Kenneth Roe Weidaw

In Loving Memory of Kenneth Roe Weidaw April 7, 1920 - June 27, 2009 The extended Weidaw Family is saddened to announce the loss of our grandfather, father, husband and friend, Kenneth Roe Weidaw. Ken lived a remarkable life sharing his teaching and musical talents with countless people allowing them to find their "music within" and to use that spirit to create fulfilling lives. Ken was born on April 7, 1920 in Ohio and grew up the son o f a Sheriff and a Bookkeeper. The second of four children, he attended Willis High School in Delaware Ohio and incidentally met his future sweetheart and wife, Margaret while at Willis. His strong musical abilities encouraged him to earn two Bachelor of Music degrees in percussion at VanderCook College and Roosevelt University. He served as the Percussion Department Chairman at VanderCook for two years. He later earned a Master of Music Degree from the University of Southern California, and completed Pre-Do ctoral courses at Long Beach State, Los Angeles State and Pepperdine Universities. From 1942-45 at the end of WWII, Ken was a member of the United States Navy Bands and performed for the public and servicemen alike. Ken was a born educator. After his stint in the military, Ken directed school bands for the Los Angeles Unified School District, was the training officer for the Veterans Administration, (educating WWII Veterans to enter public life) and Admission Officer and Executive Board Member of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music and Arts (Now CalArts). Ken developed the music program for Arcadia Unified School District and served as both band director and Supervisor of Music during his tenure. After his retirement from public schools, he was Assistant Professor of Music Education and Student Teacher Supervisor at California State University, Los Angeles. He also provided financial planning and investing advice to educators and other professionals - helping to create secure retirements - until the end of his life. Ken not only taught music, but he lived it as well. Ken was a professional musician since 1936 and was a member of the American Federation of Musicians. He was a member of the Paul Wheeler Dance Orchestra, performed with the Chicago Symphony, the Chicago Civic Symphony, Hollywood Bowl Symphony, San Gabriel Valley Symphony, Orange County Symphony, Glendale Symphony and Huntington Park Symphony among many, many others. He worked under such noted conductors as Dr. Frederick Stock, George Dasch, Henry Mancini, Carmen Dragon and John Williams. He recorded for RCA and played in studio orchestras for television and films such as "Paint Your Wagon" and "Heaven Can Wait". He also was the founding member of "Ken's Marimba Band" and taught baton twirling and flags for marching bands. Mr. Weidaw was a member of the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Fraternity, Charter member of the National Board of the School Band of America, Member of the California State Music Framework Implementation Committee, President and H onorary Life Member of the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Association, President (Southern) and State Board Member of the California Music Educators Association (CMEA) and the recipient of the Outstanding Music Educator Award by the Los Angeles Board of Education. Ken also received the 50 year Service Award for the American Federation of Musicians in 1995. He also travelled extensively around the world and assisted US students with placements for student exchange programs. He is survived b y his wife of 68 years, Margaret, daughters and sons-in-law Pennie and Jeff Foster of Trabuco Canyon, Pam and Bob Grant of South Lake Tahoe, Karen and Stephen Williams of Murietta and son Kenny, Jr., of Camino, California. Additionally, he is survived by 11 grandchildren and 12 great -grandchildren. Memorial Services will be held at the Riverside National Cemetary in December. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Ken Weidaw Music Scholarship, Arcadia Music Club, Arcadia High School c/o Tom Landes 18 0 Campus Drive, Arcadia, CA 91007 or the Kenneth R. Weidaw Memorial Music Fund at the Laguna Beach United Methodist Church (LBUMC), 21632 Wesley Dr., Laguna Beach, CA 92651.