About
Anthony Dyer Obituary
Anthony completed his undergraduate degree in music performance at Cal State Northridge and earned graduate music degrees at the Hartt School of Music and the University of Oregon. He settled in Oregon, first in Eugene and later, Portland. He was a member of the Eugene Symphony Orchestra and had a thriving private violin studio. He also taught violin and viola at Portland's Community Music Center.
In addition to music, Anthony flourished in the Capoeira community. He was a Contra Mestre, the first step to becoming a Mestre or Master, often traveling to support others at festivals and celebrations. Anthony formed lifelong friendships with other players who surrounded him with joy and a sense of family. He relished their company and looked forward to more trips to Brazil, the birthplace of this martial arts practice.
Anthony is survived by his oldest sister, Cheryle D. Kelley (Scott) of Princeville, Hawaii; his nephew, Owen Kelley (Hannah Nestler) and grandnephews Miles and Theo of Cambridge, Mass; and his niece, Dana Kelley, of New York, NY.
He will forever be remembered as a loving, warm and engaging brother, uncle and friend. He left us much too soon.
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Beverly Effinger
June 5, 2024
Anthony was a dear friend when I'd lived in the Pacific Northwest-- we were companions in Martial Arts, but I'd also created some wonderful portraits of him, doing my own rehearsals for drawing composer Arvo Part for Oregon Bach Festival. Anthony would come to my studio with his violin and rehearse (using my second easel as a music stand!), and some of the drawings I'd created of him in these informal sessions were so wonderful, so very much him. Vibrant. And forever fresh. Like the friendship we'd shared.
Matt Svoboda
September 19, 2023
I remember you, Anthony, for your warmth and generosity of spirit. It was always nice to see you whenever our paths crossed. Rest in peace. You will be missed.
Eric Gault
August 20, 2023
This is very sad news. Anthony and I were part of a close-knit group of friends in grad school. His laugh was infectious as was his decency and his peaceful nature. He leaves far, far too soon. I am lucky to have known him.
Haig Movsesian
August 16, 2023
Anthony, a kind and genuine soul. We became friends playing Violin at Thomas Starr King Jr High and later finished at John Marshall High. I'm sorry to use the past tense when speaking about my friend. May your path across be easy and light my brother.
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Christine Yun
August 16, 2023
I am so sorry to hear about Anthony´s death. Both of my children studied violin with him at Community Music Center, and he was an engaging and fun teacher for them. Our family will miss him.
Aria Lee-Varan
August 9, 2023
Anthony was an incredible violin teacher and mentor. I studied with him for 4 years and had the honor of learning under his kind instruction and beautiful playing. Thank you for inspiring and nurturing my love of music Anthony
Community Music Center
July 31, 2023
The Community Music Center will have an informal gathering to honor the late CMC instructor Anthony Dyer on Friday, August 11 at 11 am, in the CMC auditorium (3350 SE Francis Street).
Due to limited space, please RSVP online at least a day prior to the event, and kindly indicate whether you will attend in person or remotely.
RSVP here: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/26b42f57d2af492191f2faa8d76a7285
Carson (Beriba) Rutherford
July 11, 2023
Anthony (also known as Tatu Bola in Capoeira circles) was an old friend and dear brother. I practiced capoeira with Anthony for nearly 7 years in Portland OR and during some of this time I was lucky to live with him at his home in NE Portland. I am heartbroken to hear of his passing. Anthony was something special, we shared many deep discussions on philosophy and the experience of life, the depth of which was only equaled by intense bouts of laughter, sometimes over a good pour of Sake. We sang together, trained together, got strong together. Anthony was tough as nails and smooth as silk. He will be missed by many and was a true example of an amazing human being. Eu sentirei sua falta meu irmao, muito obrigado por tudo que você deu ao mundo. (I will miss you my brother, thank you for everything you gave to the world)
Shira
June 26, 2023
So sorry and missing you. Thanks for all the music, especially my Masters Recital. The Eugene Symphony isn't the same without you.
Jill Palamountain
June 15, 2023
Jill Palamountain
June 15, 2023
Jill Palamountain
June 15, 2023
Jill Palamountain
June 15, 2023
We are so saddened to hear this news. Anthony was my son's violin teacher and our friend for many years. Sorry to say we lost touch after awhile and didn't know Anthony was having health issues. He was a special person. So kind. He had a way with his young students, gentle but firm. He left us too early. Rest in peace, dear Anthony.
