would play some pieces, but no, he just "tickled the ivories" while we all socialized. It was wonderful! Really a great guy! I'm sure he is very missed by all.

Dear Kevin, I just learned of the passing of your dad and wanted to offer my sincere condolences. I have fond memory of our days as math majors at Cal Poly and shared times as colleagues in the teachers profession. I always respected and admired you. Obviously that comes from having great parents so the loss of such a fine man is especially hard. I think it was pretty cool for me teach where you were once a student. It gave us a richer connection. My prayers will be offered for you and your...

We have lost a Giant! We will surely miss this wonderful musician and music educator. Always appreciated, respected and admired the contributions Lee and his family made to the music program at Cuesta College. His influence with young musicians was pervasive along with his outstanding musicianship Lee had a wonderful sense of humor. We will all miss him greatly ! So glad I got a chance to work with him and benefit from his wonderful sons.

When Mr. Statom was the band director at Oceano Elementary I was a member of the band playing the flute. I graduated from 8th grade in 1954. Mr. Statom was most conscientious with wanting the best from the band members. Playing On Wisconsin the Notre Dame theme and Poets & Peasants bring back fond memories from that time. Now I know much more of just what a wonder man he was.

Mr. Statom was our Jazz Band teacher at AGHS. My friends and I had the pleasure of being the last class taught in 1991. Mr. Statom was a great mentor and inspired all of us to be better musicians and people. God Speed Mr. Statom.
-Blair Smith
Student

Photo is from the last time I was lucky enough to spend a little time with Mr Statom. I believe it was his 90th birthday party at Madonna Inn. He taught me so much more than music and singing. He taught me what being a caring and generous person is all about. I treasure all the moments I had with him from singing with Paulding 7th & 8th grade Jazz Band to him accompanying me as I sang to my groom at my wedding! Precious memories of a true gem of a human! Rest In Peace, friend

Lee never failed to greet me at St. Pat's on Sunday mornings. And he didn't hold back when I served as a lector but failed to get close enough to the mic! Both of us truly loved him. God keep him!