Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Geoffrey Steven Tyus

About

Ohio State University

Geoffrey Tyus Obituary

TYUS Geoffrey Steven Tyus, died on October 7, 2007, in Naples, FL after a long battle with emphysema. Born January 19, 1943, in Columbus, OH, Geoff flirted with the piano at a young age and later studied under world re-knowned classical pianist and OSU professor, the late Richard Tetley-Kardos. Legendary throughout the country for his mesmerizing piano style and beautiful compositions, he was perhaps even more accomplished as a classical pianist. Many musicians have been influenced by his love for and mastery of his instrument. His legacy will live on in his body of work. Geoff was predeceased by his parents Carter and Alice (Stewart) Tyus, sisters Patricia Reeves, Johanna and Paula Tyus, brothers Joseph and David Tyus and nephew David. He is survived by children, Lisa Tyus-Lee (Craig Lee), Kathryn Tyus Adair (Johnathan Adair), Jeffrey Downing, and Martine Tyus; grandchildren, Kathryn and Brennan Lee, Rhys and Ailey Adair, and Abby, Seth and Evan Downing; nieces and nephews, Melanie Williams, Geoffrey and Ervin Reeves, Joy and Michael Tyus, and, Sabrina Tyus; many beloved cousins, family and special friends. Cremation services were provided by The Beachwood Society, Naples, FL. A musical tribute is being organized. "Sign the online guestbook at www.dispatch.com/obituaries"

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

Published by The Columbus Dispatch on Oct. 13, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Geoffrey Tyus

22 Entries

Ken & Roe Backmon

January 26, 2008

Lisa & Kathryn
We were sadden to learn of Geoffrey death. He was a good friend and great person.

Allen Head

November 27, 2007

Another jazz giant gone too soon. Will miss you Geoff.

Allen E. Head
Past President Columbus Jazz Society

Robert Henton

November 22, 2007

Lisa Tyus-Lee and Kathryn Tyus Adair,
My sincere condolences on the loss of your father. I have fond memories of him playing piano for the Deshler students. As you know, he was a great man and musician.

Lindell Heard

November 18, 2007

Lisa and Kathryn,
I was so sorry to hear about your father. The news took me back to those long ago days at CSG and on Miller Avenue. May your many happy memories sustain you and bring you comfort in this diificult time. Lindell Heard

Chris Dawkins

November 16, 2007

Geoff, you‘re the quiet genius who got attention by what you did, not by acting pretentious. You developed the “slight edge” by doing what others wouldn’t. The dedication to, not only learn your craft, but mastered it late in life is incredible in itself.

You’ve made your mark, left a legacy and inspired many.

You were GREAT! The world may not have known it, but those who did, knew you were something special and appreciated your talents!

Gone too soon!

We love you ‘bro!

Daniel Koehler

November 1, 2007

Geoff I miss you every day, and many times a day. I miss your company at the Bob Evans Restaurant we ate at a couple times a week, and a few other favorite places, and the fun we had like when you talked about your Bentley Hunter Green Car that you wanted, or when you wanted that motor cycle and talked me in to getting a license with you at the last minute, so I agreed and then I flunked it. But you made me take it until I passed it. I guess I should have studied first eh? You always made me laugh and when I asked you about the thing that you considered your gift was (expecting you to say playing the piano) but you said you have the gift of laughter. I knew that was very true because we had such good times together and you were always humble. You didn’t care to be called Dr Tyus but just my friend. The plans we made and the dream we shared seem to end too fast, and I want you to save a ride in that Bentley for me in heaven when I get there. Thank you for trusting me with your music and I will make sure it lives on and on. Thank you to for putting your last song on disk for me “Tyus Adagio” I play it often and what a master piece! If I categorized your music in a sentence it, would have to be that the name always seem to fit the music, and there is so much feeling connected with each note that is played that you can be taken up in the moment and almost feel what you may have felt when you created it. Daniel Koehler Naples Piano Company Naples Florida

constance corbin tyus downing

October 31, 2007

not a day has gone by,
without beauty in it, geoff,
because the children you gave us.
some days had the challenges or concerns,
but all had the swelling of gratitude and love,
that our paths were connected forever,
with the futures we began,
really, not that long ago.

as eternal goodness takes over for you,
with humble kindness from those,
that you love and love you,
pain shifts to comfort,
and hopes too many to contain.
beauty has to go with you now,
but, oh! how we thank you-
the beauty you left to remain!

thank you geoff, our love, my love,
connie.
may god's divine mercy be with you and all of yours.

Jazzmary Mary Daniels

October 28, 2007

You will be missed! Always had a good piece of advice for me whenever you dropped by my gigs. A generous spirit that is making music for the ages.

