Raymond Kober Obituary

To the family of Ray Kober. As a young teacher ot Englewood High School, I met Ray. He was a most kind and generous mentor. He will be missed. Mary Tulloch

I only now learned of the passing of this great man who inspired many of us to do our best and make music. He taught me to play trumpet, music theory and to love jazz. Through him we were all inspired to perform to the best of our abilities and to study in a meaningful way. "Practice does not make perfect, practice makes permanent" will be my mantra for the rest of my life. Thank you Mr. Kober.

Please accept my condolences upon your loss. I too was a Kennedy High School Band student. Mr. Kober was a kind, dedicated, albeit quirky (in a fun way) teacher. He fostered a love of music and especially jazz, that endures in me to this day.

Ron Sebonia (Class of '80)

To the Family of Mr. Raymond Kober,

Please accept my most sincere condolences in the passing of Ray Kober. As a former student of Mr. Kober, my memory is one of a man dedicated and enthusiastic to the newly created instrumental music program at Chicago's Kennedy High School. His daily encouragement during rehearsals and lessons led me to a career in music education. Mr. Kober not only served as an inspiration during my days of public school teaching, but also as a role model in patience and integrity.

To Mr. Raymond Kober I say "Thank You" for the motivation I needed to strive for my best during those formative years, and to your family, thank you for sharing this wonderful man's time, energy and knowledge with the youth of KHS. Please know that Mr. Kober's legacy continues to live on in the many students of mine and others who have chosen a career in music education.

Knowledge and creativity have a way of enduring. Mr. Kober was a master of both.

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.

Joe Gill (Class of '68)

To the Family of Mr. Kober,
Mr. Kober shared his time and talents with many students at Kennedy High School. I was a majorette that performed with the marching band. I will remember his patience trying to get all of us coordinated. Thank you for sharing him with us. Please accept my sincere sympathy.
Carol Krason Romaniszak (class of 1968)

To the family of Mr. Kober I extend my sincere condolences.

I was a student at Kennedy High School in Chicago in the 1970s. Some of my fondest memories of those years are of playing the violin in the orchestra and the piano in the jazz band, both of which were conducted by Mr. Kober. When I was a freshman, I wanted to join the orchestra, but at the time only played piano and organ. Mr. Kober convinced me that I could and should learn to play the violin! He helped me find a violin teacher, and by Christmas of that year, I was not only playing the violin but Mr. Kober had me teaching other beginning students as well! I also remember him conducting the jazz band and playing a trumpet solo while wearing movie star-like sunglasses during one concert. We all had a great time playing in the pit orchestra for the Kennedy drama club's Spring musicals each year.

Music is a wonderful gift, and I will always be grateful to Mr. Kober for providing me with the opportunities I had during my four years in the Kennedy music department. I cherish music to this day, and this is in no small part due to his guidance, enthusiasm, and ability to make us believe in ourselves.

Dear Cleone and family,
Paul sent us an e-mail to let us know of Ray's death. We send our sincere sympathy to all of you. When we come back to Green Lake it will be very strange not to see him. May the Lord bless you by His presence through this trying time.
Love and prayers,
Earl & Lois Jean Kinney