Thompson "Toby" Willis Hanks Jr.

Dear Lynn, So sorry to read this. I remember both you and Toby and of course Jamie. You guys were so kind to me when I was a student at MSM. I have such fond memories of you all and Jamie was just a treasure to be around. I had lost touch with many of my MSM friends and family, but recently began reflecting on happy memories and the wonderful people I met in NYC. I hope you are well and I’ve often thought of Jamie and wondered what he would be like now as an adult. You were a special family...

Hi Lynn. Don´t know if you will see this, but Toby and I (and often Mark Hill) would play tennis together and have a gab session over beers afterwards. He was such a special guy. We lost touch when you guys moved north, but my fond memories remain. He would sometimes speak of his love for you and Jamie. If you ever have the time and inclination, I would love to hear of how your lives together up north unfolded over the last decade. My belated condolences to you and Jamie. Cameron Grant...

Just found this sad news.... Toby had a meal at my family's home when the New York brass quintet was in town to perform at the local college. Toby flew into town separately from the rest of the 5tet, and my tuba teacher arranged to pick toby up at the airport and bring him to the house. Mom has her best dinner prepared for the tuba royalty in our presence.... Turkey and filling, with all the trimmings. At the start of the meal, my mother said, "Everybody just reach.", meaning reach for...

Toby was my quintet coach in the early1980’s. He was kind and caring, but tough. I babysat for James when he was a baby. Toby and Lynn were both so kind and gracious. The world has lost a very good man and a brilliant musician. I learned so much from him and am saddened by his loss. My condolences to Lynn and James. May his soul be playing with the best of them.

I played tuba in the French High School band with Toby, three of us were goof offs, but Toby was always serious, and the best!

Toby was a brilliant musician and teacher. I had the privilege of studying with him at Yale in the 80s. He had a gift for drawing the music out of his students and helping them to feel music. I think about the lessons I learned from him every time I play. Toby lives on through his students. My sympathies to his family during this time of loss.

Toby was a wonderful man and a world class musician and teacher. He was much loved by hundreds, maybe thousands of his students. I will never forget the huge influence he had on me. My condolences to Lynn and the family.

I was very sad to read today the obituary for Toby. As a dancer in the New York City Ballet I had the pleasure of knowing 'Toby the tuba player', who was a member of our fine orchestra. I will always remember him for his kindness, his sense of humor and, of course, his wonderful musicianship. I send to his wife, son, and sisters my sincere sympathies and heartfelt best wishes.

Toby leaves a legacy of kindness, dignity, and fine musicianship. I extend my sincere sympathy to all those who knew and loved him.