Category Archives: In Memoriam/Final Notes

Final Note: Ray Colcord

Ray ColcordLife Member. Piano
(12/24/1949 – 2/5/2016)

By Dan Foliart

It is with deep sadness that I report the passing of my dear friend, Ray Colcord.

To say that Ray was courageous, would be a gross understatement, as his valiant battle with pancreatic cancer over four years, not only defied all odds, it redefined to all who knew him what the words courage and determination truly mean. During most of those four years we were running companions, with Ray, even in his weakened condition, always the winner as he truly is today. Participating in several LA marathons was always one of his most prized accomplishments. Continue reading →

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February 2016 In Memoriam

Thomas L. Garrett
Life Member. Drums
7/5/1938 – 12/16/2015
Survived by spouse & children

Jack W. Feierman
Life Member. Trumpet
11/3/1924 – 1/19/2016
Survived by spouse

Ronald A. Kalina
Life Member. Harmonica/Piano
8/4/1928 – 1/13/2016
Survived by friend

Stephens LaFever
Life Member. Bass
3/27/1932 – 12/9/2015
Survived by spouse & children

Delores Rhoads
Life Member. Trumpet
3/30/1920 – 11/11/2015
Survived by children

June Russo
Life Member. Flute
6/5/1929 – 1/6/2016
Survived by spouse & children

Miguel Sanchez
Life Member. Saxophone
1/20/1923 – 1/9/2016
Survived by spouse & son

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Final Note: Jack Feierman

Jack Feierman

Life Member. Trumpet
1/3/1924 – 1/19/2016

by Judith Feierman, wife

Jack Feierman, a giant in the world of music who contributed as a player, composer, conductor and arranger to some of the most famous acts of the 20th Century, died at home on Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2016, at the age of 91.

He was known throughout the world of music as a consummate professional who always represented the best of the best. Continue reading →

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Final Note: Ron Kalina

Life Member. Piano
(8/4/1928 – 1/13/2016)

by Jim Self, Life Member, AFM Local 47

On Jan. 13, 2016, Ron Kalina, one of my dearest friends and musical mentors, passed away peacefully at 87 in Palm Springs. In my early years in Los Angeles I was a busy bass player and, after the devastating strike in 1980, I relied a lot on bass gigs to pay the bills. I was also looking for a neat sound to make my first jazz tuba recording. One night I played a casual with this wonderful, swinging pianist Ron Kalina. Later in the evening he pulled out a harmonica and played great jazz while also comping with one hand on the piano. I was blown away by his sound and talent and thought, “wow, harmonica and tuba might be a really unique sound for a jazz band.” I needed a musical project to get me out of the doldrums of those down studio years and thought I could make an interesting jazz recording and maybe help me progress as a musician. Continue reading →

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Final Note: Jack Feierman

feierman headshot

Life Member. Trumpet
11/3/1924 – 1/19/2016

by Bob Alberti, Local 47 Life Member

Jack Feierman and I first met when we were both freelance studio musicians in the 1970s and often ended up on the same sessions. Our friendship was immediate and lasted through the years, even after I retired to Hilton Head, South Carolina. We often vacationed with Jack and his lovely wife Judith, on cruises from Alaska to the Caribbean, and during the 10 years I spent as pops conductor of the Hilton Head Symphony, whenever a strong lead trumpet player was needed I would arrange to have Jack flown out from Los Angeles to head up the brass section. Continue reading →

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January 2016 In Memoriam

Douglas B. Craig
Life Member. Bassoon
12/14/1928 – 11/1/2015
Survived by friend & family

Richard (Dick) Gabriel
Life Member. Saxophone
10/1/1940 – 12/1/2015
Survived by spouse & children

Douglas G. Reeves
Life Member. Violin
10/24/1924 – 9/28/2015
Survived by spouse

Newly reported:
Johnny Mann
Life Member. Piano
9/30/1928 – 6/18/2014
Survived by spouse

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Final Note: Rick Fleishman

Rick Fleishman memorialGuitar
(7/31/1951 – 12/24/2015)

By Steve Carr

On Christmas Eve my dear friend Rick Fleishman departed this world after a 10-month battle with brain cancer. Rick was an intelligent, ethical and talented human being whom I met while working casuals some 36 years ago. Our friendship, along with musical and business partnerships, grew quickly. He was a great guitar player with whom I collaborated with on many jazz, pop and movie projects. But most of all he was a close friend who will forever be missed. He is survived by his loving wife Albina and loyal daughter Sara. There will be a memorial to him at the Musician’s Union Sunday afternoon, January 17.

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Dick Gabriel (1940-2015)

Dick Gabriel

Dick Gabriel gave decades of service to musicians, working originally at Local 47, and then for many decades for the American Federation of Musicians.

His gifts included an encyclopedic knowledge of AFM contracts, electronic media history and people.

Perhaps his greatest strength was his lifelong commitment to keeping his door open to working musicians.

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