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Richard Strange Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Richard Strange
Margaret Miles
March 12, 2010
I am so sorry to hear that doctor Strange passed away. My condolences to Mariana, Phil and Steve.
Doc and I both arrived at ASU the same year. He was my band teacher for five years. I now teach band in the public schools. I'll never forget the band performance where doc came in with a tuxedo on and his arm in a cast. Just hours before, he was in an accident riding his Vespa home from rehearsal. This didn't stop him! Dispite the obvious pain, he conducted the concert that evening - with one arm.
I learned so many things from this talented and dedicated musician - thank you doc.
Margaret Miles (formerly Diekelmann)
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Richard Hahn
February 4, 2010
I met Dr. Strange at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. He later sent me a collection of his articles. The study of his well constructed thoughts, and the brief conversational time he spent with me redefined my teaching. I can only imagine his impact on those who studied closely with him.
The music world has lost an icon but will be forever changed because of his generosity and artistry. My condolences to all of those he loved, and to those who loved him.
Alicia Martin
January 25, 2010
Doc,
It was an honor playing for you in the Tempe Symphony Orchestra and working with you as the Music Librarian for the Orchestra. It’s amazing to look back at all you’ve done through the years. Thank you for the wonderful stories and for sharing those precious moments with all of us at rehearsals each week! You were loved and will truly be missed by too many to mention...
My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time - his wife Marion and two sons Phil and Steve.
The music world has lost one of its best!!
Cindy (Sidak) Siems
January 17, 2010
Dear Marin, Phil, and Steve;
My heart breaks for you, and for the thousands of people (not all were considered musicians - such as me!) that doc touched through his life. His life is truely something to be celebrated. I have always had the highest respect and admiration for him. Your loss is truly felt by all of us!
January 16, 2010
Dick Strange was a serious and dedicated musician and teacher his entire life. He was a colleague and friend. Our condolences go out to Marion, Phil and Steve.
We are sorry that we cannot be at his memorial.
Chuck & Mary Ann Marohnic
Louisville, KY
Joe Lloyd
January 11, 2010
Doc was a sincere, precise and dedicated musician as well as being a truly good person. He was always willing to travel to my high school concert band rehearsals and would be critical as well as constructive in a terse and honest manner. We judged festivals together, he saved my conducting arm with simple and effective suggestions, literally chased me across the ASU campus when I had not signed my doctoral application in all the required spaces and was a great friend. Great memories!
I am sad that I cannot be there to personally convey my condolences to Marion, Phil and Steve. I assure you his words of wisdom have been and will be passed on and on to the many students we (the music educators of AZ) have conducted, counseled, judged and loved. He guided so many of us in the journey to understand and pass along the true JOY that music offers us all.
Tom Ziegler
January 10, 2010
Some of my fondest musical memories are of my years playing under Doc in the Tempe Symphony Orchestra. His musical knowledge and gentle way with an all volunteer community orchestra was wonderful. Many professional musicians and local musical educators chose to play in the Tempe Symphony because of Doc Strange. Rest in peace for you have touched many lives.
Michael Woltermann
January 5, 2010
I joined the orchestra after Dr. Strange had left, so I didn't know him personally, except for when he returned for the 50th anniversary concert. He was a truly dedicated musician, and I appreciated performing with him. I heard many positive things about him from other long time orchestra members.
My sympathies on your loss.
Cindy Franklin
January 3, 2010
I was marching with the Play It Again Band when I learned that Dr. Strange had died. I am so sorry that I did not know sooner. Richard Strange was a great man. He was a great friend to my father Al Davis and was a father and encourager to many people. His skill in encouraging musicians to be their best, while shaping them with kindness and respect is a skill to be admired. It is also something that will be remembered for a long time. His giving spirit and willingness to commit both his time and financial resources to help students is further evidence that Richard Strange was a man who cared about others. I will be contacting the family at a latter time as my computer skills are not the best. Take heart that God's promises are true and that this life is not the end.
Kathy Henderson-Essel
January 2, 2010
Doc was not only a gifted teacher and conductor he was also a wonderful patient and friend. He will be missed, and always in our thoughts and prayers.
The Music lives on with
"Sun Devil Pride."
The Henderson Family
Mark and Carol Mellis
December 29, 2009
Doc was definitely one of the biggest influences in my musical life. It was an honor being one of his students and playing under his skillful baton. Blessings to the family.
"Life is changed, not ended"
ASU Mark-1981; Carol-1984
Althea Thomas
December 29, 2009
Doc,
You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers for a long, long time. You were one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure to meet and work with. Your attention to musical detail and expressiveness humbles and inspires me. I feel so fortunate to have known you as a friend and a conductor. You will be missed.
