Mr. Mac  was an inspiration to me, and he was one of the reasons I became a teacher.  In the early 1970s I played clarinet in the Palo Verde Elementary School band from 5th through 8th grade (and during summers.) I was a perfectionist and had a lot of anxiety, but his patience and sense of humor always put me at ease. A poster on the band room wall stated, "Old teachers never die, they just lose their class." Good bye Mr. Mac we miss you. 

Some very belated condolences.  A recent discussion of trombones had me telling stories of one of the finest trombonists and music teachers I had known, Bob McAllister.  I was saddened to learn that he had passed; my many interactions with him (mostly at NAU Summer Music camp) were mostly him as an excellent mentor, teaching technique, theory, and tips and tricks of the trade (like Trombotine!).   

I'm honored to read all of the beautiful things people say about my dad. He was the best. He always had a way of saying everything that he needed to say to his students in a positive way - whether what he wanted to say was a compliment or something the student needed to improve on. He would compliment the third clarinets, for instance, in a full band - where there weren't always compliments to give. The rest of the band could feel and understand his love and it lifted their spirits to meet his. He had a special touch.

Dee Ann, this is very belated, but I only now learned of Bob's passing.  We were friends at ASU. I went on to eventually Direct the US Army Band and Chorus in Washington DC.  Recently we brought grandchildren to AZ (I had rarely been back since 1967).  My Army Band colleague Frank Dubuy (also ASU grad) found out, at my request whether I could contact Bob.  I am ashamed to be four years too late.  Bob was a friend, but also the best bass trombonist I had ever heard - and after all these years, he is still one of the best I can remember.  Dee Ann, I am impressed with the pictures of your sons, and I can tell that many of Robert's steller traits live on in them.  Sareta and I wish you and your sons many blessings.  Bryan Shelburne

Thank you, everyone, who shared  your memories of my husband, Bob McAlister, "Mr. Mac".  I have just read and reread each one of them.  He was indeed a taleted, fine man and a wonderful husband.   I miss him daily.  Your words are what I  knew already,  but it was a help for me to read them again.  

Dee Ann  McAllister
Mrs. Robert W. McAllister  (44 years)

Words are hard to come by and it is difficult to describe the impact Mr. Mac has had on my life.
 
The years of trombone lessons we shared will never be forgotten. His work ethic, humor and love of music have positively impacted other areas of my life and that of my musical family. Thank you - for the legacy you gave us! You will always be remembered and your lessons will continue to be taught.

"What is the good word?" he used to say upon greeting me before every lesson. The good word is that your music will play on in our lives! 
God Bless you.

Mr. Mac was a truly fabulous person and teacher.  His patience, devotion, and playfulness were a few of the reasons so many of us took band.  Thinking of him telling his bad jokes still makes me smile.  He was the highlight of my elementary/jr high memories.

I was just thinking about Mr. Mac and all of his village and the birds out front. Saturday morning flute lessons with Mrs. Mac are some of my fondest memories. Thank You for opening your home and heart to aspiring young musicians.  I will remember Mr. Mac fondly.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  I never had Mr. Mac for a teacher, but I took private piano lessons from Mrs. Mac for years.

Its been a long time since I have heard this name, it brought tears to think of the loss of such a great teacher...Thank you for all he shared with so many students - he will be greatly missed

DeeAnn,
   I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing.  The time we spend with those we love, never seems to be enough.  If we only had just a little more time, one more day, one more hour.  It is so difficult to let go  Cherish the wonderful memories of the life you shared and know that he is watching over you.  May God keep you in His care and comfort you in your sorrow.  You and your family are in my prayers.  
April Hall

I remember band (especially summer band) being a highlight of my elementary & Jr. High years.  Mr. Mac mad it so much fun to be a member of the Palo Verde band!  I will always remember his patience and passion for those he shared his music with.  RIP Mr. Mac

Bob and Dee Ann have been our great friends and colleagues for many years.  We remember Bob as one of the outstanding music educators who helped build the elementary programs in his district, was the private low brass instructor for Grand Canyon University and especially his years of dedication to the students and the "dream of excellence" inspired by Pat Curry for the (now named) Pat Curry NAU Summer Music Camp.  Whatever he was asked to do at the camp, he gladly responded and always went well beyond any of our expectations.  His focus was to give every student the best chance to succeed.  He did this with his great smile and positive attitude that infected us all. Hopefully, all of us who knew him will pass on that "dream of excellence" to others, using Bob' s great attitude and love of teaching as an example of true music education and living a full life. 

