John Henry Kreitler

I went to school with John-both Milwaukie HS and Lewis & Clark College. I had lost track of him over the years, but a recent L&C "Journal" carried a notice of his passing. So, in looking for more information, I found the album "Christmas Peace" on "Tidal" streaming music service. It is excellent and means a lot to me to have discovered it at this time of year.

Jerome Hertel MHS Class of '64; L&C College Class of '68

John Henry was instrumental in furthering my vocal career. I could not read musical scores, but he had an appreciation for my voice abilities and provided me with much work at RTG. I sang with Patsy on many sessions. All the musicians and vocalists who worked with John had great respect for his talent and kindness. I feel blessed to have been a part of his work. He will be greatly missed.

John was instrumental in furthering my career as a vocalist. Although I didn't read musical scores, he had faith in the quality of my voice to provide me with work at RTG. I sang with Patsy on many sessions. It was a magical time working with so many talented people who became friends. Everyone who knew John Henry loved and respected his amazing talent and kindness He will be greatly missed.

John was a gifted producer and composer who allowed me the opportunity and joy of singing jingles for him at Radio Theatre Group such as, "We are the Ones" for an international Proctor and Gamble meeting, Ace Hardware and Skyline Chili. His desire for recording excellence brought so many talented singers and musicians together who developed lifetime friendships. It was an honor to work for him and to watch him achieve so much. Patsy, you and your beautiful family are in my thoughts and prayers!

I founded Virtuosos de Camara in Puerto Vallarta with John, featuring chamber works that John composed for us from 2019 - 2023. With the exception of 'The Road Taken' (which has not yet been performed but was thoroughly rehearsed at John's condo in Mismaloya with his beloved wife Patsy on bongos with string trio and vocalist), all performances of John's chamber music are available to view on our Virtuosos de Camara website that John expertly created and curated.

An abundance of substantial music was created as a result of the synergy between local and guest musicians and John. Now it is our honor to reprise and represent his compositions in other geographies beyond Puerto Vallarta and San Pancho in the seasons ahead. John was prescient in his musical and programming tastes and expertly guided us in crafting well balanced programs with the flow of the music and audience preferences always in consideration.

I am grateful for the overlapping years and concerts that we produced a nd presented. I last saw John for lunch at Cafe Dante in June 2023, meeting with jazz pianist Roberto Mora to brainstorm our 2024 series and branch out into jazz and other styles. John was a formidable partner and collaborator, forever in sync with intention and process at each juncture. His presence amongst us is greatly missed.

I am planning to attend the world premiere of his Second Symphony in Cincinnati on August 10, 2024 to honor his memory and final musical creation.

With all best wishes to all who were fortunate to know and love John,

Karen Bentley Pollick