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William Ellett Obituary
When World War II began, he joined the Army Air Corps and was sent to the 390th air group in England as a B-17 ball turret gunner. He flew a full tour of 25 missions over Germany and was credited with shooting down three enemy aircraft. He then returned to the States and was sent to Seattle to be trained on the newer B-29 bomber when the war ended. He was awarded medals of Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, and Good Conduct.
Using his G I Bill, he attended Idaho State University, earning a BA in Music Education. His first music teaching job was Mackay, Idaho, where he established a new music program and his band gained early success in District and State Festivals.
He met and eventually married one of those music students, Mary Olsen of Darlington. They moved to Ely, Nevada, where he led the White Pine High School Band for 9 years and completed a Master of Science at Utah State University. Winning many district and state awards, the band was invited to represent Nevada at the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. During these years two children were born: William J. and Debra Anne.
In 1963 Bill was hired as band and orchestra teacher at Granite Hills High School in El Cajon, California. In 1966 Cynthia Kay was born. He transitioned from music to US History in 1971, and retired from teaching in 1988.
He enjoyed ocean fishing, camping, golf, Lake Powell with family, bike riding three times a week at the harbor, reading, maintaining a beautiful yard, and going to symphony concerts. Often with a cup of coffee in hand, he had a special ability to just sit and contemplate the world, to be in the moment.
Bill is mourned by Mary, wife of 69 years; son William J. (Kay), daughters Debra Anne Holland (Harry) and Cynthia Kay Winrow (Stephen); six grandchildren Eryn Torres, Erika Burkhart, Zachary Ellett, Nick Ellett, Cameron Winrow, and Bryce Winrow; and two great grand children Elya and Caleb Torres.
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John Patrick White
November 25, 2024
I was a shy high school junior when my family moved to Ely, Nevada in the early fall of 1956, and I became a proud member of the White Pine High School Band, playing clarinet, under the direction of Mr. Bill Ellett. I auditioned for a seat in the clarinet section and Mr. Ellett told me following my audition that of all the kids who had ever moved in, I was about the only one who was "worth a darn" which made me feel pretty elated. I was seated in fifth chair, behind some pretty incredible clarinetists. If there was ever a "band geek" I fit the description perfectly, where even putting on my uniform was almost a spiritual experience. It was the custom to bring in a famous performer to clinic the band each year and the famous trumpet player, Rafael Mendez, came that year as the clinician with us for three days, culminating in a memorable concert. Unfortunately, we had to move again and I had to leave that fine band. But that experience, only several months duration, made such an impact on me that I chose to become a music teacher, directing bands and orchestras in Missouri for a career that spanned 43 years. The fact that I still play clarinet, even now, at age 84, in the North Winds, a fine adult symphonic band in Kansas City, I credit to that wonderful experience of being in the White Pine High School Band under the direction of Mr. Bill Ellett.
Jesse Read
February 25, 2024
Jesse Read
February 25, 2024
Jesse Read
February 25, 2024
From my elementary school days at Ely Grade, I was meeting Mr. Ellett each Saturday morning in the WPHS band room for private oboe lessons. Bill taught me to make reeds, insisted that I learn vibrato, and was demanding about intonation and rhythm. I played sax on the side in the dance band, and sang in the choir, also under his direction. I switched to bassoon, continued lessons under his guidance. He took the marching band seriously, worked out complex maneuvers for half-time shows, I participating as Drum Major. He brought us to LA for the Music Educators National Conference convention, and produced demanding concert programs. He even offered music theory lessons before class several times per week which a few of us indulged in! I was delighted to find him a few years ago after an internet search which delivered an article from the San Diego newspaper about a young airman flying B17s over Europe. It mentioned that he was a retired band director, and that led me to him. My wife and I visited him and Mary a couple of years ago. He was 94 years old, sharp as a tack, and we had a great talk. His wife, Mary, a fine pianist, accompanied me through high school on festival performances. When I started the bassoon, it was at his suggestion that I attempt the Sonata by Paul Hindemith, and she played the difficult piano part. We were given high marks! I taught it to many students during my career, and always remember Ellett telling me about 1938, a terrible and important year in the prelude to the 2nd World War when it was written, how Hindemith had to leave Germany. My introduction to the holocaust. I have had a reasonably successful career in music, and owe a considerable debt to absolutely great teaching in those formative years. I send my condolences and fondest memories to family and friends. Jesse Read
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Jim Reed
January 30, 2024
I was drum major and played clarinet/saxophone in Mr. Ellett's band. He signed my White Pine yearbook: "Jim, you are one of the finest H.S. musicians I have ever known. Don't drop it now. Wm. Ellett." I haven't. Inspiring students is a teacher's most important function, and he certainly inspired me. I have never forgotten those kind words. He was a wonderful man and the most inspirational teacher I had from kindergarten through grad school. And he was a first-rate gentleman. Those of you in his family have been fortunate to enjoy his long and extraordinary life with him.
Richard Glass
January 29, 2024
Mr. Ellett was my band director at White Pine County High School in Ely, Nevada. That was many, many years ago. I'm grateful to have been in that band and grateful that he was the director. He was a no-nosense director, but that was what the band needed. And, what I needed on occasion. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace and travel well where ever his soul goes. -Richard Glass
Thomas Spethmann
December 15, 2023
It was a blessing to be part of the Granite Hills Band when he arrived. He was a fair and thoughtful director. His legacy overflows with a humble spirit and a kind manner.
Colleen Muelchi
November 15, 2023
Mr Ellett was my band director at Granite Hills High School. He was one of those special teachers that you never forget. I´ll always have a smile on my face whenever I think of Mr. Ellett.
Marilyn Morell
November 15, 2023
Bill was the Band director, and I was the Specialty Corps Advisor at G.H. We spent 2 hrs. every afternoon practicing for football half-time shows, parades, and Band competition. Bill was very patient, well organized, and knowledgeable. It was a pleasure to work with him. My husband Phil Morell, and I continued our friendship , camping, attending sporting, social events.
My condolences to Mary, and the family. Marilyn Morell
Colleen Muelchi
November 15, 2023
Mr. Ellett was my band director at Granite Hills High school. He was one of those special teachers that you never forget. I always have a smile on my face when I think of Mr. Ellett.
Jan Tobey
November 15, 2023
Mr. Ellett was my band director in high school and always remember smelling his pipe as he walked alongside the marching band. Always good memories of those years. What a long wonderful life.
Jan Tobey
Vicky Ponce
November 14, 2023
1964 freshman first day of band I knew Mr Ellett was a winner. Being in band was the greatest time of my life.
Celeste Drake
November 13, 2023
I´m so sorry for your loss. Although I never had Mr. Ellet as a teacher, I was on the yearbook staff with Cindy Kay.
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