Joanne Burgess (Joanie) Frye

October 19, 2007

Sleep in peace o noble one.
We preformed many times together, you at the piano and me standing in the curve of the piano as I sung the Avia Maria by Joann Sebastian Bach.I know you are in a better place.Take your rest friend.
Joanne Burgess-Frye

James Elliott

October 19, 2007

The world has lost another gentle Giant called to join the Celestial orchestra,along with the many musicians who I have admired who are no longer with us:Ted Turner, Hank Marr, Michael Frazier, Rusty Bryant,Billy Brown and my good friend Geoff Tyus just to name a few. I am blessed to have the opportunity to play music with such an excellent pianist rest and thanks for sharing with me your musical spirit.
James (smooth) Elliott Drummer

Margaret Carpenter Delfino

October 19, 2007

I was so saddened to hear of Geoff's death. Geoff, unselfishly, helped "inexperienced" me get my start in music. My music teacher, Michelle Horsefield, referred me to Geoff who allowed me to sing with him when he played private parties in 1975. He gave me a lot of confidence, and helped me as I began my singing career. I will never forget him and his generosity. What would the world be like without people like him who help struggling musicians? God bless him and his family.

Kathryn Tyus-Adair

October 19, 2007

To all of Dad's and our friends and family -- The memories and kind words you've expressed here mean so much to us. Thank you.

Kathryn Tyus-Adair

Venice Sherman

October 18, 2007

May Geoff Tyus rest in peace. As a dancer, I loved his music and was inspired to choreograph a dance to one of his selections for Miami University's Dance Theatre in my senior year. He will be missed. To the family - cherish the memories and his legacy.

G. Steve Taylor

October 16, 2007

Rest well from you labors. There are many musicians who I have admired who are no longer with us:Ted Turner, Hank Marr, Michael Frazier, Rusty Bryant, Alma Porter Terrell, Geoff Tyus just to name a few. We are challenged everyday to keep up the music traditions started by these giants. God seems to be getting started a massive big band and choir. I pray I'm good enough to make the cut. Your music will be missed.

Jeff Poole

October 16, 2007

I am saddened by the passing of a great friend and fantastic pianist. I worked with you at Coyle Music and at the beginning of Tyusco. You taught me volumes about producing and marketing my own music. I will be forever grateful for the knowledge you passed on to me and for your friendship. Rest now, my friend.

Rev. Ronnie White, D.Min., PhD

October 15, 2007

I am saddened to learn of Geoffrey's passing but I know he is in a better place. I, too, remember the days of learning to play the piano taking lessons at the Vincent Walters Music Academy wishing one day I could play like Geoffrey. His love of music and gift to share his love will be missed. I look forward to the heavenly reunion when we will all be together again. My heartful prayers are lifted for his family.

Liz Pierce Doyle

October 15, 2007

I was so saddened to read about Geoff's passing. He was a wonderful friend for many years. I remember the very first time I met him. I was 18 or 19 and he was playing with Jeff D'Angelo over at Positively 4th Street. Since that day, we stayed close friends. He was my piano teacher for many years and his gift to me at my wedding was to play the entire night at my reception. I have nothing but the fondest memories of Geoff and my love and prayers go out to his family.

Arnett Howard

October 15, 2007

Tyusco, you were, are and will continue to be Da' Man. Part of a line of oak trees of men; strong, proud, with far reaching roots, deeply embedded, sucking nourishment from the original stream of Joplin, Eubie, James P., Duke, Tatum, Peterson, Powell, Taylor, Tyner, and Zawinul.
Like our father, Hank Marr, you lived the keyboard and have left us a legacy of music for the ages that will take decades for us, your loved ones, to absorb. Thanks for setting the bar so high.
We will keep you with us.

Rachelle White

October 15, 2007

My heart grieves with the family. I met Geoff when I was 12 years old when he was taking piano lessons from Vincent Walters. I loved hearing him play and talking to him about music. He was also my teacher, always willing to give me suggestions and encouragement. I'm still playing the piano and think of him often. His presence will be greatly missed, but every time I touch the piano, I'll think of him.

Suzette Thomas

October 13, 2007

I am so sorry to hear about Geoffrey. He was my other big brother when I was growing up. In fact he and I talked about 3 months
ago and we talked and reminisced like no years had gone by. I truly loved him like a little sister and I will always cherish our relationship. He was such a gifted pianist and he and I both took lessons from Vincent Walters. My sympathies goes out to Lisa and Kathryn and baby daughter as well as other family members. My brother Jan Lewis and our family share in your sorrow. Love and Prayers. Sincerily, Suzette Thomas
Called "Suzie" affectionately by Geoffrey.

Don and Judy Ottney

October 13, 2007

We were saddened to see Geoffs obituary in the paper. My husband and I have fond memories of Geoff as he played for us at the Hyatt on Capital Square in Columbus, Ohio on one of our first dates and serenaded us with his beautiful song "Keep me with You". That has been our song ever since and Geoff was to play at our wedding but could not due to a commitment he was not able to change. He was a beautiful man and his musical contribution to the world will not be forgotten. I have his Cd's and even and "album" and will cherish them always..... Our condolences to his family.

Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results