Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1928
DIED
2020
Stephen Stone Obituary
04/10/1928 - 05/30/2020
Stephen L. Stone, formerly of Eugene, died on May 30th, 2020, at his home in Portland. He was 92.
Steve's enthusiasm and love of music and musical scholarship inspired thousands of people, students and listeners alike, over seven decades, leaving an indelible imprint on his home state of Oregon.
Steve was born in Klamath Falls, where his mother, Buena Cobb Stone, was an elementary school principal, author, and Native American historian. His father, Louis "Hub" Stone, was a farmer and barbershop singer.
Steve earned his Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degrees from the UO School of Music. He was hired as choral director at Beaverton High School in the late 1950s, forming friendships with many students that endured the rest of his life. In 1968, Steve was hired as choral director of the newly opened Aloha High School.
In 1976, Steve accepted the position of Assistant to the Dean at UO's School of Music, a position highlighted by his role as manager of the Chamber Music Series at Beall Concert Hall, and as creator of the History of Jazz in the 20th Century course.
After retiring from his position at UO in the mid-1990s, he joined the Oregon Festival of American Music, where he would co-found the Emerald City Jazz Kings, a band he would direct until his retirement at age 84 in 2012. In all, he produced 51 shows dedicated to the performance and education of 20th Century American popular song.
Steve was preceded in death by his wife, the love of his life, Suzanne (Finzer) Stone in 2001. He is survived by his son Michael Stone; son and daughter-in-law David and Julie Stone; and grandchildren Benjamin and Anna Stone.
To see photos and read the expanded obituary, please check out Steve's web page: stevestonememorial.com
Please sign the guest book at www.registerguard.com/legacy
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Stone
6 Entries
Peter Graham Ashbaugh
June 12, 2021
Steve had no way of knowing early on how influential he would be in channeling me in the occupational direction my life would take. Music became a huge part of my life & though semi-retired from singing professionally now it remains so.
Peter Graham Ashbaugh
July 29, 2020
A great many memories indeed. Steve was both my high school choir director (1963-67) but also took charge of the choir at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church where family was a member. By the time I started college I knew that I wanted to continue studying music (thanks largely to my association with him over the past several years & eventually to pursue a singing career. If space here allows I will try & share one particular memory concerning Steve. In 2004 I gave a recital (ostensibly for my mother‘ s 80th birthday) in Portland & despite extremely inclement weather, Steve drove up from Eugene to hear how one of his student‘s voice sounded after some 35 years. I simply had to identify THIS OLDER MAN in the audience with having contributed to my being where I now was. I had been living, singing, & acting in Germany for several years by then but was glad to see Steve again. I had visited him & his wife in Eugene in 1996 but this was a non-singing reunion. Also when High School graduates, whom Steve @ Bob Busieck had influenced, had a reunion in 2006 most of us from the 1966-67 class period were able, with a few cues from Steve, to rise up & with Steve directing & sang pretty much from memory, Randall Thompson‘s ALLELUIA which during our time in the BHS choir became what would now call a SIGNATURE piece for us. The BHS choir also made a recording my senior year & the ALLELUIA Was prominently featured. A copy of my recording may still exist in Portland.
I hope so. Steve, not to mention his development of THE EMERALD CITY JAZZ KINGS, was one of the great figures in Oregon music. Imagine getting introduced to everything from Renaissance choral music, American Musical Theater, Opera (he took some of us to the MET touring production of Mozart‘s THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO) to Ray Conniff Jazz arrangements! Steve could as easily expound on the comparative merits of
Dietrich-Fischer Dieskau vs. Gerard Souzay concerning Schubert‘s DIE WINTERREISE as he could in evaluating his favorite singers such as Peggy Lee & Sarah Vaughan, not to mention favorite jazz giants from a MUCH earlier era. Sorry to go on like this. I could at least write one chapter in a book about this great man who forever influenced my life & countless others.
Scott Barkhurst
June 29, 2020
Bravo to all who have contributed to this wonderful collection of memories and tributes to Steve. What an amazing and impactful life he led! I got to know Steve when I joined the UO Music staff as publicity director in 1988, and among my duties was working with Steve to promote the Chamber Music Series (thats me in the photo of Steve at his retirement party). One thing missing from the summary of Steves life was that for 20 years he was the announcer for the Oregon Marching Band! And one of the wonderful things he did for me was in 1997, when he was ready to retire from the music school: he came to me and said, Scott, I dont think Ill continue to announce for the marching band next year. Youve done a lot of community theater and a little radio; would you like to be the announcer? Ive been the band announcer ever since then (22 years), and its been the golden age of Oregon football. Ive thanked Steve many times for handing me that position; no pay, but the perks have been great! Peace and blessings to all in Steves musical family.
Scott Barkhurst
Jean Munhall
June 22, 2020
There were so many trips to Eugene with my husband, Walt, to visit with his dear friends, Barb and Gordon Kensler, and Steve and Sue Stone. Happy adult weekends and attending so many musicals in Eugene. I cherish those weekends; Walt and I were raising a blended family of 6 children. We needed an escape occasionally!
Marcia James Gluz
June 21, 2020
Steve was such a dear man, colleague and friend. We worked together on Chamber Music Series for decades. I learned so much from him. The loss to his family will not be lighter but he is free now.
Bob and Merle Bottge
June 21, 2020
Steve was a friendly and considerate neighbor, and we enjoyed our years living next door to him and Sue. We were also a fan of the Emerald City Jazz Kings. Thanks for the memories.
Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results
Make a Donation
in Stephen Stone's name
Memorial Events
for Stephen Stone
How to support Stephen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stephen Stone's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
