Bob Schaumann '63 (HHS63 Reunion Committee)
Hi Class,
Many times during our journey through life we reflect on those who somehow impacted/influenced us along the way. For some of us, it was our teachers within the Haverford school system.
At last year's 60th Class of 1963 Reunion in October, we were privileged to invite John and Rosemarie Trainer as our guests. For those not in the HHS band, Mr. Trainer was our band director and teacher.
We were blessed with many good teachers (including Rudolf Tecco, Orchestra), as well as John Trainer. Paul Fink, the choral director, was another fine teacher who demanded excellence. We didn't make noise; we made damn good music, and if you played in these ensembles, I am sure you will agree!
For this reason, we capitalized on the opportunity during our reunion luncheon to THANK Mr. Trainer for being an exceptional conductor and teacher. We know he was touched, as Rosemarie, his wife, sent me a letter that said so. Although it was sixty years in coming, I'm glad we did this.
Mr. Trainer was appreciative of the recognition; he even got up from the table and led us in the singing of our Alma Mater. Ninety-three years old... and one of the very few teachers who were still with us in 2023.
Sadly, I received a message from Rosemarie that Mr. Trainer passed away a few days ago. I won't share the entire message (it was lengthy), but I wanted to share the gist of it with you.
Hello Bob,
We often and proudly talked about your happy class reunion and you honoring him. Today, I have to tell you that John died on the 29th very peacefully at Bryn Mawr Hospital. After being hospitalized for two weeks with heart challenges that he could not overcome, he just fell asleep. For us it was so quick, but he is with his Lord. We miss him terribly.
The service will be on November 14th at 1:00pm at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church in Bryn Mawr. I would love for you to contact some of your graduating class [to let them know].
With love and gratitude,
Rosemarie Trainer, Vera, Mark, and Ellen
I was deeply saddened to learn of Mr. Trainer's passing. If you were a member of the HHS band, I hope you will reflect on the good memories of Tuesday and Thursday practices, practicing on the football field ("eight steps for each five yards), the exchange concerts with Bethesda, the word "raunchy" (you had to be IN the band to understand that word), great concerts, and the fun we had.

Thank you, John.
RIP.
bob
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