In Memoriam

Richard M. Thomas
1927-1996
Tuba
East Lansing, Michigan

Dick Thomas was a charter member of the Meridian Community Band which was formed in 1977. He performed with a number of Lansing area bands including the V.F.W Post 701 Band, the Lansing Concert Band, the East Lansing Kiwanis Band, and the DeWitt Community Concert Band. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the area's musical heritage and performed Al Hayes' "Solo Pomposo" with the Meridian Community Band in 1992. He worked for many years as a communications technician at Michigan State University radio station WKAR until his retirement.

Gary L. Granger
1925-1999
Percussion
Okemos, Michigan

Gary Granger was the Meridian Community Band's consummate Sousa enthusiast. Since the band's inception in 1977 he was a fixture in the percussion section, primarily on bass drum. He was also a member of the East Lansing Kiwanis Band. Among his many interests were his antique letterpresses. He spent many hours lovingly printing the covers to the band's annual Grand Sousa Concert programs. Gary's devotion to the Meridian Community Band was an inspiration to us all. At his family's request the band performed at his funeral service in April 1999.

Temple W. Tenny
1922-1999
Euphonium
Lansing, Michigan

Temp Tenny was a relatively newcomer to the Meridian Community Band joining in 1997. He was a member of the Okemos High School band in 1941 when it had only twelve members. Later he was a member of the Michigan State University marching band. Ironicly, Temp began and ended his musical career at Okemos High School, the site of Meridian Community Band rehearsals.

David Wank
1934-2003
Bass Trombone
Dimondale, Michigan

With his rich basso profundo Dave Wank was a natural as the voice of the Meridian Community Band and the Red Cedar Festival of Community Bands. He was a member of many other bands in the metropolitan area namely the DeWitt Community Concert Band, the East Lansing Kiwanis Band and The Aristocrats dance band. His proficiency on a variety of brass and woodwind instruments made him a versatile asset to each group with which he performed. Dave's skills as an arranger of music were employed in several of the Meridian Community Band's concerts during the past few seasons.

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