Ronald Lipka Obituary

Name: Service for Ronald Lipka
Start: 2023-04-02T20:30:00.000Z
Location: Eldorado HS Performing Arts Center

Ronald Carol Lipka

Our cherished

father, Ronald Carol Lipka, 88, passed away on February 7, 2023. He was born to Oscar and Norma Lipka with a trumpet in his hand on August 18, 1934, in Cincinnati, OH. After graduating from Hughes HS, Ron served with the US Army 30th Field Band in Germany. He then attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, earning his bachelor's in music education in 1958. There he met and married the only love of his life, Sandra Jean Bernat, a marriage that lasted nearly 65 years, until her death in May 2022. He went on to receive a Master's of Music Education from the University of New Mexico. A music educator for over 60 years, Ron taught award-winning marching, concert and jazz bands at Pueblo Junior HS, Rio Grande HS and Eldorado HS, and NM Highlands University, finishing his career as Chairman of the Fine Arts Dept. at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, IA. An accomplished performer, Ron was a member of the New Mexico Symphony trumpet section for 19 years. In 1984, he received the Albuquerque Tribune "Distinguished Teacher" award. He also prioritized service, volunteering with the Musician's Union Local, the NM Music Educators Association, the Rio Grande Jazz Society, the Music Educator's National Conference, and the National Association of Jazz Educators. Upon retiring in Albuquerque, Ron continued to share his knowledge - mentoring local music teachers for ten years, conducting the New Horizons Band of Rio Rancho, the Albuquerque Concert Band. and the NM Jazz Workshop Adult Jazz Band; judging band competitions, writing articles and reviews for the Journal of the International Trumpet Guild, and serving as a guest clinician. Ron still practiced every day and performed well into his 87th year. He positively impacted thousands of students over his career, and received thanks and well wishes from former students all over the country throughout his life. He was an avid fly fisherman in the mountain streams of NM. When there was time, Ron and Sandra traveled the world looking for adventures, visiting China, Egypt, Italy, Greece, Russia, Moorea, and New Zealand.

Ron is survived by his sisters, Roberta Watson, and Paula Mason of Cincinnati, OH, son Tracey Lipka of Albuquerque; daughter Jori Smith and her husband Lee Smith of Albuquerque, granddaughters Elizabeth Johnson (and great-grandson, Lincoln) of Minneapolis, MN, Taren Smith of NY, NY and Olivia Smith of Austin, TX.

In memory of Ron, a joint concert by the Albuquerque Concert Band and the New Horizons Community Band on Sunday, April 2nd at 2:30pm will be followed by a memorial service at 4:15pm, at the Eldorado HS Performing Arts Center, 11300 Montgomery Blvd NE. Reception following. All friends and colleagues are invited to attend. Please visit our online guestbook for Ronald at

www.FrenchFunerals.com

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

Published by Albuquerque Journal on Mar. 19, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Lipka

4 Entries

Jeff Donohoe

April 2, 2023

Ron (Mr. Lipka) was my high school band director (1972-1976), and I actually have more stories about that than I could possibly place here, but one stands out for me personally.

I was a trumpet player, and as a 9th grader I passed the tryouts to play in the Senior jazz band (The Screamin Eagles). It was a big deal for me, as I was going to be the only 10th grader in that band. My dad threw a total hissy fit when he saw my 10th grade schedule, and he wouldn't allow me to take 2 band classes. Ron said that if he allowed me to play in Jazz band only... all of his senior trumpet players might want to do the same and quit the Concert Band (he couldn't Have That!)

My only alternative to play in the Screamin Eagles was to replace the bass player (Pat Daniels) who had died during the summer of 73. I bought his equipment from his parents, and had to learn bass Very quickly to keep up... I had never been a bass player up to that point, and I didn't read bass Clef, so I was flying by the seat of my pants. Ron gave me a certificate for free lessons with Hal Robinson, a young new teacher at a local music store. Hal talked me into going to UNM where he also taught... Hal went on to become the principal bassist in the Houston and Chicago Symphonies. Me? I never did get very good at sight reading music for bass, but I did learn a lot of other stuff and ended up making my living as a bass player for many years, and even as a senior citizen I am playing gigs monthly (still with one other Screamin Eagle).

So basically... Ron Lipka is pretty much responsible for nudging my entire life into a new and totally unexpected direction. In 1982 Three of us Screamin Eagles and another Eldorado Grad recorded an album as "Off The Wall". On the back we wrote " Special Thanks to Ron Lipka and his infamous Screamin Eagles for welding the rhythm section together, and for believing that we Really WERE reading those charts" I would like to thank Ron one more time on behalf of all of us! Godspeed Ron!

Darla J Powers-Bateman

April 1, 2023

Sure loved Mr.Lipka!! I played flute and he was always so wonderful to help, encourage or admonish to practice more!! Sympathies and love on his journey!! What a gem!!

Jeanne Grealish

March 19, 2023

Such happy memories of days with the old ABQ Symphony and its transition to NM Symphony where Ron was often a stabilizer. The entire music community will miss his gifts as teacher, performer, and person. He was a jewel!

Warren Frizell

March 19, 2023

Tracey and family. Sorry for the loss of your dad. I have fond memories of my several years of trumpet lessons with your dad back in the early 70's. He got the most out of my limited talent and instilled many life lessons that have served me well. Thinking of him and your family in this difficult time.

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