Our sincere love and compassion go out to the McAllister family in this time of remembrance and healing.  

Joe and Toni Lloyd - former NAU Summer Camp leadership team, retired educators

Mr. Mac inspired my life with music and in every other way.  I will always love playing jazz on saxaphone.  I will miss him but I know I will see him on the other side of the vail someday no doubt.

It was so sad to hear about Bob, as I knew him since Palo Verde Jr Hi School.  My deepest sympathy goes out to all his family.  The music world will sorely miss him.  He has a wonderful family who also became musicians themselves. Rest in peace Bob.

I had the honor to work with Bob for eight years when I was at Palo Verde. He truly was a gentleman that had a love for music and for working with young people to share that passion.  I can remember taking those trips to Disneyland with the Palo Verde Band and being so proud of our students. Bob had the ability to inspire young students to accentuate their musical abilities and skills.   He was truly a role model for all of us in education on how to treat students with respect and a caring spirit. Bob also treated his wife with such love and devotion.  They were a couple that demonstrated every time I saw them together as loving individuals committed totally to each other.
Bob will be missed but has left a legacy in our school district that will be everlasting.

Yesterday I learned my brother passed away.  I remember watching him sit in front of our TV and follow himself playing the trombone in Script OHIO at The Ohio State University marching band.  He came to my high school graduation when our Dad had passed away 3 months before I graduated.  Years ago my friend would travel through Phoenix and we always called Bob and Dee to meet us at the Camelback Hotel for lunch or dinner.  Those chats will also be remembered fondly.  He loved music and followed his dream!  With love, your sister Linda

Rober McAllister was a true delight in the eyes of anyone that had the opportunity of meeting him. I was only his student for a short period of time, but I remember how patient he was. He helped me grow fond of the trombone in only one lesson. I can still see the smile on his face and the twinkle in his eyes. He made the best jokes and he always made my day. I will miss him. He touched the lives of many students and he will be forever missed, but his legacy will live on.

Zanesville, Ohio has produced some very fine people, and now they lost one of their finest.  I remember Bob as I listen to my Blue Knights record album and the wonderful music they produced, and I remember Sonny Stillion,  who inspired you.   I was especially pleased when our children were able to have Bob as a teacher at Palo Verde.  His smile and patience was amazing.  And I always felt a connection to "home" when I saw Bob - "Mr. Mac".  I was proud to know Bob as a teen and as an adult and to see his great accomplishments. To the person you were, Bob, I am grateful for knowing you and for the positive influence you had on my children. You will be missed.

I was in Mr. Mac's band class at Palo Verde from 1978-81.  He was a wonderful teacher and mentor.  It was obvious that Mr. Mac truly cared about his students.  He treated all of us with respect.  He made us feel that we could accomplish anything we set our minds to.  He gave criticism with kindness, and strived to keep our self-esteem in tact.  My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and sons.

Mr. Mac was the best music teacher I ever had. He instilled a passion for music in me that I will carry the rest of my life. I will never forget him!

July 15th
DeeAnn, I read in the First United Methodist Church bulletin this morning that servies were held for Robert. I want to ext5end my deepest syathy to you and your family. Loosing a loved one is always difficult, but you must know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carolyn Cooper, Music Teacher at Desert Sands Middle School, Cartwright School District

Mr. Mac, you will be dearly missed. Since I heard the news, I have cried a little and smiled a lot thinking of all the wonderful memories. I only wish I had been there to celebrate the life of a wonderful man. I do try every day to inspire the young kids I works with and my niece to love music the way Mr. Mac and Mrs. Brown taught me. My heart goes out to the McAllister family. The world lost a wonderful man. We did have the pleasure of his amazing company for a long time and that is what I will remember!~AAM

Mr. Mac was my teacher, mentor, roll model, friend - and my dad. I love him as much as I love anything in this world. He will never be far from my heart and many others hearts - as we saw proof at his beautiful service.