J. Robert Moore
June 12, 2023
To Anthony's Family. I played oboe with the Eugene Symphony when Anthony came to the University of Oregon.
Anthony also played with the orchestra, so I knew him for several years as a friend.
He was a remarkable young man; really affable and kind who was a very accomplished violinist. A wonderful sense of humor!
I regret that we had not been in touch for several years, as I no longer play with the orchestra, but I have thought of him with much affection a number of times.
I regret that I didn't know sooner of his illness. I will always miss him. My heartfelt condolences to you all.
Sincerely yours,
Dr. J. Robert Moore
Emeritus Professor of Music
University of Oregon
Eugene
Amy Jo Butler
June 10, 2023
Anthony will be missed but his love of music and sharing that love to students and audiences will live on. He was a friend to me in ESO. Thank you for all you shared, Anthony!
Daniel Reyes Llinas
June 8, 2023
I was honor to work with Anthony for the last couple of years at Community Music Center. I was immediately impressed by his sound and extraordinary musicianship. I am grateful that Anthony opened his heart to be my friend while listening to music, talking about life, sharing meals, and playing with his cat Kiki. The world misses you. Obrigado meu amigo.
Betsy McClellan Hall
June 8, 2023
I remember Anthony and I had similarities, such as being short, short of breath and dry skin. I imagine that as he grew, he was like his dad. Always a gentleman, he would insist others go first, be soft-spoken, be of service. I'm so happy to learn that the Suzuki lessons and recitals we started as children helped define his life, and I'm sure his teachings in adulthood. Our family's friendship with the Dyers has always meant a great deal to us.
Rosemary Erb
June 6, 2023
Anthony was a kind and sensitive man and an excellent violinist. I had the pleasure of being a stand partner with him several times in the Eugene Symphony. He had a great sense of humor and a wonderful laugh. He will certainly be missed. My condolences to the family.
Winston Naka Piohia
June 5, 2023
I, like many of you, knew Anthony at an early age. Growing up in the music world learning to play instruments and spending countless hours in the orchestra room. He was a kind and gentle spirit. The world is a better place because he shared his gifts with everyone he met. One of a Kind. He will be sorely missed.
Bill McClellan
June 4, 2023
I think I met Anthony when we were very young, about 6 or 7; as I recall we crossed paths at violin lessons as we learned the Suzuki method from the same teacher. I switched to cello, while Anthony continued to make his violin sing. We continued in orchestras in elementary, junior high, and high school. We camped and hiked and learned together in boy scouts, just as our sisters were doing in girl scouts. Anthony had a great heart, and put his heart into everything he did. I will miss him.
Christoni PJ
June 4, 2023
I think I met Anthony in the second grade...I admired him greatly due to his amazing musical talent in playing the violin. He was my first tast of the violin! I've always remembered him and I'll never forget him. He was taken far too soon. Rest now Anthony.
Susan Smith Lindsey
June 4, 2023
I went to elementary and high school with Anthony. I can still remember watching him play violin in elementary school, the expression on his face, his body posture and the beautiful sounds - probably why the violin is my favorite instrument to listen to. Godspeed, Anthony. May your memory be a blessing.
Ketzia and Isaac
June 3, 2023
Anthony was a wonderful violin teacher and mentor to my son for several years, and we will always remember him as a kind, bright man who was full of life. Anthony you will be so missed. Ketzia and Isaac
Ketzia and Isaac
June 3, 2023
Anthony was a wonderful violin teacher and mentor to my son for several years, and we will always remember him as a kind, bright man who was full of life. Anthony you will be so missed. Ketzia and Isaac
Michelle Rahn
June 3, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear this news. Anthony was a wonderful person and I enjoyed driving to gigs with him. He was easy for me to be around and was thoughtful and wise. He will be missed.
Kathy Schroeder
June 3, 2023
Thank you for your years of service to students, other faculty and all the families at the Community Music Center. You put `community´ in the Center! Your talent and dedication to the study and performance of music helped make the Center what it is today.
Landra Glover
June 3, 2023
I'm so sad and torn. How will I tell my son that you have transitioned. I trust that you are at peace. I thank you for being an example to my young black king. For the words and the lessons. You gave until you couldn't. May God and the ancestors welcome you. May your family know that you were appreciated.
Ted Bryan
June 2, 2023
I´d known Anthony most of my life, from when my parents would bring me to gigs they played with him. Later I worked with him at the Community Music Center. He was always a pleasure to chat with, warm and funny and kind. He will be missed and I´m sure his memory is cherished by all who knew him.
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