Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Vilem Sokol Obituary
Vilem SOKOL Known familiarly as 'Bill," Vilem died August 19, 2011, after suffering cancer. Vilem was born May 22, 1915, to Frank and Matilda Sokol, in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. He began violin instruction in elementary school, later studying with the world-renowned pedagogue, Otakar Sevcik. He continued studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, the Julliard School of Music and the State Conservatory of Music in Prague. In 1942, Vilem was drafted into the Army Air Force where he met and married the lovely Agatha Hoeschele in 1945. They raised ten children. Before coming to Seattle, Vilem taught at Shorter College in Georgia, the University of Kentucky, and the Kansas City Conservatory of Music. In 1948 he joined the University of Washington faculty where he became a music professor, teaching violin, viola, conducting, and his popular music appreciation classes. Among his many contributions to Seattle's music life, he founded and directed the Seattle String Society, and appeared frequently on local television and radio programs. He was principal violist of the Seattle Symphony Orchestra from 1959 - 62 and conducted many of its Young People's concerts. 1960 marked the year Vilem began his legendary career as conductor of the Seattle Youth Symphony. Under his direction, the orchestra attained national and international recognition, and became the standard bearer for youth symphonies the world over. During his 28-year tenure, the SYSO performed many world premiers, USA premiers, and first performances in Seattle and the Northwest. Outstanding among them, the historic 1972 Northwest premiere of Mahler's 10th Symphony, third-ever performance in the world. Vilem was a frequent guest conductor at youth orchestra festivals, and served for five years as head of the Youth Symphony Division of the American Symphony Orchestra League. Though grateful for the many music and arts awards received over the years, Vilem's greatest honor was having made a difference in thousands of young lives. Vilem and his wife Agatha were devout Catholics, actively involved in their faith. He is survived by his children, Mark (Elaine Langois), Damian (Janet Kehl), Anne (Larry Philpott), Paula (Anthony Elliott), Angela (Randal Russell), Rebecca (Glenn Duncan), Sr. Claire Sokol, OCD, Mary (David Brown), Jennifer, John (Maria), as well as 21 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. A Rosary Vigil will be held, August 24, 7 pm at Bonney Watson Funeral Home in Seattle. Mass of the Resurrection will take place August 25, 10 am, at St. James Cathedral in Seattle. Burial service immediately following at Holyrood Cemetery in Shoreline. In lieu of flowers, donations in Vilem's memory may be made to the music program at Seattle's St. James Cathedral or to the Carmelite Monastery, 1950 La Fond Drive, Reno, Nevada, 89509.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vilem Sokol
Sponsored by John and Betty Hu Family: Arthur, Ben,Carl, David, Eileen, Franklin, George SYSO 1972-1985.
Joe Ramos
August 18, 2023
I'm seeing Mr. Sokol's obituary in 2023. I met Mr. Sokol informally through his son, Damian, when we were both students at Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon. We visited Mr. Sokol's home in Seattle over a long weekend, and I found him to be an interesting, friendly, and soft-spoken gentleman. Though I never heard Mr. Sokol play an instrument or conduct an orchestra, he must have been a great father, teacher, and conductor, as evidenced by a beautiful cello concert performed for us at the seminary by his son.
May Mr. Sokol rest in peace, and condolences to his family. God bless!
steve love
December 28, 2020
I often remember with great pleasure my experience with the Seattle Youth Symphony under the direction of Vilem Sokol. I was first chair oboe the year we performed a Mahler work that was considered way too difficult for such young musicians. Vilem brought out the absolute best in us and proved , that with hard work and his love and competent direction we could do justice to the work. I remember being in tears when we completed the work...it was probably the last time I ever performed. My career and interests took me in a totally different direction from a career in music, but I will never forget the joy of being a part of the Sokol family, even if for a very short period of time. Music is still a major part of my life and I owe so much of my joy and appreciation for those such as Vilem Sokol for his love and dedication to his work. I will NEVER forget how much my time with the Seattle Youth Symphony meant to my life at that time. We should all celebrate the international and universal peace that music can bring to the world as well as all of the other arts. Peace to all and joy to the world. Thank you Vilem for all that you did to bring joy and hope to the world.
Roger and Carolyn cole
Carolyn Canfield Cole
August 14, 2014
My husband and I are from the SYSO Sokol Legacy, and a legacy it is. How many he did touch with his great wit and sincerity, musicanship and intensity. Mr Sokol loved every one of his hundreds of children. Love was always behind every rehearsal and every measure.