Mr. Mac was one of my favorite teachers. He was able to inspire in a away that not many teachers could! Zanesville , Ohio and Tom's Ice Cream Bowl will always be our common link! You will be missed Mr. Mac!!!!

Mr. Mac was a kind man, a mentor, teacher, advisor and at times a parent. He was the voice of reason.
  He inspired our daughters to play musical instruments and appreciate music. Because of his patience and teaching one of our daughter's is a classroom music teacher.
  Mrs. Mac, Robert, Steven and family may the wonderful memories of your husband and Dad give you strength in this most difficult time.

Mr. Mac was my first tuba/trombone teacher back when I was in high school.  His kindness was rivaled my none, and he was always looking for the silver lining in every cloud.  Im sure I you took lessons with him, you would remember "Questions, Jokes, Antidotes?" a question he would ask every lesson as we would pack up.  I can't even explain how much Mr. Mac as helped me along the way with opportunities, skills, and self confidence.  I wouldn't be on the path to become a Professor of  Tuba at the college level If it wasn't for him. Thank you Mr. Mac, and my best wishes to Dee Ann and his two sons.

Mr. Mac will surely be missed by students who never had the pleasure of learning music from him. He was a great teacher, patient, kind, and passionate about music. Thank you God for such a wonderful man.

My condolences to Mr. Mac's family. I fondly remember his efforts, patience, and fun. I hope we all live up to his efforts on our behalf.

Mr. Mac - my "Mr. Holland" - was a favorite teacher and a fantastic inspiration.  His dedication to his students and to music was impactful and he will be missed.

Bob was the sweetest, kindest most genuine man I've ever known and the world is a sadder place without him!

I will always remember Bob's kindness and support as the new band director at Cortez High School. He and Dee Ann had a deep influence on many of my students. I enjoyed all the times we worked together and had chances to talk. It was a privilege for me today to be the organist at his memorial service. My prayers and best wishes to Dee Ann, Bob and Steven.

Mr. Mac was my music teacher at Roadrunner & Palo Verde and introduced me to the trumpet.  I continued playing all the way into college in the U of A marching band. He was an inspiration and a comedian and I look back with fondness and gratitude.  My deepest sympathies to Mrs. McAllister,Steve & Bobby.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

One of my favorite people in all the world. So much of his philosophy of teaching is embedded in me. I do so many things with my students because he did them. Like: Always, always, make sure every student smiles at least once while in your classroom, especially before they leave. So many great memories: helping sort music after summer band. 7:30 before school honor band. And who can forget ditching class to "work" in the band room? We just couldn't get enough of him. And then to be blessed with his wisdom again in college brass class. Thank You, God! Wisdom, Kindness and Humbleness were his uniform. A Real person that Truly Cared about everyone.

Mr. Mac had a huge impact on me as I know he has on many more.  As I continued studying music throughout college, I was always amazed at how many of his students continued playing through college and even became professionals.  This was all because of Mr. Mac and the foundation for music and life that he gave his students.  You will be greatly missed Mr. Mac.

We were so saddened to hear of this loss. All that has been said so far about Mr. Mac could be repeated by our 3 children, Bryan"83", Diana "86" and Aaron "96"(from PaloVerde& before from Roadrunner). All of them, with different talents and needs, were taught, encouraged & mentored by him and that impact continues in their lives today. The boys play in praise bands and just for enjoyment and are passing their love of music on to their children.  Diana's lack of vision did not deter Mr. Mac from encouraging her and giving her the confidence to try for district and state competitions and to be a part of all that happened in band and at NAU. His belief that all could play and enjoy music was catching for all his students. And he remembered them with love whenever we saw him in later years in other settings. We send our love and prayers to his family. He will be missed.

There are no words to describe the inspiration this man brought to me and the music in my life. Thank you for everything you have ever done for me and any other student that had the joy and honor to learn from you.

