Gary Sage

GARY SAGE 1941 -2004 Gary Sage, born in Carmel and who was considered by many locally and abroad to be the foremost piano restorer in the country if not worldwide died this last week peaceably of an illness he struggled with many years. His parents, A. Lee Sage and Emma Joanne Sage, along with Jake Stock, were an integral part of the foundation of world famous Monterey Jazz. Many people did not realize that Gary was one of the finest stride jazz pianist of our generation. He often played the local festivals packing the audience to the walls. Gary was considered in his field to not be merely gifted, but a true genius. He was most definitely a prodigy tuning for the Carmel Bach Festival for over 25 years beginning at the age of 14. Steinway and Sons the world's most prestigious piano company would often call Gary for advice on piano building. He was one of the few craftsmen left who actually knew the mavericks in the field of piano building. Alfred Knight of Knight Pianos, London England heard the rumors of this young man building and restoring and flew here just to observe his techniques. Much much more can be said about this remarkable man. Many articles have previously appeared in the Monterey Herald and Gary has been featured on T. V. once with his 2 year old son playing a player organ in his legendary instrument museum housed once in Monterey. Gary is survived by his former wife, musician and writer Katherine Cameron Sage, and his only son, Eljjah Merlin David Sage aged 9 who is a gifted student at the International School of Monterey. Gary held the Sage Coat of Arms that is anciently traced to St. David of Wales, an ancient King himself, and reputedly the uncle of the legendary King Arthur. Both he and his son at one time made a 'pilgrimage' to the ancient town of St. David's were the Sage name is carved in the Cathedral Walls. A small quiet memorial service will be held at the Church of the Wayfarer this Saturday, July 10 at 11 a.m.