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Henry Canitz Obituary
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Mike Knudsen
December 10, 2023
Another memory of Henry Canitz creativity -- Bantasia. One concert event that included the full concert band, brass choir, duets, trios, and quartets, and a Glenn Miller type big band. Something for everyone.
Mike Knudsen
December 10, 2022
Ahhh....that time of year again. My 50th class reunion was held just a few months too late. I was hoping to see him on my visit. Seeing this always brings back wonderful memories.
Mike Knudsen
December 10, 2020
He did things no one else would. We performed "1812" one year at WAC. He had liberty bells positioned all over the auditorium -- huge ones -- and, get this. A couple students in the hallways behind the stage firing real shotguns (blanks) into 55 gallons drums to simulate cannon fire!
Mike Knudsen
December 10, 2019
A quick memory -- one timeless saying of his was "Empty barrels make the most noise".
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Brad Zwieg
May 6, 2016
I'm sorry to hear of Mr. Canitz' passing. I was a student at Frank Lloyd Wright and in Pops Band. He was a great teacher and I still use what I learned from him to this day. His principles, discipline and "results not excuses" attitude applied to music and beyond.
Mike Knudsen
February 24, 2016
Mr. Canitz (I could never call him Henry) was my band director at West Allis Central, my trombone mentor, invited me to join the Milwaukee Pops, asked me to perform with God's Trombones, took my skill to a new level, and gave me an appreciation for music that is a part of every day of my life. I'm sure, wherever he is, it's in rehearsal. 'Goin' on'.
Brian Pagel
December 20, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Canitz' passing. He was one of the people who (along with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Pete Townshend) helped instill a love of music in me. Even though I was a pretty bad troublemaker in his band ( I was a drummer! C'mon!) I DID appreciate what he was doing for us students, and for the world. One of the "greats"!
Susan Schrager
December 20, 2015
Dear Audrey: May your many happy memories bring you comfort at this time. You were very kind to me, as a new nurse at Maryhill. With best wishes, Sue
Mike Rakowiecki
December 18, 2015
As many have said Henry was a one of those teachers that left a mark on my my life . So much so like many of his students I became a band director.
Playing in the Milwaukee Pops Youth band which he founded while teaching at Walker Jr, High in the late 50's. This band that had some of the best musicians ever to come out of the greater Milwaukee area was founded long before MYSO and GYME.
HIs summer band camps were a blast and thats where I learned what a great player he was.
Henry's legacy will live on though all the people he taught that have become teachers themselves. His life will impact generations to come.
Thanks. Mr. C. May god hold you in the palm of his hand.
December 18, 2015
Thank you for putting up with me.You taught me so,so much.Rest in peace my friend!
December 18, 2015
What a wonderful part Mr. Canitz played in my life! He helped me see what a joy playing the flute could be...I played well into adulthood. Thank you, Sir!
Michelle Seavers
jeff schneider
December 18, 2015
I first met Henry as a seventh grade music student at Frank Lloyd Wright in the early 80's. His motto "Results not excuses" certainly stuck with me. I later crossed paths with Henry as a member of the West Allis Suburban Concert Band.
It is a true testament to Henry's legacy as a teacher and musician that so many of his former students eventually became either teachers or professional musicians(Myself included).
Henry obviously loved music, but also talked about his family quite a bit. Whenever anyone had a conflict with a concert he would say "Family first".
I will always remember Henry as a friend first, and a great conductor/musician second.
May he enter into god's kingdom!
December 17, 2015
Although we only met Mr. Canitz one time, we know his love for music was past down to his children and grandchildren. May he rest in peace in the glory of the Lord.
Ken & Joan Herro
Charyl Howe Granatella
December 17, 2015
Mr. Canitz was a life forming part of my past. He is often referenced in my own music teaching. My condolences to Arlene and the whole family. With love.
December 17, 2015
We do remember the early days of trombone, college, music teaching and our family friendship. To Arlene and the family our best wishes for your strong rememberances of Henry. Len & Colleen Rose
Melanie Martino
December 17, 2015
Dear Canitz Families, so sorry for your loss. Henry was a kind and gentle soul. Our daughters (Julie & Jennifer) loved the pops band and summer camp with the Canitzs.
Jay Judkins
December 17, 2015
Dear Canitz Family- I am so sorry to hear of Henry's passing. He was a great man and a great band director. I have so many fond memories of playing trombone in band and especially jazz band. Also many lessons in the basement of the Canitz home with Henry and Hank Jr. Rest in Peace Mr. Canitz.
Daniel Canitz
December 16, 2015
Good man. Bright lights burn too soon.
Jack Granatella
December 16, 2015
So sorry to hear of Henry's passing. He was responsible for me pursuing a career in Music Education. I am forever grateful. Rest in peace.
Jack Granatella
Eileen Allen
December 16, 2015
Dear Canitz Family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. He was a wonderful, talented teacher. Heaven must have needed a band director.
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