Words don't seem to capture the impact Mr. Mac has had on my life, as well as the lives of so many others.  Mr. Mac, along with Mrs. Mac, instilled a love for music in me that I pursued from 4th grade through college.  In my career as an elementary school teacher and instructional coach, I have been able to foster the love for music in students as well as teachers...all because Mr. and Mrs. Mac set such an amazing example.  They are the epitome of a loving, generous couple, who shared with everyone their passion for living life to its fullest.  I will always look upon the many years I shared with them as some of my most fond memories…from my first band concert where I played "Sunkist Twist" so eloquently, to high school regionals and honor bands, to my college music classes and performances, and even to speaking at Mr. Mac's retirement concert at Palo Verde.  Mr. Mac also gave me some of the best and most useful advice of my life: "If you don't have a napkin, use your sock – nobody looks at those anyway."

My most sincere and heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to Mrs. Mac, Steven, and Bobby during this difficult and saddening time.  Mr. Mac will live on in our hearts forever.

Mrs. Mac, Bobby, and Steven, 
My heart goes out to you. I pray that God will comfort you today and always as only He can. Your husband/dad was an awesome man and it is evident by his loving wife and kids! Miss you guys! God bless,

Mr. Mac was a great teacher. every time i would get into trouble he would always give me a look and i would look back at him with one eyebrow raied and he would say to me "oh she is giving me the eyebrow look." You have inspired me to want to continue my education in music. I wish i had the chance to tell you that you were the reason i went into education. I know thay you will be with me every step in furthering my career in teaching. I love you amd miss you Mr. Mac.

I was one of Mr. Mac's students at Roadrunner and Palo Verde for five years. I made music my career as well as my passion, but through high school, college, and grad school, I always considered Mr. Mac to be the man who taught me the most about music. I realize now, of course, that I was only one student in his decades of mentorship, patience, and warmth. The loss of such a generous, caring man is difficult to describe. 

Thank you, Mr. Mac. You and your family should be proud of the place you hold in the lives of so many people.

Mr. Mac, you will be missed! I, too, was a former Palo Verde student. I started in band playing the trumpet and then moved to the flute.  Your patience and jokes will be forever remebered.  You opened the door for the love of music for me. Now, my daughter plays the flute and is much better than I ever was! I was lucky to be able to see you again at the Ensemble competition in February.  Your wife, Dee Ann, is amazing and has inspired my daughter to reach even higher in her musical growth.  Thank you, Mr. Mac, for all that you have done.  My condolences go to Mrs. Mac and your two sons.  You will be missed, but never forgotten.  RIP Mr. Mac.

I always remember Mr. and Mrs. Mac with the greatest fondness and amazement at their energy and enthusiasm for bringing music to the lives of so many young people.  Sincere condolences to DeeAnn and family.

Mr. Mac, what a treasure. I started on the flute, but the band needed an oboe player. Why not! He taught with patience, encouragement and joy to share his love of music to all who came near. I treasure the time at Palo Verde, don't pass the school without thinking of him. Prayers to his wife, and family. God Speed. Thunder will sound a little more like tombones.

My heart broke when I heard the news but yet rejoiced to be able to celebrate a life that has touched so many lives young and old.  One of my favorite memories was Saturday morning lessons with mrs Mac and entering the jungle and seeing mr macs face as he opened his door to ask how I was doing.  A man who always cared

To this day I count Mr. and Mrs. McAllister amongst the most highly influential people of my life. I can only hope that my own children are lucky enough to encounter such amazing people and educators in their young lives. I have a decade full of the happiest, most vibrant memories filled with their presence and influence. Thank you Mr. Mac for instilling in me the passion that you so selflessly shared with all of us.

Mr. Mac was usually the prevailing subject at our evening meals. Both our daughter, Cindy and our son, Steve often spoke highly of him while in the band at Palo Verde. Mr. Mac not only  taught music, but life skills as well. Our thoughts and prayers are with Dee Ann and family. We will be attending the memorial services tomorrow and will have our Kleenex handy.

Mr. Mac was a remarkable teacher and man. I have such great memories of band, his corny jokes, and his ability to bring out the best in his students. The best teacher. I am extremely grateful to have been his student.

