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Bertil Herbert Kempe

1923 - 2015

BORN

1923

DIED

2015

About

Northwestern University

Bertil Kempe Obituary

Herbert Bertil Herbert (Bert) Kempe joined that great Dixieland band in Heaven on April 12, 2015 at the age of 92. Music and family were his life. He taught in Atlanta Public Schools as Music Director at Brown, Lakeshore and Briarwood High Schools. Bert imparted his love of music to multitudes of students over the years. Born in Chicago Heights, IL in 1923, the son of Swedish immigrant parents, Bert served in the US Coast Guard as a member of the Tars and Spars Touring Band during WWII and later received a Masters Degree in Music from Northwestern University. He was a regular on the music scene in Atlanta, and performed in many venues over the years. He was an officer with the Atlanta Musicians Union, and performed on the Snookie Lanson variety show in the 1960's. As was the requirement of music majors at the time, Bert was proficient on every instrument. His love of music was infectious, and his annual Fourth of July parades in College Park were legendary. He was one of five loving siblings. Throughout the years, every Kempe gathering included music and laughter. He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Ellen Kempe, sisters Inga Kempe Thoeming (Henry) and Helen Kempe Seidleman (Otto), brother Harold Kempe (Darlene), and daughter Pamela Kempe Stroyan. He leaves behind daughter Susan Kempe Cowart (Doug), son Bruce Frederick Kempe (Beth), son-in-law David Stroyan, nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. A celebration of Bert's life will be held at sunset on Friday, April 17th, at the Bilmar Resort in Treasure Island, FL where Bert performed in the Suncoast Dixieland band for 8 years. This will be a social occasion for friends and family, filled with music and laughter, as he requested. Anyone in the area is invited. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's Drug Development Foundation. http://www.alzdiscovery.org/donate

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

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Apr. 16, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Bertil Kempe

15 Entries

Brenda Howse

January 5, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person.
He was my music director and band director in the 1970s at Briarwood High School in East Point.
He was always kind and encouraging.
I send my sympathy and prayers to his loved ones.

April 10, 2019

I am remembering Mr. Kempe as I read his obituary again. He was Band Director at Brown High in Atlanta. He helped me so much. I had always loved music and he taught me to play several instruments. Because of his extra work I went from a fair saxophone player to section leader. I have wished many times I could tell him how much he did for me. Someday I hope to see him again.

Your family has lost a good and caring man. My sincere sympathy for your loss.

Andrea King Burnett

Favorite Teacher

Chuckie Price

December 19, 2016

I think of mr kempe all the time. I became a pro. drummer, toured and made records. I also became an interntional comedian (award winning) because HE said i could.

connie schleusner

January 22, 2016

I just noticed this on line, i have good memories of Bert. We worked together in the early 80's at a local printer. My husband and I helped build his log cabin up in Crabapple. I thought of him yesterday as i passed by his old house on Hwy. 92. He was a fun person and enjoyed the time we spent with him. Haven't spoken to him in years and was sad to hear of his passing but he lived a long full life.

Jim Harber

April 17, 2015

My sincere condolences to the family of a real musician. I was in his homeroom 57/61 @ BHS in Atlanta. I attended a company Christmas party in 1966 @ the Officers Club @ Ft Mac. To my pleasant surprise, he was in the Jazz Band providing entertainment and he recognized me during their break. Moments to remember. RIP

April 16, 2015

Mr. Kempe was a major part of my teenage years. I played French horn from the 8th grade and was a majorette then drum major. He taught me so much, I can't hear classic or marching music without thinking of him. I also did baton lessons for his girls. I'll always remember this kind, compassionate man. Maybe one day I'll join him and we'll share music. God bless, Diane Nix McDonald...1957 thru 1961

James Hayes

April 16, 2015

I was just thinking of Mr Kempe a few days ago. I knew he was from Illinois. He gave me private alto sax lessons in his basement around '60, just before high school. He had a shortwave radio he was quite proud of! Always humorous & good natured (unless you weren't trying!) he was fun to be around. Especially in band practice. He left around '60 and another director tried to take his place. I know his family, friends & students will remember him fondly for good cause. R.I.P. Mr Kempe, you deserve it. Dick Hayes (James R Hayes Jr)

April 16, 2015

I remember Mr. Kempe from his days at Briarwood High School in East Point, Ga. (I was in the Class of 1977) - he was not only wonderfully talented and knowledgeable, but extremely likeable and kind to all of us - I have remembered him fondly over the years, and am deeply saddened to hear of his passing - God bless you, Mr. Kempe - you were a great influence on all of your students, and will ALWAYS be a bright light in our memories...............Thomas Mallory Evans BHS 1977

C Richardson

April 16, 2015

As you celebrate a life well-lived, ( 90+ ), may your hearts be filled with loving memories of the happy times you shared together. ( Psalm 90 : 10 )

Jerry Myer Jackson Jr.

April 16, 2015

A good, very good and kind man. Rest in Peace Bert Kempe !

Wendy Bing

April 16, 2015

Wonderful teacher at Brown High School. He was a kind and good man who loved music.

Willa Harden Brownlee

April 16, 2015

Bert was my home room teacher and band director from fall of 1957 to graduation in 1961. He inspired a love of music, teamwork and comraderie. I wish I could thank him in person.

April 16, 2015

Mr Kempe was my band director at Brown High. He was a great teacher and band director. I am so sorry to hear about his health problems. My sincere condolences to his family.
Andrea King Burnett

April 16, 2015

My sincere condolences go out to the Kempe family and close friends. May the hope found in Gods' word out weigh the grief you feel. 1 Thessalonians 4:13, 14

Dick Donovan

April 16, 2015

I played in the band at Brown after Bert Kempe taught me to play the bb flat Tuba. He was an outstanding teacher and mentor. I called him just a few years ago in Florida, and although I did not expect him to remember me, his first question when I told him I had played for him at Brown, was "Did you practice today?" He told me he went over to a nearby rest home "to play for the old folks" and I laughed because I remembered celebrating his 40th birthday when I was a student in the early 60s and knew he was in his eighties even then. Dick Donovan

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