The Everett native, who earned two degrees in music education from the UW, was one of the most influential music teachers in Seattle history. During his 48-year career, he served on the Husky Marching Band staff from 1965 to 1982 (after he played in the marching band from 1960 to 1964). That was in addition to teaching generations of students in his 24 years as the band director at Shorecrest High School and another 24 years as the band director at Shoreline Community College. He supported a multitude of other local institutions ranging from the Dale Turner YMCA to the Shoreline Community College Foundation. In addition to working with the Husky Marching Band, he was the director of music for the Seattle SuperSonics.