I've been reading these posts and mulling the loss of a great man for days now.  My teaching buddy, my cohort in crime on a couple of occasions :). All the trips to CA, the concerts, the one liners... (OSMR Ducks!) It was such an honor to be part of a great music team at Roadrunner with you! To DeeAnn and the boys, you are in my prayers. Thanks Bob, for being amazing.

Mr. Mac made band fun while helping all of us as Palo Verde improve our skills. The 'Twas The Night Before Christmas'concert will always be a special memory for me. May many happy memories help bring peace to his family.

To this day I can still see Mr. Mac sitting behind the piano, tilt his head forward and peer through his glasses as to say, "knock it off". Or the ear crushing whistle he used to silence a room of zany kids in seconds.  His firm approach to music told  of a man who cared enough to gently push and prod, demanding us to do our best and fulfill our potential. Mr. Mac's broad stoke of kindness reached far beyond the classroom and touched so many people as we can see in the messages written today, decades from our time spent in his class. I know personally I wouldn't be the man I am today if it weren't for his persistance and commitment to support each and every student. Even the disorderly type. Mr. Mac your spirit lives on in me.

Mr. Mac was an amazing teacher! I truly enjoyed learning from him and having him as a band teacher. He was such in inspiration and really taught me so much about music. I can still remember coming to his house to take lessons from Mrs. Mac and I loved the birds in the front entry way! My sincere condolensces to his family. 

Palo Verde 1996

There are a few people in our lives who influence our decisions about  how we live, what we do for our work, how we treat others and what we value to be real and true.  Mr. McAllister and Dee Ann have had a profound impact on me in these areas of my life. He has been a mentor and a role model for 30+ years.He was a master teacher and musician and has had such a huge impact on so many.  He ALWAYS had a smile and a joke, and when you would ask him how he was, his reply was always "FANTASTIC"!  I can hear his voice right now!!!  He lived a rich life, albeit far too short, but he lives on in all of us who are in music education and who loved him!!! My prayers  and thoughts to Dee Ann, Bobby and Steven.

Mr. Mac has made such an impact on my life and the lives of my sons. Words cannot begin to express the saddness we feel in our home right now. Mr. Mac was absolutely the most patient, loving, kind, compassionate person I have ever met in my life. I enjoyed sitting through my sons music lessons every week. He had a way of teaching that always bolstered their self-esteem and challenged their abilities.  He inspired my sons to be the greatest musicians they could be.  Because of Mr. Mac my boys excelled in music performance, but more importantly they are better people for having known such a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers are with DeeAnn, Robert, and Steven.  DeeAnn you were lucky to have had such a loving man, and boys, you were lucky to have an inspiring dad.  Thank you for sharing him with us.  May God bless you all!
~The Freeman Family

My thoughts and prayers to Dee Ann and her sons.  Mr. Mac was my daughter's favorite band director and such a wonderful teacher.  Dee Ann also taught her private lessons and she enjoyed every minute of it.  What an inspiration they both were and are.   God Bless You.

Mr Mac, you where the spark that lit the fire in my heart for music.  You taught me to play the clarinet and to this day I still play.  I will never forget your words of wisdom and encouragement as I struggled that first year in band.  You where very well loved by all your students, by the community. May you rest in peace.  We all Miss you.

I have such wonderful memories of Mr. Mac and early morning band at Palo Verde.  Not only was he a great band director and musician, but Mr. Mac always had a good story to tell, a sparkle in his eye, and lots and lots of patience!  I tell my own children stories about band with Mr. Mac and he is one of the many reasons they are now learning flute and violin--even using a copy of his scale sheet!  My sympathies to his family.  Thanks for the music, Mr. Mac!

Mr Mac was my favorite teacher in grade school.. I started band in the 5th grade and went on to play in high school band and still play my guitar daily... His funny personality just made you want to be in class... Palo Verde school and the whole neiborhood has changed alot through the years but when I'm in town I allways drive by and remember walking to school with my little drum pad and drum sticks for morning band practice... Music has allways been such a part of my life and I owe it all to the man who inspired my to play... My little brother loved Mr. Mac aswell and we would often play music together and talk about the old band days. Surely there are Trombones in heaven and Mr. Mac will be 1st chair... RIP Mr. Mac.

