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Bill Main Obituary

Bill Main February 10, 1951 - February 4, 2008 Bill passed away unexpectedly at his home, leaving behind his beloved wife of 20 years, Beverly. He was preceded in death by his mother, Edith, and his twin brother, Jim. He is survived by his father, Charles; his older brother, Charlie and his wife Myra; sisters and brothers-in-law, Alan and Lynne Lenhart and Doby and Susan Strange of Sacramento; mother-in-law, Louise Sasenbery of Stockton; nephews, Mathew Main and Phillip Lenhart and niece, Natalie Lenhart. An accomplished musician, he played the trumpet and flugelhorn with many bands in the bay area and in productions with Broadway by the Bay. A life long resident of San Lorenzo, he was full of life, always ready with a smile or a laugh, and will be greatly missed. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of his life on Sun., Feb. 10, 10am at San Lorenzo Village Homes Assn, 377 Paseo Grande, San Lorenzo. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a charity of your choice.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle on Feb. 7, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Main

16 Entries

Frank and Donna Sumares

February 17, 2008

What more can anyone say that was not voiced last Sunday. There were as many smiles and laughs as tears for a sweetheart of a guy. Never a bad words from him. He was always positive. A REAL PEOPLE PERSON. We will ALL miss him. LOVE YOU MAN!!

Karen Salentine

February 13, 2008

Bev,
One thing that I forgot to say Sunday at Bill's memorial, was that each and every one of us there could have gone an entire lifetime without meeting someone like Bill. How truly blessed all of us were to have had Bill in our lives. Every time I think of him I will look up...because that is where he is!
Love,
karen

Heidi Dahms

February 10, 2008

Dear Friends,
Danny and I were both shocked and saddened at the news of the loss of our friend and great musician Bill Main. We are both proud and pleased to have had the honor of being able to know him and work with him.
My fondest memories of Bill are sitting in the violin section across the pit from him for shows at PCLO and making funny faces at Bill to get him to smile his great big smile. Or after he played a big solo I'd give him the thumbs up or the "what the heck was that?" face just to get him to roll his eyes and laugh.
Or the food he'd prepare for the orchestra parties--YUM--he was a great chef too! But the best was when he'd bring in his mini TV to watch the big baseball playoff games during the matinees. The brass section would be huddled all around his stand watching the game, almost missing cues, trying to contain their excitement in silence whenever there was a big play, all while the action was going on up on stage. It was so much fun to watch!
Not only did I get to play with Bill, I also had the great pleasure to conduct Bill on "Anything Goes". Bill's intro to "Blow, Gabriel, Blow" is still the best thing I ever heard.
I take comfort in thinking of Bill playing now in the greatest jazz band up in heaven, with not only Gabriel, but "Satchmo", Miles, Dizzy and the rest...Blow your horn Bill, Blow!

We love and miss you,

Heidi Dahms and Danny Min

Til Tribuzi

February 10, 2008

I had the good fortune to work with Bill as both a trumpet player in his section, and later as his conductor for musicals. While many people (for good reason, I might add) like to dwell on the stories and jokes he shared, and his out-going larger-than-life personality, one thing I'd like to relate is that Bill was a GREAT listener. He not only heard you, he understood your deeper meaning, and he empathized with whoever he was listening to.

I conducted Bill during his last show, San Mateo High School's West Side Story. He died after opening weekend, on my watch, so to speak, a tremendous loss to all of us. I will never forget him, or the sizzle of his sound. He touched so many people through not only his music, but through the warmth, positive attitude and cameraderie he brought to the gig, every time. He was truly a one of a kind.

One last thing...the last note Bill ever played was the final muted A (concert G) above the staff in West Side Story, a perfect pianissimo fading to nothing...it was February 3, 2008.

I'll never forget it.

Rest in peace, my friend.

Gayle Lease Riley

February 10, 2008

Dear Beverly and family,
I was so sad to hear of your loss. Bill was always such a happy, fun, lovable, huggable bear! He had a wonderful smile and was always so welcoming. He will certainly will be missed by all who knew him.

