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FUNERAL HOME

Jacob Schoen & Son Funeral Home

3827 Canal Street

New Orleans, Louisiana

Ty Tracy Obituary

Ty Tracy on December 24, 2003. Companion of Robert J. Bruce. Son of the late Arthur Tracy, Sr. and Evelyn Graundry Tracy. Brother of A.J. Tracy, Spencer L. Tracy, Sr., Patrick Tracy and Michael Tracy. Age 75 years. A native of Alexandria, LA and a life long resident of New Orleans. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral. Mr. Tracy will lie in state on Tuesday, December 30, 2003 at Gallier Hall, 545 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115, from 9:00 AM until 5:30 PM. Additional visitation will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 724 Camp St., on Tuesday from 6:00 PM until Mass is celebrated at 8:00 PM. Entombment services will be Wednesday, December 31, 2003 at Metairie Lake Lawn Cemeteries at 10:00 AM. in the All Saints Mausoleum Sacred Heart of Jesus Court. Under the direction of the Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA. 70119. The family guestbook may be signed on line at www.legacy.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times-Picayune from Dec. 28 to Dec. 29, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Ty Tracy

24 Entries

Lewis Routh

April 12, 2004

Ty Tracy was my very first director in New Orleans in 1971 in a production of HALLELUJAH, BABY. I will forever remember his ability to bring out the very best in everyone and make us all realize how important our contribution was the the show. He instilled discipline, punctuality, and a pride of accomplishment. He touched so many lives, it is fitting that when you think of New Orleans theater, you think of Ty Tracy. In HALLELUJAH BABY, a song lyric said, "Being good won't be good enough, I'll be the best or nothing at all." This was the legacy Ty Tracy gave to me.

sally ann buras

January 8, 2004

Bob,

I just heard the news about Ty. I have had the pleasure of knowning and admiring Ty since the 60's....My daughter, Jennifer Bishop, had the wonderful experience of working with you two at NORD for several summers. Thank you for all the memories and Ty was loved and will be missed so much by us.....

Sandra & Brian Bailey

January 1, 2004

Dearest Bob,

We are among those who love and will greatly miss Ty and his unique take on the world. His contributions to thousands will be remembered fondly as will your beautiful partnership. You and he brought joy to the city and opened the hearts of many to the possibilities of all that cooperation, hard work and trust can bring. Having a great time while doing it was key. Teacher and mentor and young-at-heart was he, and we shall all miss him.

Our love to you and our greetings to Ty in heaven as he directs the scenes up there, calling, "NEXT!"

Sandra and Brian Bailey

Anacortes, Washington

Tracey Collins

December 31, 2003

Dearest Bob-

I am sooooo glad I saw that audition notice for "Cinderella Batistella" this past April. After years and years and, well, years of watching the shows you guys put together and marveling at the raw talent sometimes only Ty could see in the beginning bring me to my feet in thunderous applause - it was my turn to work under "The Ty Tracy." He always treated me as if I did him a favor showing up and participating and I will forever be grateful for the experience. Being directed by Ty Tracy is truly a feather in my theatrical cap. He was truly an amazing man, a champion of the youth, offering encouragement, wisdom and wit with a heart the size of Texas. I know he will be greatly missed by all who he touched. I'm only sorry we didn't go through with our wedding plans... "Tracey Tracy" would have been a great stage name! My prayers are with you Bob, and with Ty's family and the NORD theatre family.

Carlos Gonzalez

December 30, 2003

I only just met Ty in November, and am as heartbroken as if I had known him for many years. He was instantly warm and gracious with me, same as everyone else in the cast of "The Pecan Cracker." I feel blessed to have done this one show with Ty, yet there is so much more I wanted him to teach me about this craft.

My heart goes to Ty's family, Bob, Sondra, Martha and all the staff at NORD. I will miss him dearly, and think of him often...

Brian Rosenberg

December 30, 2003

Had it not been for Ty, I would have been perfectly happy looking back with longing on the few seconds of time I spent on stage in high school. Thanks to a man who could inspire diamond talent from within some of the ugliest coal ever mined, I was given the confidence to expect more of myself in every aspect of my life. He also, however, introduced me to humility-- a rare virtue in theatre. As accomplished as he is, he always greeted me with a broad smile and the starstruck eyes of a fan. He always told me that I could become whomever and whatever I wanted. Coming from my parents, pastors, and teachers it was just chicken soup for the teenager's soul. But from Ty, it was insight from a man who had done it. At a cast party once, another director bought the cast a round of drinks. I asked him how much I owed him, and he replied, "Oh, just your career." I'm sorry, Mr. Walker, that credit goes to Ty Tracy.