Teri Mello
December 28, 2009
What a wonderful season playing under Doc's direction. His love of music and excellence touched all of us who played for him. I am thankful to have had 23 years enjoying music with a man who challenged us to give our best every time he struck a downbeat.
Anthony Ricchiuto
December 28, 2009
Doctor Strange was an outstanding director and teacher. I will always remember him as I utilize his instrumental music methods and continue to begin players of band instruments.
-Anthony Ricchiuto CMU 1966
Denise Miller
December 28, 2009
Doc,
May the music live on in the hearts and souls of the thousands whose lives you so gallantly touched. The final down-beat will be treasured forever...
Michelle Rank
December 27, 2009
Dr. Strange was a wonderful conductor to play for as his amazing insight into the subtle nuances of the scores genuinely enhanced each performance. I'll always remember the years in which I was a member of the Tempe Symphony as such a wonderful time in my life.
I have not found an orchestra with a conductor to be on par with Doc since having moved from Arizona. I can only imagine how many who will miss him; I know that I do.
David Buetzow
December 27, 2009
Dr. Strange's work in the music profession and the pursuit of excellence in music education has set the standard for all students he has touched over the many years of his teaching. As our high school symphonic band was rehearsing, "Valdres", last week, I had to take a moment to tell the band about playing that particular march in Carnegie Hall, NY in one of our memorable CMU Kiltie band concerts. He gave all of us many opportunities to come together and create fine music. You were a mentor, friend, and great man of character, and will be missed dearly by those whose lives you have touched.
Barbara Kemper Hois, ASU 1981
December 26, 2009
We have lost the world's greatest conductor! What a treat it was to see Dr. Strange in Pittsburgh last year, introduce him and Marian to my children, and hear the magic he brought to a guest conducting piece. I sat in awe at the incredible clarity he continued to give to this group as he did with every ensemble he stood before. Your wisdom and warmth will be missed.
Mary Jo Brogna Tenison-Willis
December 26, 2009
Dr. Strange will always be "Doc" to me. He was a true teacher and didn't tell us what to do but showed us how to be a great band director. I admire him as a musician, as a band director but also for the honorable, gentleman he always was.
Kate Hofland
December 26, 2009
Dr. Strange will be missed by many. He influenced my life at ASU and in the Tempe Symphony. Much of who I became as a musician was a result of Dr. Strange's influence. Thank you and rest in peace.
Anthony Simuel
December 26, 2009
I will miss doc very much. Although I wasn't around him as much after leaving ASU as I should have been, I still always talk of him fondly because he literally IS the reason I am in Arizona and have met so many of the wonderful friends I have today. Whenever anyone asks why I moved to Arizona, I say, because of Dr. Richard E. Strange.
I met Doc (and Phil) at Interlochen Music camp in Michigan. He impressed me so much with his unique way of conducting, and bringing a state full of musicians who had never played together in their lives and playing such beautiful pieces of music in one week's time. I figured that's where I need to go to school. He told me to 'cmon down, we have "heat" and scholarships. Two of my favorite words!!! So here I am.
I will always miss you (and our motorcycle rides) Doc, and my condolences to Phil, Steve and Mama Doc.
December 26, 2009
I had the distinct honor of starting the Tempe Symphony Orchestra with Dr. Strange when I was part of the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Tempe. How this group grew and became an integral part of the culture of the City of Tempe over the years!It ws always one of the many programs I supervised that I loved the most. When Dr. Strange left this earth we cannot say that it was the day the music died because the music he was part of will live on forever.
My condolences and comforting thoughts go out to his family.Phil, you and my daughter Ruth were friends when you were kids.She especially wants to send you her condolences as well.
Eva Vichules
Carlene Ruesenberg '81
December 26, 2009
My heartfelt condolences to Phil, Steve and Mrs. Strange. It took me years after graduating to appreciate the influence that Doc had on my musical career. I only wish I was able to share that with him. ASU and Tempe were blessed to have such a dedicated musician in their midst. He will be missed.
Karen Polak
December 25, 2009
I am sad that Doc is no longer with us. I first met him in 1980 when he heard me play trumpet while he was back in Pittsburgh guest conducting at CMU, although since my father was a band director, he knew him long before that time. Doc offered me a scholarship to ASU. It took a lot of thinking on my part about going to school so far away from home, but I finally decided to go. It was one of the most enjoyable periods of my life. Getting to play in the band under Doc's baton, and working for him as a band librarian started a friendship that has lasted through the years. My parents and I were able to see Doc and Marian from time to time when we traveled to Arizona. Most recently, Doc and Marian took us to the University Club for lunch in the Summer of 2008. Doc and I exchanged frequent emails about both music and politics. I will miss those exchanges with him, and I am happy that he was my friend and teacher. My family will keep Doc, Marian, Steve, Phil, and the rest of the family in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill Carson
December 25, 2009
I have many thoughts and memories of "Doc," beginning with him conducting the All-State Band at Interlochen in 1975. It was from him I learned how exacting a conductor could be about little details. Then, from 1988-1990, I had the honor of serving as one of his assistants and studying with him. The things I learned during those two years have certainly shaped who I am as a conductor and a conducting teacher. It was during that time that I also had the pleasure of getting to know him and Marian personally. They were always both so sweet to me and to my wife, Laura. It was as if we had family in Tempe.