Kirsten McMullen

February 10, 2008

I always enjoyed Bill as one of the pit musicians at Broadway by the Bay. He was quick to smile took the time to get to know the people around him. He will be missed.

Judy Streger

February 9, 2008

Having played in the pit with Bill for so many years (both Broadway By the Bay and SMHS) I will truly miss his sense of humor, terrific smile, incredible musicianship, and chats about the limo business! I was truly shocked to learn of his passing, having just played for "Westside Story" with him on Sunday. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Bev, and the rest of the family. There will always be a void in the trumpet section; he was a remarkable person. Sincerely, Judy Streger

Renee and Hal Turner

February 8, 2008

Beverly,

We were so very sorry to hear about Bill. You have our love and deepest sympathy. Know, always, that we're here if you need anything. Our thoughts are with you.

Bonnie Vierra-Greene

February 8, 2008

My heartfelt condolences go out to you and the family. Bill was a great musician and we shared some fun times. I’ll never forget the Halloween party we went to. I dressed up in a tux and he went as a woman in a negligee. The looks we received as I drove to the party and he sat in the back seat of that big Pontiac Granville convertible were priceless. He had quite the sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. That was many years ago, but I am sure he kept that great spirit throughout his life.

Michael Beal

February 7, 2008

Whenever I think of Bill Main, a smile begins to cross my face.

The first time I saw Bill, it was one autumn night in 1988. He was performing at a jazz concert at Chabot College. What a phenomenal lead trumpet player he was! I was so thrilled when our friend Frank Sumares introduced us shortly after his performance.

I couldn’t believe what a nice guy he was and to my delight, I soon was given the opportunity to play along side him. Bill took me under his wing and helped me to be a better musician.

We hung out quite a bit back in the late 80's - early 90's. The more we got to know each other, the better friends we became. Whether we were playing our horns together, downing margaritas at Chevy’s or going to watch the A’s, I knew a great time was to be had.

Bill was a man who loved life and lived it to it’s fullest. All you had to do was be near him and he take you along for the ride with him.

I regret so much that I didn’t take advantage of more opportunities to spend more time with him.

Since I learned of his sudden passing, life hasn’t been the same. There’s a such huge void . . . but what could one expect? Our Main Man is gone.

Bill, though gone, you’ll never be forgotten. You’ve touched so many lives and everyone who knew you will keep your memory alive with stories of how you made our lives brighter whenever you were around.

I love you buddy and boy am I going to miss you. I can’t wait to hear you play again - betcha you’re really giving Gabriel a run for his money!

Gloria Toone

February 7, 2008

Gloria Toone

Phillip Lenhart

February 7, 2008

Im just really gonna miss him. Im gonna miss his laugh, and his big heart. God took him too early from us.

Lucy La Mar

February 7, 2008

Dear Beverly,
So sorry for your loss. Regrettably I know how you must feel. Focus on the happy thoughts...some days, although painful that is the only way to get through. If you ever wish to talk please feel free to email or call me. 916.812.2586

Jan and Burt Goldstein

February 7, 2008

Dear Beverly,
My daughter, Ali, told us the heartbreaking news. I can't imagine losing my husband or what you must be going through. Please know that we are thinking of you and Bill, and wish you comfort. Sincerely, Jan and Burt Goldstein

Julie Vogele

February 7, 2008

Remembering Bill with fondness - his joy for life, and his love for his family was evident in everything he did. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karen Salentine

February 7, 2008

I feel so lucky to have been blessed with Bill in my life. He is my oldest and dearest friend, and I will miss him terribly. I have so many wonderful memories of great times that we had which spanned over close to 40 years. He was the kindest most generous and loving person that I have ever had the privilege of knowing, and there will never be anyone who can replace him. I met Bill when I was 12 years old, and practically grew up with him. Thanks for letting me drive all of your great cars Bill, even when I didn't have a drivers license! Thank you for all that you did for me...and mostly, thank you for being the most wonderful friend I've ever had. I will miss you.
Karen

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