Mr. Mac touched so many children's lives. He will truely be missed and always remembered.

The Jungle...as the kids called it...all the neighbor kids~as well, and the awe of your atrium with all the birds.  Bob had a huge impact in my family's life as have all of you as a family.  Our condolences.  We are so sad for "Mr. McAllister" as the kids called him. He was an amazing person. You were the best neighbors ever.   Adrienne, Brian and Renee

This brief announcement does not begin to tell the story of what a great teacher, musician, and human being Mr. Mac truly was.  He was the principal trombonist in the Phoenix Symphony, and at the same time taught music to hundreds (thousands?) of kids at Palo Verde School with patience and good humor.  He was one of those inspiring teachers whom I will never forget.  RIP  Mr. Mac!

Bill Killip (Class of 1977)

Mr. Mac had such a profound impact on my life.  I wanted to quit playing the flute and he talked me into keep playing, he was the reason I was able to go to Cortez band and go on many trips and win awards.  I think of him often for his advice and always wondered if he was still the band director at Palo Verde.  He was truly a great man and I will always remember him.  God bless you Mr. Mac and also to your family.

"Mr. Mac was the greatest teacher at Palo Verde I had. I stayed with band through to college because of him and his inspiration. Our music world lost a truly great and wonderful man this week who no doubt will be greatly missed by many who had him as a teacher or knew him as a friend. I send my most heartfelt condolences to his wife and two sons

A great music educator that will be truly missed. Mr. Mac was my trombone teacher while I was at GCC from 99-01. He was kind and patient, and had a silly sense of humor I always appreciated. I know he is well loved by many and I am saddened by his passing. Thankfully the gift of music he passed on will live through the many people he inspired. RIP.

Very sad news. Mr Mac was such a great teacher. He not only tought me to play the viola starting in 4th grade.  He then tought my daughter the clairanet and sax. He will always be remembered for his kindness, patients and love for music. God has a special place for you.

I just want to add as a graduate of the 1976 class of Palo Verde, he will always be my hero. His legacy will love long in the hearts of all of us who were his students.

Mr.Mac, You are never forgotten! You touched so many lives. Thanks for giving me the chance to try a new instrument. Who'd a known I would be able to play a tenor sax! Thanks for your patience, Jr high is so hard, and you helped to make it tolerable. Band was my refuge. rest in peace and make some music on the other side.

I am so saddened to hear the news.  I have such fond memories of band at Palo Verde, as well as the combined band/shop classes where we made instruments (I still have my PVC flute and wood-block made on the lathe).  His love of music (and his wife's gift for teaching as well) kept me playing flute all through high school and college.  I am so grateful I was able to see him once more as a judge at the ABODA festival this past February.  I have one more (recent) memory to add to the many fabulous memories from my days at Palo Verde.  He will truly be missed.

I am so saddened by the loss of Mr. Mac. He and Mrs. Mac were extremely influential throughout my childhood and teen years.  From teaching me how to simply get a sound to come out of a flute in fourth grade, to hours upon hours of private lessons,  Sam the dog eating Kleenex :), flute performances at Metro Center, Knotts Berry Farm, Honor Band, NAU Music Camp, Regionals...these are some of the best memories I have of my childhood /adolescence. Mr. Mac thank you so much for all that you gave over the years. I know I am one of THOUSANDS that has a deep love and appreciation for music as direct result of your passion for it.  I will always remember and love you.  Thank You for all that you taught me.

Mr. Mac was one of those teachers that changes kids lives.  He was my teacher at Palo Verde in the early 80's.  He was always so kind and caring and made everyone feel special.  He has touched many lives and hearts and surely had an impact on mine.  I am now a 1st grade teacher and I hope I can follow his example.

