Leo Joseph Meyer

Leo Joseph Meyer July 29, 1919 ~ January 7, 2016 A Wonderfully Long and Storied LifeOn July 29, 1919, Leo Joseph Meyer was born to Arthur Robert Meyer and Katherine Mary Sullivan in Delta on the western slope of Colorado. Leo passed away January 7, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Instrumental music entered Leoʼs life in elementary school. He began playing the clarinet in the 5th grade under Ivan Miller and Gordon Ayres. They encouraged him to attend CSU [Colorado Agriculture and Mechanics at that time] after his graduation from Delta High School in 1938; he did just that! Leo was in the second graduating class in the Music Major program at CSU, graduating in 1942 with his Bachelor of Music. In addition while he attended CSU, Leo enlisted in the National Guard in 1938 and played in the 157th Infantry Band until his discharge in 1941.Leo married his high school sweetheart, Glenora Jean Lee, in 1940 while they were both students at CSU. Upon graduation Leo and Glenora moved to LaJunta where Leo was the band, orchestra, and choir director. They welcomed their first child, a daughter, Linda, in 1943 while Leo was teaching in La Junta.In 1944 there was a job opening in Longmont. Leo jumped at the chance. His salary in LaJunta was $1,440 a year, and Longmont was offering him $1,750. However, Leo had his work cut out for him since he was to be the 3rd band director in 2 years. His hard work paid off. With the support of the administration and teachers, the number of students doubled in size. In the 50ʼs Kenneth Evans [who later became the Ob instructor at UNC and who started the Bach, Beethoven and Breckenridge Music Festival] joined Leo. Richard Kilmer, the legendary ob professor at the Eastman School of Music, did his student teaching under Leo and Kenny.Longmont, as well, continued to grow and the school district consolidated with the surrounding rural schools. Leo advanced his education at the University of Colorado and received his Masters degree in Music Education in 1952. Son, Lee, was born to Leo and Glenora, in 1959. Leo was appointed as the Instrumental Music Supervisor for the St. Vrain Valley School District in 1962. He held that position until he retired in 1985.Leo was instrumental in the founding of the Longmont Symphony Orchestra in its early days. He played his clarinet in the first concert performed in April of 1966. Initially it was a struggle to have the audience outnumber the orchestra. Leo became the conductor for the 1970-71 season and continued through the end of the 1982-83 season.During his tenure, Leo started having a yearly concert for the district 4th graders to encourage their interest in playing a musical instrument. He developed the yearly Pops Concert as well. The school district suffered serious financial problems in 1983 which necessitated his taking over more duties in the school district. Leo had to give up the orchestra at the end of the 1983 season.Leo lost Glenora to cancer in December of 1977. Glenoraʼs mother, Esther Lee, had moved from Delta to Longmont to be near them just prior to his losing Glenora. After 15 months, Esther told Leo that he was too young to spend the rest of his life alone. One day after church, he asked Debby if she would consider going out with him. She said yes. They reached across the years and found each other! They married in October of 1979.Leo continued his music career until he retired in 1985. His storied career and life of dedication to music education made him the recipient of many awards and honors:*Colorado State University honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1981*The Colorado Music Educators Association [CMEA] inducted him into the Hall of Fame in 1985. He was the editor of the first newsletters for CMEA. From 1964-66 he served as President of CMEA. Leo chaired the CMEA Retired teacher committee from 1985-1995 after he retired from the St. Vrain Valley School System*Chairman and board member of the Colorado Instrumental Directors*Member of the Colorado High School Activities Association Music Committee*He was a clinician, guest conductor, teacher and judge throughout the state before and after his retirement*In 1985 the Colorado State Legislature honored Leo on his retirement with a state commendation for his contributions to music in the state of Colorado*In 1987 Leo was honored for being a Trendsetter in Music Education [CMEA]*Leo also served on: Vance Brand Civic Auditorium Joint Operational Committee between the city and the St.Vrain Valley School District; St.Vrain Valley Artist Series Board; Colorado High School Activities Association Board; and the Boulder County Scientific and Cultural Facilities Committee.Leo is survived by: his wife, Debby [and Lady and Tramp]; his daughter, Linda McCauley and her son, Eric [Melissa Strong, Ericʼs wife]; his son, Lee Meyer and his wife, Laura and their children: Chandra Pohl [Eric] and their sons, Mathias and Joshua; Mikaela Meyer; three stepchildren: Bibianna Scott [Ess], and Ess Jr. and Justin, Yolanda Duran [Manuel] and their children: Junior, Carlos, and Vanessa, Calvin Sampson and his son, CJ; his nephew, Charles Meyer [Kate] and their daughter, Kelly.Leo was preceded in death by his first wife Glenora; his parents; his brother, Raymond, and sister-in-law, Josephine.A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Friday January 15, 2016 at the United Church of Christ 1500 9th Ave. Longmont, CO. Cremation entrusted to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Visit www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com to share condolences. In lieu of flowers, any contributions to the First Congregational Church or the American Cancer Society or any worthwhile organization of your choice may be made.....but always, pause, take time, and listen to your music. Martin Luther said that..... Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. Thus....Leo with his love of music was a treasure for all of us.