Winston Jerome Vitous

Winston was born June 28, 1935, ascended February 28, 2011. Winston left us to join Helen, his late wife of 49 years. Winston was raised in Morton, Washington by his parents, Lumir and Lula Vitous. He developed an interest in music that eventually took him to Eastman School of Music and later to study in Vienna on a Fulbright Scholarship. Winston was a veteran of the armed services, playing clarinet with the US Army Band, touring Europe and other locations at home and abroad. He spent a good portion of the next several decades teaching music in our public schools, developing superb music education programs, leading his students to numerous national and international band competitions, and mentoring hundreds of children in music and the arts on their path through adolescence to become young adults.

Winston met Helen at Eastman, and their passion continued for the next five decades as they settled in Marysville and had four children, Anderson, Rolf, Kirsten and Rachael. He was involved with the American Kennel Club, the Saint Bernard Fanciers, the Fox Terrier Fanciers and numerous other dog breeding and judging organizations. Following in his father's footsteps, he became a Freemason. He joined the Crystal Lodge in Marysville, serving as their Grand Master in 2007, joined the Scottish Rite in Shoreline, and used his background in music in serving the Shrine Band as conductor.

In his final years, Winston battled health issues and finally succumbed in February. He lived a full, rich life having been a son, husband, father, mentor, teacher, grandfather, advisor, and friend.

He is survived by his four children; and by four grandchildren. He will be missed by those who knew him.

A reception will be held at 2:30 p.m., March 12 at the Crystal Lodge in Marysville.