Storke Funeral Home Obituaries

It’s hard to sum up the huge impact Roy had on me from afar as I was growing up, and the impact he had on the trumpet and music community. As a teenager I religiously read his articles on the history of various instruments, and later into my 20’s I had the pleasure of having a few discussions with him about specific instruments. Roy catalyzed my joy for music, and joy for instruments, and I will never forget our conversations. I’m just one of probably dozens if not hundreds of people he has impacted through his passion for trumpets, and frankly I’d be surprised if he remembered me, but his spirit lives on through many others like me. Roy, I’ll think of you every time I have a “new to new vintage Bach instrument in my hands and your research is why I have one in my hands every day when I practice, and when I work as a full time musician.

What a wonderful, generous, talented, interesting and sincere man. Roy was a good friend and neighbor to me and my family, even acted as an additional grandfather figure to my daughter. I will miss our lively conversations, which though much of the scientific ones went right over my head, were always so much fun, entertaining and enlightening. When he lived in Springfield my daughter and I often went to hear him perform in concert and were also privileged to hear him play in his home with the quartette. I can just hear him now, practicing with the group on a warm summer evening, the windows open, brassy tones wafting on the night air. After he and Gail moved away I would visit, and sometimes bring him homemade biscuits, or at Christmas, homemade cookies, which he so enjoyed. All these and for so many other reasons Roy will be sorely missed.

I was saddened when Steve Dillon called me today to let me know that Roy had passed away. I've been in touch with Roy about his Vincent Bach research, off and on, since 2000. We exchanged emails and then I met Roy and his lovely wife many years ago at a Cornet Conspiracy gathering in Elkhart, Indiana, sitting with you both, enjoying the ambiance of the cornet collectors' and players jamming together. You have my condolences at this time and I pray that you will soon be able to replace your grief with memories of the good times spent with Roy over the years. Respectfully, Peggy Banks (Associate Director, National Music Museum).

I consider Roy to be one of the true friends I have had and will miss his tremendously. We has some great experiences together and I will cherish these forever.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We share in your sadness and wish we could be with you. I’m so thankful for our recent emails. He gave wise advice and he had that great Hempley humor. He will be missed by all. Love to you and your family. Gayle