Kirk Frady

December 30, 2003

I worked with Ty and Bob in the late 80's and early 90's. Ty's professionalism and dedication to his shows and the actors performances will stay with me always. He taught all of us how to make a show work and my heartfelt condolences to all his family, especially Bob. Sincerely, Kirk Frady

Ellen Flohberger

December 30, 2003

Ty was one of the great New Orleans actors and directors that touched more lives in this city than most people will ever know. He gave encouragement and confidence to so many young people that he will be remembered well into the next decades. His enthusiasm for the arts was contagious and he brought sunshine into many many lives. He was a great person and I will miss him dearly. Ellen Flohberger

Sandra Trussell

December 30, 2003

My heartfelt condolences go out to you and the Tracy family. Ty gave me so many happy times in my life through all of his hard and dedicated work...I am truly saddened and New Orleans will truly miss Ty.

Gail Gomila

December 30, 2003

Dearest Bobby,

Our hearts go out to you and all those who loved Ty. Some of our fondest memories are of you and Ty and visits with us in Seattle, Maryland and New Orleans.

We regret we cannot be with you now, but hope to see you in the weeks ahead.

Our sincere sympathy and love.

Gail and Lynn

Erica Langhoff

December 29, 2003

I first met Ty when I was 8 years old doing the Wiz at NORD. I have since done 6 shows at NORD. Ty was always a joy to work with and had a constantly positive attitude that never faltered. I'll miss him and will always remember him.

Sandra Richards

December 29, 2003

I am truly saddened by the loss of my friend and mentor. Ty was very very special to me. Words just cannot express the sense of loss I feel. My most heartfelt condolences go out to you, Bob and the Tracy family. God bless and keep you all.

Ty's legacy lives on forever.

Bonnie Thompson

December 29, 2003

Bob,

The years I spent working with you and Ty were among the most exciting and interesting of my life. I now have the pleasure to share the magic of theatre with my own students and direct shows which I hope have the energy and pace that Ty demanded. What he gave to our community cannot be measured but will forever be remembered by all who worked with him and enjoyed his productions. I'll bet this Christmas was like no other that the heavens had ever experienced because I'm sure Ty entered giving directions. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Pam Gregory

December 29, 2003

I can still remember opening the letter from NORD Theater, my hands shaking as I sat alone on the sofa of the apartment I shared with two other college students in 1979. You see, I had recently auditioned for Ty Tracy’s upcoming production of Mame. I will never forget the adrenalin rush and the thrill I felt when I skimmed the letter to learn that I was going to be in the chorus of Mame! It was a letter that in many ways changed my life and an experience that introduced me to the New Orleans Theater community.

I was not one of Ty’s truly gifted or well known performers like Ricky Graham, Ginger Guma, David Tringalli, Leo Jones, Mabel Benjamin, or Chris LeBlanc. I was one of the people that wanted to sing and act so badly that after several rejections, he gave me a chance in the back row of the chorus. Ty was patient and impatient, funny and stern, a task master and a “pot stirrer.” He taught me how to “sell it,” something that I did for the remainder of my local, regional, and national theater life as well as in my social work career. He taught me that I was replaceable- a very important life lesson. He taught me timing, blocking, showmanship, love of the theater and, most importantly, how to work as part of a team and a community to create something special.

As a somewhat sheltered 20-something over the course of my years at NORD Theater both on stage and back stage, he exposed me to people of such diverse backgrounds – young and old, Black, White and Latino, wealthy and poor, straight and gay, “triple threats” and “no threats.” It made a positive and lasting impression. Ty also taught me and thousands of other young people the value of a work ethic, punctuality, respect for others, discipline and how to win and lose a role with grace while increasing our self esteem.

I extend my heartfelt sympathy to Bob as well as Ty’s family. He mentored, coached, taught and directed so many people to reach their full potential. Ty was a gifted and unique personality. Ty will be missed by me and everyone whose lives were touched, even a little, by his vast body of work – his audience, his cast, his crew, his friends, his colleagues, the citizens of New Orleans.

Mae Acks

December 29, 2003

For many, many years I was fortunate to attend NORD Theatre and see some of the best shows in the city being done by Mr. Tracy and his company at NORD. Since my departure from New Orleans more than a year ago, I have been longing to return and relive the magic again, contenting myself with the memories of the original productions of "Babes!", "Cinderella Battistella", "70 Girls 70", "Merrily We Roll Along", and "The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf".

Now the magic is gone, and I will never, ever get to share it again. I have been in tears since I heard of Mr. Tracy's demise, knowing all too well that his brand of theatre is probably all but forgotten by a select few.

I will always remember.