Neil Snow
September 16, 2011
I am among the many who studied under Mr. Sokol, and played in the SYSO and at Marrowstone, and will be forever grateful for those experiences. I visited with Bill for the first time in about three decades a few years ago and introduced him to my family (including 2 young girls). His love of humanity poured through (as always), as did the witty grin and story telling. I will never hear a Mahler symphony, the 1812, Daphis and Chloe ("You guys are faking it!") and many other pieces without smiling a big smile. My condolences to the Sokol family.
Paul Reese
September 1, 2011
I had the privilege of studying privately with Bill, as well as playing under him in the SYSO orchestras and at Marrowstone. I can only hope to make a fraction of the positive impact he made on the world. He has enriched innumerable lives, and left this a substantially more beautiful place to live. Thank you Bill!
arthur hu
August 31, 2011
The children of John C. Hu (deceased 2001) and Betty Hu: Arthur, Benjamin, Carl, David, Eileen Franklin, George SYSO 1972-1985 have donated the fee to keep this guestbook up forever in appreciation to all that Vilem Sokol has given to our family and friends from Seattle. We represent the other side, all the students who went on to work in high tech at companies like Microsoft and Hewlett Packard, Dave Beck at KUOW, pulitzer cartoonist David Horsey, and doctors besides the professional musicians
I just uploaded a slideshow of the great pictures I got. For now it's unlisted so you'll need the link that is just here for people visiting the guestbook:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fMRgwjDTUw
It was wonderful to see how all the Sokol children and 20 odd grandchildren have grown up, and heard about the other half-dozen great grandchildren who weren't there.
Mary Rollins-Lund
August 28, 2011
My sympathies go out to all Bill's family. I met Bill when he was a volunteer with the homeless feeding program at St Brendan. I was struck by his humility and love for his beloved wife. He was so proud of his children as well. He made a lasting impression on me. May he rest in peace with his beloved.
Andrea Manno
August 28, 2011
I live on the other side of the ocean, and only met Mr Sokol through a piece of his art that he made available for the world to enjoy. I was made aware of this site by a former student of his who obviously held him in great esteem. I hope it is proper for me to write these few lines on here to express my respectful condolences to his family. He must have been a great man. May he rest in peace.
nadine miyahara
August 27, 2011
To the Sokol family -- my memory of your father, grandfather, greatgrandfather takes us back 50 years to Fort Flagler Summer Music Camp - i was a member of the ballet group who were accompanied by the members of SYSO at weekly performances. those were memorable summers and my memory of your F/G/GG brings a big smile - he never tired of teasing us dancers and we all loved him for it - he will be dearly missed but his contribution to the music world will live on. with deepest sympathy.
Arthur Hu
August 26, 2011
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=epfWIUK_efA or search on youtube for "1812 Sokol". Also this tribute by with Paige Smith who also was in the film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGeLv_bEBSA
I just reposted from the filmmakers vimeo site. The 1812 on Fort Flager was truly the glory days of the PNWMC / Marrowstone experience, every other player is a professional musician somewhere. Vilem will always live on in the SYSO recordings and this film.
Byron Jones
August 26, 2011
I, too played in the orchestras at the Summer Institutes and SYSO. Mr. Sokol taught us much more than music. I will never forget the fantastic performance by Mark Sokol and Simon Siegl of the Bach double concerto for violin. Thank you Mr. Sokol.
Mary Neddermeyer
August 25, 2011
To all the Sokols, you have my condolences on the loss of your father, grandfather, great-grandfather. But it is also Heaven's gain. I remember Bill from my very first violin lesson in about 1958. He took a look at my violin & proceeded to polish half of it, then told me where I could get a bottle of that same good polish to do the rest myself. I always had a nice shiny violin after that. I remember those 10 years of lessons, plus all the years (the '60's) in the Youth Symphony and great times at Fort Flagler for the summer music camp. He instilled such a joy of music in everyone he taught, and Seattle's orchestras and orchestras around the country are so much richer because of his influence in getting kids started properly with their music education. And he had such a great sense of humor and endless stories!
Kitty Leahy
August 25, 2011
Dear Sokol Family,
I just attended the funeral Mass for your dear father. Must tell you this was the MOST moving tribute to a life I have ever witnessed. I did not know your dad intimately but saw him often, having lived on "The Hill" I was always struck by his smile, stature and his beautiful head of wavy hair!
The fact that his service was held on what would have been your folks 66th wedding anniversary (and the picture of your mom and dad on the program) reminded me of the deep love and commitment they had to each other, the church and their family. You are a living tribute to them both.
