Winston Stebbins "Jack" Budrow Jr.

1944 - 2024

Winston Stebbins Budrow, Jr.

December 4, 1944 - September 4, 2024

Raleigh, North Carolina - Winston "Jack" Stebbins Budrow, Jr. passed away at Transitions LifeCare on Wednesday September 4th, 2024 at the age of 79. He was born on December 4, 1944 in New Haven, CT where he and his six siblings were raised by his mother and stepfather. He spent his youth in New Haven as an altar boy at a local Catholic Church and began playing the double bass during his senior year of high school. He went to Bowling Green State University where he earned a B.M and met the love of his life Marilyn, to whom he was married for 54 years.

He went on to have a prolific performance career as a double bassist with the Houston Symphony, American National Opera Company, Boston Ballet Company, Santa Fe Opera Company and the North Carolina Symphony where he was principal bass from 1977-1995. While being a full time performer, Jack began teaching part-time at the high school and collegiate level at Ravenscroft, as an Artist in Residence where he worked with Marilyn. Jack also taught at the University of Houston, UNC Greensboro, UNC Chapel Hill and East Carolina University. He transitioned to a full time faculty member at Michigan State University in 1995, where he was also co-chair of the string department. (GO GREEN! As he would often exclaim!). He also presented masterclasses throughout the US, including at the Cleveland Institute, Florida State University, University of Houston, Indiana University, University of Minnesota, University of Michigan, Peabody Conservatory, and University of Texas. Jack also served on the board of directors for the International Society of Bassists. He was awarded Michigan's 2014 String Teacher of the Year by the American String Teachers Association, and received the International Society of Bassist's Special Recognition Award for Teaching in 2017. For 41 summers Jack was on the faculty at the Interlochen Center for the Arts where he and Marilyn adored their idyllic little cabin just a few miles down the road. Jack was a gifted and beloved teacher and mentor to many bass players around the country and the world.

Jack's greatest love was his family. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Marilyn in 2019. He is survived by his devoted daughter Kat, son-in-law Dusty and his two grandchildren, Bo and Harper. Jack will be remembered for his booming laugh, zest for life, kind words for all, and corny jokes. One of his favorites, even in his final days, "Why did the strawberry fall in love with the banana? Because it had appeal." Rest in Peace Papa Jack!

A memorial service will be held at Saint Michael's Episcopal Church in Raleigh, NC on September 17, 2024 at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer's research or Transitions LifeCare.