Musician Percy Bronson, known for his big band style performances and his innovation and imagination in teaching, died May 16, 2003. He was 80.

Bronson, born in Toronto, Ontario on February 7, 1923 was the son of an immigrant from Romania, who sailed to America in 1899 on the SS Paris and married a Romanian girl from Montreal. Bronson's parents settled in Toronto, ON and raised Percy and his five siblings. Percy's father owned and ran a barber shop, where all the children learned the trade and helped their father in the shop.

When Percy was 14, his father gave him a used saxophone, which was the beginning of a lifelong love of music resulting in years of performances in a variety of bands with music for all occasions as well as a 40 year career as a music teacher in small towns in North Dakota, Montana and finally Seattle in1963, where he continued building music programs at Cleveland, Evergreen and Highline High Schools and performing regularly at functions. He retired in 1988. He was notable for his tireless efforts to bring music education to children of all ages and for his enthusiastic support of the community through his band's participation in parades and concerts such as his annual performances at the Burien Public Library.

Percy's career took him across North America with opportunities to play with Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Sammy Davis, jr. and many others. During a booking with the orchestra at the Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, CA in 1950, he met his future wife Sonyia. They married in 1952 and had four children, Paul Joseph, Rebecca Sue, Dana Joseph and Marc David. He served in the US Army and reserves in 1947-1954 and played in the Army bands of the 1st Infantry Division at Fort Riley, Kansas. While raising his family, he studied teaching at North Dakota State Teachers College and Montana State University and earned his B.A. and Masters of Teaching degrees.

Percy exhibited throughout his life an extraordinary energy for teaching, a rare gift for inspiring esprit de corps, tremendous ease while performing music and a contagious zest for life. His smile and positive attitude were unforgettable. Percy's music brought joy to all who heard him play and his teaching touched many children and families, who later credited him for the gifts music and his personal encouragement, brought to their lives.

Bronson died after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease on May 16, 2003 in Des Moines, Washington. He is survived by his wife Sonyia, his brothers Albert and Carl, his sisters Florence and Mary, his children Paul (wife, Debbie) Rebecca, Dana (wife- Roxanne), Marc and his grandchildren, Devin, Nathan and Vanessa. Remberances may be sent to Wesley Homes Health Center 1122 South 216th St. Seattle, WA 98198. A memorial service is planned at 3:00PM on Friday, June 6, 2003 at the Bonney-Watson Funeral Home located at SeaTac, WA.

[Source: Sax on the Web Forum archive, June 4, 2003]