I was deeply moved to hear the recording he made for us to hear. It was haunting and sacred. I felt as if he was addressing us from Heaven. Danny Boy and the music provided by the Cathedral was the perfect back drop. I am in awe of his life and of your heritage. May you all be blessed.
Louise & Jerry Bloomfield/Bruck
August 25, 2011
"That they rest, for their works follow after them." This must have been written for Bill Sokol, his and Agatha's wonderful family, and his so-much-larger (even) family in music. We cherish his memory and his music, and we treasure knowing the family he leaves.
Joel Menold
August 25, 2011
I first became familiar with Mr.Sokol when I was in high school and taking lessons at the University of Washington and playing in the high school institute.I saw him as a well respected man who thoroughly enjoyed his work. I did not know him personally as I was a wind player, however I have a big respect for his professionalism and super character as he reflected. I played a few years with the Seattle Philharmonic and other groups and was an Oboe player.I feel it was a privilage to have been around him and observed him back then...Respectfully submitted
Peter Hoeschele
August 25, 2011
I wish to offer my sympathy and condolences to the entire Sokol family. I wish that geography hadn't separated our family's, so we could have known Uncle Bill, and could be of real comfort to you in this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
Arthur Hu
Arthur Hu
August 24, 2011
Hello and condolences from the Hu family. I (Arthur) was the first to take lessons from Mr. Sokol and most of our 7 brothers and sisters eventually made it through the Seattle Youth Symphony and / or Pacific Northwest Music Camp / Marrowstone Music Festival before moving on to MIT and Stanford. Those were some of the happiest times of our lives. Mr. Sokol was even kind enough to give lessons to my son just a couple of years ago. He will be remembered as a legend and missed dearly.
August 24, 2011
To the Sokol family, especially Anne, Paula, Claire and Becky, remembering the school days, may I offer my sympathy for the loss of your wonderful father. He did make a difference in so many young lives through the gifts of warmth and music, including mine. Margie Doyle
Kathleen Marsh
August 23, 2011
To Anne and to the Sokol family, I am very sorry for your loss. I remember your father with great admiration and respect. As an old Holy Names Academy friend, former classmate and music student so many years ago, I still remember seeing your father in the Music Department at school. Observing him as he spoke to the Sisters and seeing his love for teaching young minds has stayed with me all these years. I thought he was a remarkable man. He had a presence that was so energetic of mental and physical vigor that was uplifting. I remember how tall, lean, and full of energy he was. He used to walk fast, and his eyes seemed to have a glint or sparkle to them. He was a man of purpose. It was back in the sixties, and to me, he personified the phrase that President Kennedy made so popular during his short presidency, so “full of vim and vigor” he was. I saw how he used his great energy, talent and intellect to make a difference in the lives of so many.
His influence traveled so much farther than my world of school and church. He became a beacon of light from our city out into the world. I never knew him personally, only through my few observations through the years at school and church. Now though, as I look back to those years, he seemed a symbol of the optimism of those times, of using the best he had, with all his effort, to make the world a better place.
I didn’t realize then that Mr. Sokol’s hard work would develop the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra to become the standard bearer for Youth Symphonies the world over, but I like to think that he took to heart the call from President Kennedy of optimism and greatness; and used his own particular talents to do his part in the great work of that generation. To me, Mr. & Mrs. Sokol were our very own Seattle version of Sargent & Eunice Shriver who worked tirelessly to create the Peace Corps and Special Olympics. Can one even count the number of American ambassadors Mr. & Mrs. Sokol have sent forth out into the world of music? I count Mrs. Sokol in this work too because certainly he could not have done it alone. Can we count how many young musicians he helped to nurture and train to share their talents in the world with thousands of others?
Mr. Sokol did so much to invite young people to listen and participate in the beauty of classical music, and he worked to develop and train so many young musicians in the Seattle Youth Symphony and its access training orchestras. I can remember when he helped bring in Mr. Suzuki’s method of violin instruction to very young children in the United States for the first time, right here in Seattle, at Holy Names.
In fact, one of my fondest memories of the Holy Names Music Department was to see Mr. Sokol and one of our violin teachers, a Holy Names Sister, working together to organize a group of little pre-school age children that I was very surprised to see at my high school loosely assembled right in the middle of the large music room. All excitement and movement seemed to fill up the room. They had assembled together for final instructions prior to giving their very first public concert, and the goal of course was to get them performance ready with all ease and calm. The swirl of small children was all pretty color and shiny new shoes - all Sunday best and party finery. Little girls in sherbert bright dresses with matching hair ribbons and layers of stiff ruffled petticoats; The boys were just as cute wearing their first stiff collars with little bow ties, looking very grown-up in what looked like their father’s best, paired down to fit their pint-sized offspring. However, each little child, held in his and her little hand a very real and very small violin and bow, and these particular recent graduates of toddlerhood were little musicians in their own right, and were happily about to show their parents just this fact. To me, that was a lovely memory.
