Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

About

Highland High School University of New Mexico

Kenneth Anderson Obituary

Anderson, Kenneth

Kenneth Anderson (1935-2017) - Ken was born in Chicago, IL to Hazel and Lewis Anderson. The family moved to Albuquerque in 1943 where he attended Bandelier and Jefferson and graduated from Highland High School in 1953. At the University of New Mexico he earned BA and MA degrees in music. He played principal trumpet in the Albuquerque Civic Symphony and the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra until 1986. He also played in the trumpet section of the Santa Fe Opera orchestra for 24 seasons. He played many concerts as a soloist and provided bands for special occasions.

Ken had many talents. He was a first rate trumpet player, a beloved music teacher, arranger, big band leader, chef, woodworker, artist, and birthday cake designer extraordinaire. But more importantly than that, he was a kind and loving person who was a steadfast companion, a loving son, father, and grandfather, and a loyal friend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Hazel Anderson; and his children, Kevin Layne and Keri Lynn Anderson. He is survived by his wife, Martha Beauchamp Anderson; daughter, Michelle Barton and son-in-law, Ken Barton; stepdaughter, Carla Beauchamp and husband, Joel Jacobsen; grandchildren, Kathryn Edelman, Amory Barton, Lena Barton, Alex Jacobsen, Scott Jacobsen, and Ben Jacobsen; and great grandson, Mason Barton.

A Memorial Celebration of Ken's life will be held Friday, February 24, 2017, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH â€" University. Please bring any stories you'd like to share - we know there are many! Please visit our online guestbook for Ken at

www.FrenchFunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Albuquerque Journal from Feb. 22 to Feb. 24, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Anderson

17 Entries

Roger Jannotta

February 16, 2024

Thanks Ken. Rest in peace.
Roger

Roger Jannotta

February 16, 2023

Six years and I still miss our yearly visits.

Roger Jannotta

March 7, 2017

I've just found out about Ken's passing. My sister found the obituary by chance in the newspaper. I'll certainly miss our yearly visits! He was a good friend and certainly a super well-versed, interesting and interested musician. And, what a sense of humor!
My deepest sympathies to Martha.

February 26, 2017

Mr. Anderson was my teacher at Wilson Middle School. He taught me to play the trumpet in the late 1960 I believe. At first, he told me I should play the French Horn, but I told him I wanted to learn to play the trumpet. He replied, "We don't have any trumpets for you, so you will have to get one." I did, and he patiently taught me in 9th grade to start playing. I countinued to play it through high school. I do not play the trumpet any more, but I love music and play the guitar at my church. I will always remember his warm smile and encouraging words. Every now and then I would see him at the rodeo and go say hello to him. He was a great teacher. I will keep him and his family in my thoughts and prayers. Dolores Chavez de Daigle, Albuquerque, NM

Susan Lovenberg (Lindquist)

February 25, 2017

I remember Ken from many years @ St. Timothy's Lutheran Church and he also wrote the "fight song" for HHS. ("Highland High we're loyal to you...").He will be sorely missed in the musical community. But there will be many trumpets sounding when Jesus returns, and I'm sure he will be right there among the heavenly musicians.God Bless You and your loving family.

Edna Sprague & Justin Engel

February 25, 2017

Martha,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. My husband and I have truly enjoyed being your neighbors. I will never forget one day when I looked outside to see my dogs facing our shared wall howling along with Ken as he played the French horn. If you need anything do not hesitate to ask. We will help with whatever you need. Blessings and wishes of peace.

Paul Howes, NMSO Tympanist 1971-75

February 23, 2017

For me, Highland High turned out two great trumpeters: Jim Wilson, my colleague in Mr. Kempter's AYS the mid-60s, and Ken Anderson, Jim's teacher. The NMSO trio--Kenny, Ron and Rhonda--during my years were a terrific section in the early Takeda era. And I played many gigs with Ken in country clubs, saloons and the one polka joint in town. I still don't know how he could sometimes, concert or rehearsal, seemingly nap--his eyes were closed--but he never missed an entrance. Kind, funny, quick and you could close your eyes and know it was Ken's sound--oh, what beauty when he played the piccolo horn or at Christmas for "The Trumpet Shall Sound" glory in Messiah or so many other orchestral parts, solo or ensemble. That sound filled UNM's Alumni Chapel when he joined organist Ann Baltz for my mother's wedding in 1980; their music will always be a favorite family memory--indeed, a saving grace. His trumpet filled symphony halls and smaller venues, his students carry on his teaching and lessons, his music touched lives, and while Gabriel may still be the featured soloist, Kenny has joined the section. Here's to you.

Dennis Heeter

February 23, 2017

I think Kenny touched the lives of everyone he taught, coached, played music with or just knew casually. His musicianship, generosity and fine sense of humor will be sorely missed by all.

Larry Hill

February 23, 2017

Kenny was a great mentor to me and a great friend of my family. His legacy is in the lives of those he touched. He will be missed by so many.

Wayne Thelander

February 23, 2017

Kenny was a an amazing musician and colleague. I was fortunate to have played with him in the NMSO in the 80's. I still remember his beautiful performance of the trumpet solo in the Pines of Rome. My sympathies to the family.

Betty Barber

February 22, 2017

Kenny was my elementary and Jr High band teacher.He taught me clarinet and bassoon. He was a great teacher and amazing trumpet player. Kenny had a great sense of humor. Martha and Kenny gave me the gift of and love of music that has served me for a lifetime. He will be missed.

Rudy Harper

February 22, 2017

I played in the same section with Kenny in NMSO for about 6 years, took trumpet lessons from him and considered him a major influence on my approach to music. He had a fine sense of humor and was basically a good guy to converse with, in addition to his value as a musical colleague. I have many fond and some quite funny memories of time spent with Kenny. RIP

Karla Spence

February 22, 2017

I started clarinet with Mr. Anderson at Bandelier about 54 years ago! He was a great band teacher. He was very supportive as I pursued my desire to be a band teacher. He was funny, fun and very caring. I am very thankful to him and Martha for a wonderful life of music. My thoughts and prayers to the entire family.

John Cheetham

February 22, 2017

Ken was a good friend and a fine musician. I am greatly saddened be the news of his death. My deepest condolences to Martha.

February 22, 2017

Mr. Anderson was my band director/teacher back in the 60s. He was so kind and encouraging and lots of fun. My condolences and blessings to his family.

Barbara Boyd Hilton

Wanda

February 22, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss . May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this difficult time.

Jim Stearns

February 22, 2017

Kenny was a great trumpet player, teacher and a great friend. I loved our trumpet lessons together.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results