Russel Speicher Obituary

I miss you! The Boss was a wonderful teacher.

I just found out about this tragedy today, and I felt the need convey my thoughts now, so forgive me if I ramble a little. I was a student of his from 1983 – 1986.



Well having become a professional musician, the impact this man had on me is immeasurable. I'm not just talking about my musical career. I feel as though I'm a better man today because of Mr. Speicher. He taught me life/music lessons that I wouldn't even comprehend until I was much older. Anyone reading this post understands that his legacy can’t help but go on. It is fueled through me and carried on to everyone I come in contact with, as well as the thousands of students that had the honor of receiving his guidance. I can honestly say that the world is a much better place having had him in it. To his family, all I can say is I know for a fact I’ll never meet a better person no matter how long I live. I’m honored to have met him. If your grief is one tenth of what I’m experiencing, and I know it is, I’m sorry. I honestly feel “Boss” would be telling us to get on with our lives, and that’s what I intend to do. I’ll continue instilling the knowledge I’ve acquired from him in my professional and personal life in hopes it reaches more. I’ll never forget him, Thank you “Boss” for touching my life. You were a one of a kind.

Mr. Speicher was a wonderful dear man, whom I admired in my music career. A great man of many patience. He will be remembered in my heart forever. God bless the Speicher family.

Even those of us who obviously weren't the most talented musicians owe Boss a debt of gratitude. He taught me the value of dedication, not just for myself, but for a larger goal. In a time when a lot of us had typical teenager doubts, he gave us guidance and something to be awfully proud of - our band. Look at the other entries and it's obvious that we're still proud. My thanks to you, Mr. Speicher, for being a true teacher.

When I talk to my children about the 5 people who where the most influential, meaningful, supportive,( and demanding )in my life, RUSSEL SPEICHER is in that group. Even 25 years after graduating from PMHS, The Boss is still the one to whom no other can compare. He was a gifted musician, singer, teacher and mentor. I, like many others, proudly marched and played under his directorship. He truly changed my life with that one question, "would you like to be in the marching band?" I honor him and every teacher who dedicates his life to inspiring students and who challenge us to be our best. His memory lives on in all who were blessed to have known him.

My deepest sympothies go out to the Speicher family, at the loss of a dear man. He taught me always to believe in yourself, and that you can do anything, no matter how difficult. I still hear him saying it to me, 14 years later. He was the greatest teacher and mentor in my life. Please remember how many lives he touched, and how enriched he made the lives of those he taught music. He will never be forgotten by anyone who ever had the priviledge of spending a moment with him. May God bless your family in this time of sorrow.

I am honored to have been a Drum Major for Boss' Marching 100 (1983-84) and a student of such a quiet yet powerful mentor. To his family, relatives and friends, I want to share with you that your husband, father, brother, uncle, pal, is truly a giant among artists! In the life of this artist, he's alive and well every time I pick up a pen, an instrument, hear a riff or listen to a chart, and when I sit down to write. His legacy lives on in me and in every other artist privileged enough to have been mentored by him. Very few men can ever hope to impart such a legacy. Your Russel, my Boss, lives on and will always be treasured in my heart, in my ears, and in my soul. Thank you, Boss, I am forever grateful to you.

Mr. Speicher was a great teacher, not only of music, but of life. I think he was even a bit of a father figure to many. I will keep his family in my prayers and his memory in my heart.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Speicher family during this difficult time. May they find comfort in the fact that Mr. Speicher touched the lives of so many through his music and good nature. "We are the living legacy of The Leader of the Band."

Mr. Speicher was the real "Pride of the Poconos." He made us believe we could be the best. He exposed us to many different environments--from tough competitions to parades for handicapped children to marching at Disney World. When we marched, we weren't just representing PMHS, we were representing him. Twenty-five years later, I still feel that sense of pride when I think about Mr. Speicher.

Mr. Speicher's love for music and us in the class of 1977, continues through my two sons, who both play saxophone. I never would have passed on the necessity to have music in their hearts had it not been for his dedication to his students.

The "Black Diamond Four" seems to be reforming. I'll never forget them singing "Redhead," "Where The Black Eyed Susan's Grow" and "Roll the Patrol."



I have many fonds memories of the Chorus of the Poconos running through "Muscrat Ramble," "There'll Be Some Changes Made" and "Brown Derby." What an impression those early barbershop music years made on me.



I'll miss Russ's voice and musical leadership so many enjoyed. From my school years at Barrett Elementary to Pocono Mountain HS and on to Russ's alma mater, West Chester State College.



Through music, Russ brought joy to many. Not just audiences, but performers as well. He will be missed.



To Betty and the family, God bless.



Dave LaBar

Palm Harbor, FL

Thank you Mr. Speicher. You brought me music, which has given me everything.



"His blood runs through my instrument and his song is in my soul."

Mr. Speicher is with us everyday not only in memory but in deed. His gift of music continues to nourish us even if we don't realize it. He taught instrumental music to three of our four children and even got (nobody will believe it) my husband to sing a couple of times!!! He still remembers the tune although the title has suffered changes- John calls it the "Groundhog Song". Can you guess which it is? Mr. Speicher had a wonderful, quick, dry sense of humor, a sign of keen inteligence. He would appreciate this annecdote.

We are, indeed, lesser without his physical presence, but his family may find confort in the loving and grateful memories of the thousands of people that he has influenced directly and indirectly.

Let us continue his work, the best we can, in Mr. Speicher's memory.

We will dearly miss the sparkle in your eyes that let us know everything is okay.

My deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Speicher. Anyone who knew him, enjoyed him. I marched with the "Marching 100" 1978-82, having fond memories of his leadership and humor. God Bless.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to have spent time with Boss in school, after school and even during some evenings and weekends playing or singing learned first hand the meaning of dedication. We witnessed and enjoyed the fruits of participation and practice not only under his guidance but also by his example. We will miss him and remember him always.



Thank you for the music, Boss.

I was blessed to know Mr. Speicher for many years as a fellow musician. In my various encounters with him while I was a music student, he was always gracious and encouraging. During my time as owner of Paynter Music, he was always one of those special customers I was always happy to see. May God bless you in this time of loss.

Sincerely,

Stephen Paynter

Can't have a quartet without a tenor, Russel. We're really going to miss you. Lee Wesner - "Timbretones"

Mr.Speicher was definitly a great man and musician. The community will miss him for sure. My condolences go out to the family. God Bless

The Poconos has lost another good man. He taught our children 30 yrs. ago and is fondly remembered as one of the best. Condolances to the family. Charles & Sarah Landis

Mr Speicher taught me flute for many years at Pocono Mountain. I was definately not his best student! But he was always patient. I know my parents hold Mr Speicher in high regard as a part of the original "Trinity Church" group that befriended my family many years ago when we first came to Trinity Church. And they have remained close friends since then.

We will miss you Mr. Speicher, especially on the Fourth of July.

Mr Speicher was a great man. I know him from my days at PMHS and the band. He will be missed. My sincere condolences to his family.