Louis Lason Obituary

Lynn - I was a flutist in the Calumet HS band 1960-1964. Lou was terrific as director. I was also in his community band of Arlington Heights. I have some of the concert LPs from Calumet and have been looking for you. If you would like them I would be happy to send the recordings to you. Evie has my information. Also I am on face book as Rhoda June Briga. My maiden name is Smallman.

I remember Mr. Lason as the choir director at Beth Torah when I was

in Grammar School.

I was a member of the Calumet HS Band from 1956 through 1960. The band and Louis Lason remain the most important experience of my highschool years. Thank you Mr. Lason.

Dear Lason family,

I am very saddened to hear of Mr. Lason's passing. He was a very important part of my high school life and his influence on me continues to this day. I probably wouldn't be a band director or even a musician without his guidance and encouragement.

He touched many people with his gifts and will be missed.

My prayers and the prayers of all who have been blessed to know him are with your family.

From the June, 1955 class at Calumet High School - Thank you for all the joy you contributed to our lives with your wonderful music and talent. You will never be forgotten!

To the Lason Family:

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. May God Bless you and give all of you strength and courage at this time.



Mr. Lason was my Band Teacher for four wonderful years in High School and my favorite teacher. I have always respected him as a teacher and a person of great character.



I have many fond memories of Mr. Lason that will remain in my heart forever. He was very passionate about his music. I remember how he would try to explain to a student who was playing the incorrect keys,

'It's not DA-Doo-Da-Doo-Dee-Doo, it's DEE-Doo-Da-Doo-Dee-Doo.' It was really cute.



I now have three children and Mr. Lason's inspiration has led me to teach them the importance of music and how much enjoyment it can be. They have been taking music classes since they were infants and it has influenced them in many fun and positive ways.



Beautiful music is now playing in Heaven - Thank you Mr. Lason for being a great inspiration to me and enriching my life is such a wonderful way.

The last time I saw Lou he was a lot like the first time I remember seeing him: big and strong, sitting back in a lounge chair, with that gruff voice but always kind and ready with a smile. I'll miss his Cadillacs and his arguments over cars and his band concerts and his half-feigned love of the Cubs. I'm sorry for your loss, Shirley, and I know how hard it was to see him go. Lou, we here in your extended Florida family will miss you very much.

If this is the Mr. Louis Lason who taught music/band at Calumet High School, then I remember him well as the teacher who made a big impact on my life in the appreciation of music. I always thought he was very, very nice and cared a lot about whether we really learned what he taught. Please accept my sincere condolences. He will be missed by all who knew him.

LOU WAS A CHERISHED FRIEND.EVEN OUR CONTROVERSIES WERE ENJOYED BY BOTH OF US. WE HAD SUCH AN EASY AND CLOSE RELATIONSHIP. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED.HE WAS BRAVE, AND WE WILL HAVE THE FIRST ONE TODAY IN HIS HONOR.

Lou was a friend and mentor to me for the past 35 years, beginning when he was a district music superintendent for the Chicago Public Schools. I remember how in spite of his very hectic schedule he came every day for a week to help whip our High School Band into shape for competition. Over the years he became a friend and colleague; he was my conductor in the Arlington Heights Band and we used to play Chicago Musicians Trust Fund Concerts (some of the most musically satisfying of the season). We were priviledged to have him come back to conduct the Mt. Prospect Band last Summer. His musicality and style were unique, and provided a model to so many of us who worked with him. Lou's kindness to and influence on so many young people who went on to successful careers in music and other fields over so many years leaves a legacy that will last for generations. He was a dear, respected, and loved friend and a treasure to those who were lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed.

We are deeply saddened at the loss of such a wonderful man. He played a very big part in our lives & gave us so much. Heaven has received the most wonderous of jewels. We thank him for so many pleasant memories which can never be taken away. We give our love to Shirley, the family & will always be grateful that he touched our lives.

My deepest sympathy to my dear friend, Shirley, and to her family in their time of bereavement and sorrow. Lou's passing was painful for all but in time only sweet memories will remain. May God bless you all and give you strength today and forevermore.



Love from Kristin and Elaine