Mr Mac turned me onto music 40 years ago at Palo Verde. The memories of those years in grade school are precious to me and have made me into the person I am today. To his family I express my condolences and thank you for sharing this wonderful person with me when I was young. He will be missed.

he was a great & fun teacher.he always took time with his students.. . he will be missed.. he was my band teacher in 7th & 8th grade at Palo Verde.. 1992-1994. his family & friends are all in my thoughts.

God rest his soul.  He was a man of dignity and talent who spent his life sharing his love of music.  The McAllisters were neighbors, teachers, and most of all dear friends.  My deepest condolences to Mrs. "Mac" and the boys.

Whether you were in band or not, if you went to Roadrunner or Palo Verde, every kid knew Mr. Mac. and also knew how passionate he was about his job. He loved the kids and loved mentoring them. I am a parent of a couple of his students and so glad that he touched their lives with his enthusiasm. Heaven has a new band conductor.

Bob was one of the nicest people I've known. Both he and DeeAnn would do anything for their students. We enjoyed the many trips to Disneyland and Knotts. He will be deeply missed. Our prayers are with Dee Ann and the boys.

I am SO saddened to learn of Mr. Mac's passing. It's almost impossible to put into words the influence he had on my life. I spent 5 years under his wing at Roadrunner & Palo Verde, then continued to play all the way through college. I am so grateful for getting to learn from the best! From band bucks & auctions, to concerts, & trips to California, I have so many cherished memories. He was an amazing teacher and will never be forgotten. What a legacy, Mr. Mac!

Mr. Mac was a wonderful band teacher. He cared so much and was so passonate about teaching music. I too, have fond memories of him and Mrs Mac who gave me flute lessons for 2 years. Thanks to both of them for their love of music. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for his family and friends as they go through this difficult time.

I especially remember his patience and humor with those of us who were perhaps not so musically gifted.  He was a good, kind and decent man who touched many.  Rest in peace, Mr. Mac.

Mr. McAllister was by far my most favorite teacher.  He was such a gentle man and I couldn't wait for band every day. We had such a fun time and he always made me feel comfortable even though I was the only girl in the percussion section at Palo Verde.  I graduated from PV in 1972 and hadn't thought of him for many years until a friend forwarded his obit to me.  My prayers go out to your family as you grieve the passing of such a wonderful man!

I am truly saddened by the loss of Mr. Mac.  He was a gentle and patient teacher. He ws a friend and a mentor to anyone he taught or encountered in his life.  Although he will be truly missed, his memory will live on in all the musicians he helped thrive over the years.

I will always remember Mr. McAllister and his wife. I used to go to their house and take lessons with his wife while he gave lessons to a good friend of mine. I will always regret not being able to stop by within this past school year to thank them for all they have done for me. What a great couple! They always greeted everyone with a smile, some candy, and a warm environment. I will keep the whole family in my prayers, but trust that he is now in a better place. Sending my love to Dee and the loved ones he left behind. I will never forget them!

Mr. McAllister was one of the finest professionals the Washington District has ever had. He will be treasured and missed.

Aaron Jahneke, Vice President Washington Elementary Governing Board

Our sincere sympathy to the McAllister family. Mr. Mac and Dee Ann were an important part of our daughter Laurie's love of music. We will keep you in our prayers.

Bob judged my bands several times over the years and he always gave me great advise and encouraged me to be a better teacher. He was a great musician and a great guy. My sincere sympathies to you all. Bruce Bjorna

Although Mrs. Mac was only my flute teacher for a semester in high school, she became a mentor to me. She and Mr. Mac took all their graduating senior students out to eat at Cheesecake Factory, and gave us great advice for the future, whether it was with music as a career or not. Such an act of kindness! My heart goes out to Mrs. Mac for the loss of her husband, but he left such a musical legacy that she can be very proud of. I will miss watching his inspiring jazz performances each year at Glendale Glitters; he was such a great performer.

Mr. Mac was one of those rare teachers whose impact on a student lasts for an entire lifetime.  He instilled a love of music in me that has not faded a bit these 15 plus years later.  Mr. Mac, you will be dearly missed, but your music (and memory) will play on forever!