I think of Mr. Sokol as one of the good symbols of Seattle. He used his significant vigor to help invigorate the classical arts in this city, and helped develop and send forth many ambassadors of music out into the world to teach others the joy and beauty of sharing and making music too.
He was a wonderful teacher, even to those he might not ever have known were watching. He was a great man.
Bernadette Lind
August 22, 2011
I am so blessed to have known Bill Sokol. I worked at Safeway in Kenmore where I met him. He picked up past pull day bread and sweets for various organizations. He was my dear sweet friend. He amazed me with his kindness and his love for others. I thought so much of him. He truly radiated God's love. He touched my life and I will remember him fondly. Such a great person through and through.
Cori Hoag
August 22, 2011
My sister Sami (violin), brother Calyx (oboe, english horn), and I (flute) were in the school orchestra with Mr. Sokol. I will never forget the thrill I had watching us turn into a real orchestra playing together. Rest in peace Mr. Sokol and play for the angels.
August 22, 2011
To the Capitol Hill Sokol Family from the Capitol Hill McHugh Family;
There was such a bond through the memories of growing up with all the Catholics attending St. Joes and beyond. Your family kept the Hill lively with beautiful music and laughter. God bless one and all of your families.
Mick, Sheila, Tucker, F.X. and Mud. Our sister Maureen is making music with your Mom and Dad!
Ann Conroy
August 22, 2011
To Anne & all the Sokols, my condolences. I remember 50 years ago, Anne & I decided that we were somehow related so I always thought of your father as Uncle Vilem. It was always a treat to be in your beautiful house & an even bigger treat to partake, however peripherally, in the symphony culture & going to performances that made a huge impression on my life. I hope that your memories of your father bring you comfort. Best Regards, Ann Conroy
Gail MacColl
August 22, 2011
It's been more than 50 years, but I can still see him at the podium of the UW Summer HS Music Institute, grinning that huge grin and saying "Putrid!" thus inspiring us to surpass what we thought we could do. Heartfelt condolences.
alison bernhoft
August 22, 2011
he lives on in all the many lives he has touched, both directly and through his children and grandchildren. it has been my joy to be associated with this tremendous family.
Teresa and Scott Rinker
August 22, 2011
Dear Angie and family, oh how we love you all and are so dearly sorry for your loss. We know how much you all loved this precious father/grandfather. So thankful for Jesus Christ and Heaven! Continue to draw near to the Father and He will continue drawing near to you as well. With love...
Tamara Nameroff
August 21, 2011
I had the priviledge of playing in the JSO and SYSO under Mr Sokol's direction in the 1980s. The gifts I receIved from this experience are with me always: appreciation for big symphonic works as well as chamber music and memories of his wonderful sense of humor and energy. He will be remembered with great fondness. My sincere condolences to his family.
August 21, 2011
To Mary and Jennifer, I send you the warmest condolences from the Midsummer Retreat community and from my own heart. He was a giant amongst us. thank you and your family for sharing him with the family of musicians throughout regions and across decades. Gennie Winkler
Dan Layman
August 21, 2011
To Sister Claire and all of the Sokol family. I am so sorry to hear about your father. I also remember growing up with your family and your family even moved into my Cousin's home on 22nd. There was always music flowing from the home. Several members of your family were classmates with my family and the city of Seattle, the Seattle Youth symphony and the Capital Hill family have lost a strong leader. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family
August 21, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Sokol family. With love, The Patrick Geraghty family.
William Goodwin
August 21, 2011
Mr. Sokol had a strong influence on my life, which has increased as I've gotten older. I learned greatly from his sense of humor, and his ability to confront problems with a positive outlook. I remember his laugh, his commitment to teaching, and his generous spirit. William Goodwin
August 21, 2011
I took a music class from Professor Sokol when I was at the UW. Huge impact and as a result my appreciation of classical music has stuck to this day -- that was over twenty-five plus years ago. RIP and condolences to his family,
Michael J. Yaguchi, Washington DC
michael grow
August 21, 2011
I remember meeting Mr. Sokol when I was a youngster and we lived about a block from them on east Capitol Hill. That was quite history for a man that his family should be proud of. May he rest in peace. Respectfully, Michael Grow
Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results
Make a Donation
in Vilem Sokol's name
Memorial Events
for Vilem Sokol
How to support Vilem'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 Vilem Sokol'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