My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Bruce, the Tracy family, the NORD family, and the thousands and thousands of theatre fans, actors, and designers who knew him and those who will never have that golden opportunity.

With greatest sympathy,

Mae Acks

Ellen and Jesse Hardeman

December 29, 2003

Oh, how Ty will be missed in the community. As for us ,personally..we have known Ty for many,many years and worked with him and admired him.Our prayers and sympathy go out to Bob and his family. Sincerely, Ellen and Jesse

( Daigrepont

December 29, 2003

My first intro to Ty & company was my being "hooked" on those fabulous "Lamoura"s (from the 80s!) at the (old) Bayou! That type of humor appeals to me greatly....and, so help me God, every time i would walk in he (& Bob) would welcome me like I was King Tut!!

My true Ty-joy was when (one of those) "Cinderella Battastella" ressurections ressurected....and the 2 puppets (Buster Crab & Berle Crawfish) had been stolen!! Here they are (NORD)...only days prior to opening! Ty came to me in desparation (with color 8x10s of the originals!) Within 24 hours I had them (re-)built for him ...with much pride & joy. He thought I was a "magician" to do it so briskly (& to his specifications!)

It was I that had (has) always thought HIM to be a "magician" to produce such sterling musical products from youths "off the street!" And for decades!!

Now THAT is pure magic!

Vatican Lokey

December 29, 2003

New Orleans has lost a great treasure, and local theatre has suffered a mortal blow with the passing of Ty Tracy.

The tireless energy and enthusiasm he had for dramatic expression was the cornerstone of NORD Theatre as well as a standard for the careers of those dedicated stars and professionals who studied under him. Ty's contributions to the cultural landscape of this city are priceless and nearly endless. He gave his all to this town, fostering the creation of such local hits as "Moon over Montevideo" and "Lamoura of the Islands" to "Cinderella Battistella", the current "The Pecan Cracker" and the international hit "The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf" to name but a few. These wonderful productions will stand as a testament to Ty and his commitments to local theatre, the audiences, and the children of New Orleans.

Now that Ty has left us, there is nearly no one left in the city creating and producing original family shows like he did. It well behooves us all to support and encourage original family musical theatre not just for ourselves, but for the next generation; a most fitting and enduring tribute to the works of Ty Tracy.

With great sadness,

Vatican Lokey

President, Treehouse Players

Edward R. Cox

December 29, 2003

Ty was a tough taskmaster who demanded and deserved the best from everyone he worked with at NORD. The many talents he honed and supported over the years are in mourning for the many future talents who will miss the golden opportunities that he provided over the years and what he imparted in each and every one of us. Being the original Mickey in "Babes!" opposite Helen Blanke's Judy is one of the shining treasures of my career. May your important legacy carry on for the city and it's young, in age and heart.

Edward R. Cox

Artistic Director

Treehouse Players

Teresa Wilson-Augustine

December 29, 2003

Dearest Bob and friends of Ty:

This city will be at a great loss of one so kind, loving, caring and giving as Ty Tracy. I deem it an honor and pleasure to have had the opportunity to have met and worked with a true angel. Ty will live on in the hearts of many. His physical prescene may be gone from us, but his spirit will live on. The angels are definitely in for a fierce workout, but Ty will make sure they are in perfect pitch and formation.

Renee Balencie Saussaye

December 29, 2003

Bob, please accept our sincere condolences on your loss. As you know, Ty played a major part in bringing Bill and I together and we will forever be greatful to him for that. He will be sorely missed by so many of the members of the New Orleans theatre community, both young and old alike. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and may God bless you.

Terrell Robinson

December 29, 2003

Ty, I'm grateful for the time I had to work with you. Three fun and wonderful shows including your final bow (Pecan Cracker).

You'll especially be missed by the young people waiting to get their feet into the theatrical door.

My condolences to Bruce and all who worked with and loved you.

And now that you're up there, just do it BIG, BABY!!

Terrell

Annette Smason

December 28, 2003

Dear Bob,

I'm on the Crystal Harmony in the Caribbean and I'm sorry that I will not be able to express to you and Ty's family in person my personal condolences on the passing of Ty. He will be truly missed by his friends and all the children of New Orleans whom he personally would have taught theater and produced future stars. He was a great friend and I will truly miss him.

Annette

Maureen Brennan

December 28, 2003

Heartfelt condolences to Bob and everyone who loved Ty. He made a great contribution to our community. His spirit will live on in every professional who uses what they learned from Ty to entertain and educate into the future. Godspeed, Ty. Give 'em hell on that big stage in the clouds!! And remember angels, "You can be replaced!" Love, Mo & Spud

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