Lynn E. Klock

Lynn E. Klock

Amherst, MA - Lynn E. Klock, age 75, of Amherst, MA, died unexpectedly in August of heart failure. He was Professor of Saxophone at the University of Massachusetts from 1980 until his retirement in 2014. He was also the saxophonist and former bass clarinetist with the Springfield Symphony Orchestra. He gave his Carnegie Recital Hall debut in 1978 and was a frequent guest artist and clinician across the US and abroad. His recordings include both standard works for the classical saxophone and some of the nearly 100 compositions written for him.

Born in Toledo, OH, Lynn grew up on the family farm in Riga, MI. Thanks to his parents' support, he attended the National Music Camp at Interlochen, MI. From there, he won a scholarship to attend the Interlochen Arts Academy for his final year of high school. He went on to the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Music. He paid his way through school playing in dance bands and pit orchestras, and teaching private students, including at Olivet College (MI) and the University of Toledo (OH).

Lynn was a consummate performer and an eager musical collaborator. He was a demanding but generous teacher and mentor, and the head of a loving family. He was also an avid golfer, an enthusiastic model railroader, and always a farm boy at heart. He made friends easily and is remembered for his welcoming smile, his positive warmth, and his genuine kindness.

Lynn leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Laura Campbell Klock, their daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne Klock and Alfredo Romero, their son and daughter-in-law, Benjamin Klock and Kiah McAndrew-Davis, and grandchildren Aylen, Lola Mae, Shepherd, and Dylan. He also leaves his sister, Sharon Barendreght and family, his brother-in-law, Robert Campbell and family, and his sister-in-law, Harriet Renee Campbell, along with cousins and their families and friends across the U.S. and beyond.

Lynn and Laura attended Grace Episcopal Church in Amherst, MA, where Lynn was a member of the Finance Committee and assisted with projects of the church's Haiti Ministry. Friends and family are cordially invited to a Celebration of Life at Grace Church on June 27, 2026 at 1:00 pm.

In remembrance of Lynn, contributions may be made to The Klock Saxophone Studio Fund at UMass https://minutefund.uma-foundation.org/project/35762/donate?amount=0&fund_id=KLOCK%20SAX%20FUND or to The Haiti Ministry of Grace Church, Amherst, MA, supporting St. Matthew's School in rural Haiti at www.gracechurchamherst.org

Cremation services were handled by Casper Funeral Services. A longer tribute and guestbook can be found at https://www.currentobituary.com/member/obit/296327