Mr. Mac  is the reason I became a Music Educator myself.  He was a wonderful person, and will never be forgotten.  My prayers are with his family at this time
Ruth Handly Schouten (PaloVerde 79)

I was greatly saddened by the news of Mr. Mac's passing.  He was such a huge influence in my life.  I took up playing the trombone mostly because my best friend was a boy, who too played the trombone, but long after my friend quit, I continued to play because Mr. Mac believed in me differently than any other teacher.  I have fond memories of packing into the back of his truck after school and going to his house for lessons.  Lessons that later helped me to have enough courage to try out and make national honor band.  He was a kind, loving man that will be tremendously missed.  My love and prayers are with his family.

Mr Mac was a wonderful teacher, and I find myself reminiscing about all my times in the Palo Verde Band. He was always so gracious and had a gift for working with adolescents. Those years learning from him helped me realize that I wanted to be a music teacher too, and I have never regretted it. Thank you for your musical legacy Mr. Mac.

Mr. McAllister gave me the tools that I needed to go on and become an accomplished flute player. You have always been and will always be my favorite teacher.  Rest in peace, Mr. McAllister.  You will be missed. 
Janie Lee Stinnett

Now as a graduate student I often ask myself who has been my favorite educator. Without question it was Robert "Mr. Mac" McAllister. He inspired me to learn (and keep learning) music while also mentoring me through the obstacles of growing up, 

I feel so lucky to have lived in the area that I did because otherwise I may not have met Mr. Mac - an individual who had such a positive effect on my life. I know that I am a mere one of thousands, but Mr. Mac provided me with much more than a music education - he was a mentor.

I can't begin to say how much all of the Mac's have influenced my life. From singing in Mrs. Mac's choir at Sunset, to being a student of Mr. Mac's since my trombone was taller than I was all the way through college, to wishing I could play as well as Steve.  The gift of music is such a precious one, and it was extra special when it was from Mr. Mac. Thank you for everything, Mr. Mac, you will be greatly missed.

I have so many fond memories of Mr. McAllister from my years at NAU Summer Music Camp - he was by far one of my favorites on the faculty!  He was always so kind and funny - and he certainly knew his way around that trombone.  I've thought of him often over the years.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family.  He will be greatly missed!

Our thoughts are with Dee Ann and her sons in this time of sorrow.  Our affiliation with the whole McAllister family is cherished by our children the students of Mr. and Mrs. Mac.  Mr. Mac always had a smile and a grand sense of humor with all he was in contact with.  May the afterlife be filled with the sweet sound of his music and the wonderful zest for life he portrayed in his teaching.  Our most sincer sympathy to Dee Ann and the entire family.

Mr. Mac will be missed by all.  Our family had postitive association to the McAllister family throughout the years.  Mr. Mac will be missed.  A kind, funny, witty and thoughtful man.  I will never forget the great sense of humor he had with all the kids he taught over the years!  May the music continue in the afterlife for Mr. Mac and all who may enjoy the sweet music!

I have such fond memories of Bob and DeeAnn at NAU Summer Music Camp. He will be greatly missed by so many in the music world. I can honestly say I never saw Bob without a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone.

I remember sitting on the McAllister's front porch waiting for my son David to take his trombone lesson many years ago. Bob was such a wonderful inspiration for young musicians and an excellent teacher. My thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. Carol Pugh, Chandler, AZ

I have fond memories of Mr. Mac at Roadrunner and Palo Verde and smile when I think of how calm and collected he always seemed to be despite the slew of kids who needed his time and attention.  I have no doubt his legacy will live on in the minds and hearts of his students.

Mr. Mac had a profound influence on our son's music education, his planned career, his musical passion, his delight in all things musical, his trombone skills and so much more. Mr. Mac was a delight to watch during Glendale Glitters - he was so obviously proud of all his students, past and present. Before my son could drive, when I'd drop him off at Mr. Mac's house for lessons, the sounds of music would be floating out his front door - what a lovely, talented man. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, and while it is of very small benefit, I hope they realize what an amazing, lifelong positive effect Mr. Mac had on what must be thousands of students.

OBITUARY

Robert W. McAllister III

November 2, 1942 – July 9, 2012

West Resthaven Funeral Home & Resthaven Park Cemetery

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