There's not a rehearsal or a conducting class that I don't use something I learned from studying with and observing Dr. Strange. Even in non-conducting classes I use things I learned from him about writing, as he carefully guided and critiqued my dissertation as a tremendously supportive member of my committee. I will always remember his brilliance as a musician and teacher and his humility and kindness as a friend and mentor. He will be missed.
Dr. Strange earns the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor
December 25, 2009
Laura Hamlin
December 25, 2009
A true inspiration. Doc will always be someone I speak of with true and sincere admiration. One of the reasons I continue to teach junior high band is because of Doc. My thoughts and prayers and with the entire family.
Laura (Verdi) Hamlin
ASU School of Music. 1994
Dave Williams
December 25, 2009
My experiences in the Sun Devil Band program are memories and experiences I shall cherish forever. Dr. Strange always had a kind word for those-of-us entitled with more enthusiasm than aptitude and his urging to always perform at our highest level developed the hallmark of performance displayed in programs to date. I will always be grateful for his dedication to professionalism and musical integrity.
Ken Jaeger
December 25, 2009
Dr. Richard Strange, "Doc," to many of us, was one of my most influential teachers at ASU. He was probably the most musical conductor I ever played under. A teacher, collegue, mentor and friend, I will remember always the times we were able to just sit and talk about music, teaching and the people we knew at ASU. Doc will surely be remembered among the greatest Bandmasters of all time. My thoughts and prayers are with Marion and his family.
Ken Jaeger
ASU 1972
John DeFazio
December 25, 2009
Dr. Strange, a man I will never forget as a musician but also as a teacher and friend. I had the honor of having him as a band director and a teacher in my education classes. He taught me many things about bands and how to be an effective teacher. As a young band director starting out I would call him many times for advise to which he always took the time to talk to me. My fondest memories of him were performing in Carnegie Hall in York City, which he would always tell us, "You will always remember this the rest of your life." As a 1970 graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, I still think about those performances.
You will be sadly missed.
John DeFazio
Carnegie Mellon University (A70)
Mel Kessler CMU 1970
December 24, 2009
My first contact with Doc Strange was in 1964 with the CMU Honors Band. I followed that with summers in the CMU Pre-college Program and then 4 years there as a student. I learned so much from observing you as a conductor in those 6 years that influenced my conducting, and I never had a formal conducting lesson with you, "I was a trumpet preformance major".
I invited Dick, to conduct the Naval Academy Band in the Spring of 2006 and had an opportunity to observe this wonderful musician work with and mold professional musicians, I was once again in "awe". And to top it off I shared the stage with him as a conductor. I will always value the personal time we spent together on that weekend, an opportunity to be treated as an equal by a mentor.
Dick, you will be missed, not just by your family, but by the entire musical world. As we say in the Navy to a retiring or departed Shipmate, "Fair Winds and Following Seas" my friend. My deepest sympathy to the Strange family. Annapolis, Md
Toni Ryon
December 24, 2009
My teacher, my boss, my colleague, and my friend. When he first arrived at ASU in June 1974, I was a just-graduated high school senior attending summer music camp, playing in his symphonic band and Gene Lombardi's orchestra. Doc found me in the bandroom during lunch working on oboe reeds, and hired me as a librarian and office assistant for the Sun Devil Bands. I treasure every memory with he and Marian over the next 27 years, including band trips to CBDNA and MENC and Rose Bowls, ABA conventions, trying to sell band LPs in Sun Devil Stadium during a football game, playing in the Tempe Symphony, listening to his stories about Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon. He was always so enthusiastic about his research discoveries, always learning something new and fascinating, always trying to impart that excitement and enjoyment and sense of successful exploration to his students. And yes, Jim Maynard, first the Vespa, then the motorcycles he loved to ride, with Marian on the seat behind him. Remember the broken arm right before a concert? So now he can spend hours talking conducting and kibbitzing with Fred Fennell and John Paynter and Hugh McMillan and George Wilson and Bill Revelli and Mark Hindsley and Morton Gould, with ne'er an ensemble that ever needs tuning or an English horn who can't get a rhythm right on The Pines of the Appian Way. I will miss him and think of him every time I look at an ASU Band photo on my office wall. Phil, Yuki, and Steve -- you and Doc and Marian are all in my prayers.
