Strange. On Monday, my mother and I were talking about Larry Wilson Sr. He was my brother Buddy's (Buddy died almost two years ago at age 68) band teacher, but Mr. Wilson was also a customer at my father's garage. His son Larry and I share the same birthday, and his son David was married to Karen, who was a probation officer with me in the early seventies. I have known David and Karen's sons Zack (graduated with my daughter Taren, 27, from Amphi) and Reid (one of my students when I taught at Amphi) since they were born.
Thanks for the notice. I don't read the obituaries often anymore--too depressing. I wil call my mother after I get to work to tell her. She does not get the newspaper.
Sherri
From: SPOOK01@aol.com
[mailto:SPOOK01@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2003
9:57
PM
To: needleworker@att.net;
bsquare@theriver.com;
cjones@technidigm.org; RHShel@aol.com
Subject: Re: FW: AMPHI FW: LARRY
WILSON
To All:
My sister, Donna forwarded this to me. Like the passing of so many of Mr. Wilson's era, we all lose something from a great generation of leaders. He was a unique individual ... a man of impeccable character, high moral standards, dedication, and committment. I always admired him and last saw him when I was in Tucson for my 20th reunion. His son, Davey was in my class. He greeted me like a long lost friend and the greatest trombonist ever, despite my having spent only two years in band, and I'll never forget that.
I'm going to relate my favorite Mr. Wilson story ... I think you will all appreciate this, especially Roger and Charlie, who were in the brass section (and I might add, two of the finest trumpet players any high school band could ever have). I do not recall if this happened in your senior year (my freshman year), or in my sophmore year. Mr. Wilson was on one of his great tirades directed at the brass section. It was one of those speeches where he put his baton down and we knew we were in for a long one.
As the bell was approaching and he was concluding, red-faced and growing more angry by the second, he said this, " ... now you men can either SHIP-UP!!! ... " (everyone realized the error, but there was nothing but dead silence), and, not breaking his intent stare but with his face now purple, he finished even louder, saying, " ... OR SHAPE OUT!!!!!!!!!"
We were, literally, saved by the bell.
You might also recall that he always concluded practice with a short, snappy salute, saying, "Thank you, band!"
I'm saluting him now. Thank you, Mr. Wilson!
Les Baitzer, Class of '66
Also Sad News Charlie
Lawrence W. Wilson Age 87 of Tucson, Arizona passed away on Thursday, May 22, 2003. He is survived by Jane Wilson; sons, Lawrence E, David (Jayne), Ken (Kay); daughters Janie and Sonia; grandchildren, Zachary (Amy), Reid, Jordan, Taylor, Bryan, Danny; and three great grandchildren. Larry served in the Army-Airforce during World War II and earned Bachelor's and Masters degrees in Music Education from the University of Arizona. He directed community bands in Yuma and Tucson and taught music in the Amphi School District for 31 years. Friends may call at Adair Funeral Homes Avalon Chapel, 8090 N. Northern Ave. (at Magee), from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30p.m., Saturday, May 31. Interment will follow in Yuma, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Lawrence W. Wilson UofA Music Scholarship Fund, c/o David Wilson, 646 W. Las Lomitas Road, Tucson Arizona 85704.
I for one was influenced by this man as a leader, roll model, teacher by example of Honor, and the best of character. I will always "pick myself up by my bootstraps and be proud!" Sincerely we will miss a great leader.
Roger H. Shelton class of 1963 Amphitheater High School Band member