Glen Lockery

1918 - 2011

Glen Rosholt Lockery, 93, of Moscow, Idaho, passed away at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2011, in Gritman Medical Center, Moscow.

He was born Jan. 18, 1918, in Portage County to the late Glen Burr and Mabel (Rosholt) Lockery. He had lived in the Moscow area since 1947, coming from Rosholt.

Glen received Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees from Lawrence University, Appleton. He earned a Master of Arts in Music and Music Education from Columbia University. He also did additional course work at Columbia and Julliard.

During World War II Glen attended the U.S. Navy Midshipman's School at the University of Notre Dame. As Lieutenant J.G., he then served in Africa and Algeria and took part in the invasion of Salerno, Italy, before being stationed in England. During that time he worked in the correspondence office, handling vital communications for the U.S. Naval Forces. He later received a Letter of Commendation from the Navy for his role in the successful accomplishment of the Invasion of Europe on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

After returning home he lived in New York City, where he became involved with Robert Shaw and the group that would eventually become the Robert Shaw Chorale.

In 1947, Glen was hired by the University of Idaho to teach voice and to be the conductor of the Vandaleers, the University's Concert Choir. He held this position 34 years until his retirement in 1981. Under his direction the Vandaleers became known as one of the premier choral organizations in Idaho. The choir appeared on national radio networks, television shows, and undertook state, regional, and international tours to Europe in 1971, and Latin America in 1975, in addition to concerts given locally. In May, 1989, as part of the UI centennial celebration, Glen was honored by the Vandaleers during a reunion of past and present members of the choir. In association with this honor, Glen was commended on the floor of the U.S. Senate on April 18, 1989, and the commendation is part of the U.S. Congressional Record.

Glen was a member if IMEA/MENC, Pi Kappa Lamba, Phi Mu Alpha, and of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. In 2008, he was inducted into the Idaho Music Educators Hall of Fame.

While living in Idaho, Glen maintained a strong devotion to his roots in Rosholt. Having built a cottage there, he enjoyed summers at the lake amid the chaos of visits from family members whom he always welcomed to the cottage. At the same time, Glen lovingly cared for the Rosholt family home, which had been continuously occupied by family members since being built by his grandfather, John Gilbert Rosholt, in 1906. Through Glen's untiring efforts, he was successful in having the home placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010.

In addition to all his other accomplishments, Glen was an excellent woodworker and carpenter as well as an avid outdoorsman, golfer, and Bridge player.

Glen is survived by a brother, Milton Lockery, of LaGrange Park, Ill.; nieces, Dona (Michael) Sheehan, Kristin (Spartaco) Casini, Joni (Larry) Ambler, Barbara (Ralph) Keller, Sarah (Worthington) Blum; and by nephews, Gifford (Nancy) Torbenson, David (Anne) Lockery, and Christopher (Chris) Lockery.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Donald J. Lockery, and a sister, Thelma "Sally" R. Torbenson.

Glen was a member of Paradise Masonic Lodge #17 in Moscow, the Scottish Rite, the Calam Shriners, and the Latah County Shrine Club.

At Mr. Lockery's request, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at a later date in both Moscow, Idaho, and Rosholt.

Memorial contributions may be made to the organization of one's choice.

Glen will be greatly missed by family, friends, and colleagues, but his contributions, talents, and devotion to others will go on