Marcie Kneisley
December 24, 2009
Maestro: Master Musician & Teacher. Friend. Inspiration. I only had the honor of playing for you these few short years, but your music and friendship touched me deeply.
Your legacy will be many generations of fine music all over the world.
This truly great man will be sorely missed.
Jonathan Fincher
December 24, 2009
Doc, Thank you for "adopting" me and allowing me to continue my association with Sun Devil Bands through the transition from the Snapp/Miller era into yours. I enjoyed serving as a Band Aide and your Woodwinds and Conducting Graduate Courses were most enlightening.
Your life demonstrated that touching the lives of others through teaching is a noble calling. I hope my role with the very young in that same calling is, at least, a faint reflection of yours.
Marion & Phil, May you find comfort and peace through this time.
Travis Breedlove
December 24, 2009
The Heaven's just got a great conductor for the other angels, and a wonderful man. You'll be missed Doc
Billi Sue Allen
December 24, 2009
When I joined the Tempe Symphony Orchestra in 1981, I never imagined what an integral part of my life it would become. Playing violin under Doc's baton brought out an even greater appreciation for music and what it meant to be part of a group that seemed to rise to greater heights with each concert. Doc inspired me to play my heart out no matter how difficult the music. He was my conductor, my teacher, and my friend. Now he has journeyed out into the Cosmos and is no doubt playing a gig as we speak! To Marian, Phil, and Steve...I am so very sorry for your loss. What a remarkable man!
Doc, thank you for everything. I will continue to try and play my best! I raise my glass in your honor!
Mark Phillips
December 24, 2009
In addition to being a superior musician, leader and teacher, Doc will always be my model of dignity. It was a privilege to know him and to make music with him. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and all those who loved him, a number I would conservatively estimate in the thousands.
Mark Phillips, ASU 1983
December 24, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Strange family.
Molly (Ashby) and Darrell Kinder.
December 24, 2009
Doc: I still remember the day you came to town and drug the young guy right behind you. I had the privilege of knowing you and Coach and working with you for 29 years before you retired at ASU. I know that Maroon and Gold Honda Gullwing is there for you to ride for eternity. Rest in Peace. Jim Maynard
Robert Spring
December 23, 2009
Dick, you were my friend, colleague, mentor and collaborator. You are missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest in peace my friend.
Bob Spring
Heather Goodwin
December 23, 2009
Playing the Star-Spangled Banner in Sun Devil Stadium simply won't be the same again now that Doc has left us. We know that wherever he has gone, beautiful music will follow. We'll miss you Doc.
Rich Ripley
December 23, 2009
He was a great man.
Lindsay Ray
December 23, 2009
I didn't know Doc very well, for I'd only met him twice, but I got to love him almost as much as his Tempe Symphony Orchestra did through many of the player's love for him. I know that he had a genuine love for music and that will be passed down through everyone he taught and conducted. He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, Doc.
William Meldrum
December 23, 2009
There was no better than Richard Strange. He was everything I strive to be as a director. I can't believe that I will not hear his distinctive voice again. When I try to sound musically intelligent, I try to sound like Doc. As a percussionist, I remember learning to play just a little after his downbeat, to better blend with the delay of the winds.
In my first concert with Doc, we performed "Armenain Dances". I remember making at mistake in the piece, but I chalked it up to freshman nerves. Well that recording is the one that we used for conducting class, so I had to listen to it 100 times. (Yes.... Doc students, the Bass Drum Mistake was me)
I also remember that he would not let us pass the transposition test without a 100%. And he had the little phrase that we HAD to use when transposing.
A few Doc stories. I could write all night. I will miss him.
Nancy Clauter
December 23, 2009
Doc, you spoiled me. There have been so few conductors who understood music at the depth of wisdom you had. I have so many wonderful memories of your rehearsals and performances. May your family have many wonderful memories to cling to and find comfort knowing your imprint has been left on many musicians around the globe. Rest in peace. Your life was a gift to many.
December 23, 2009
Dear Marian, Phil and Steve,
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. I was a bassoonist in Doc's Symphonic Band at ASU from 1985 to 1993, and I subbed frequently in the Tempe Symphony. I was also in the band at Tempe High School when Doc guest conducted us at the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Festival in Chicago in 1984. I have many, many fond memories of Doc from my years of him looking at our section over the rim of his glasses. He taught me so much about music and was very tolerant of my goofing around. I will miss him tremendously. I am so sorry for your loss. The world has lost a wise, kind man. -- Annette (Robinson) Kitts
Cecelia
December 23, 2009
Thank you for being a friend to my son, Tony
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