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Fresno State College - 1962
Dr. Gary Y. Iida was born on August 1, 1942, in French Camp, Ca. He passed away peacefully in his own home on Friday, November 8, 2013. He grew up in Fresno, where he graduated from Central Union High School in 1960. He continued his education locally, graduating from California State University, Fresno, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. He earned both his masters and doctorate degrees in music from the University of Southern California.
He shared his wonderful gift and love of music with others as a teacher first at Nogales High School and La Puente High School, in southern California. He spent the next 27 years at Claremont High School, teaching all aspects of music from jazz and orchestra to marching band, earning countless accolades along the way, including the Teacher of the Year Award. He continued to teach at the college level, serving at both El Camino College and Pasadena City College, where he led the band in the Rose Parade in 1996.
He also served for many years as a conductor for the Claremont Symphony Orchestra, well into his retirement years. Gary touched so many lives with his love of music, sharp wit, and unparalleled kindness. He will be deeply missed and remembered forever.
Gary is survived by his daughter, Michelle and her two children Casey and Joe; his daughter Tiffany and her husband Barry, and their two children, Joss and Bodie; his son, Geoffrey and his wife Tula, and their daughter Chloe; his brother, Irwin and his wife Jessica, and his daughter Stacy; his brother, Rickey and his wife Rona; and his youngest brother, Dennis and his wife Lee Anne, and their daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.
A Viewing will be held at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 "L" Street in Fresno, ph. (559) 266-0668 on Saturday, November 16, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Lisle Funeral Home, on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made payable to the Claremont Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 698, Claremont, Ca. 91711, noting the "Gary Iida Memorial CYSO Scholarship Fund."
Published in the Fresno Bee on Nov. 13, 2013
From Claremont Symphony Orchestra website:
It is with profound sadness that the Claremont Symphony Orchestra announces the passing of retired Associate Conductor Dr. Gary Iida. Dr. Iida joined the CSO in 1975 and never left. He was a trumpeter, percussionist, conductor, Concert for Young People maestro, witty colleague, fine musician, and -- his favorite role -- Elvis impersonator.
His courage facing his debilitating illness (Parkinson's) for almost two decades inspired all who encountered him. He was especially effective as a role model when he conducted from his wheelchair, especially at his favorite concerts -- the ones for children. For a number of years Dr. Iida had been coming to CSO concerts in his wheelchair or with his walker to help hand out programs in the lobby. This he did just three weeks ago at our Oct. 20 concert. Dr. Iida was a beloved member of the CSO family and will be greatly missed.
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June Hilton, Ph. D.
Dr. Iida’s 27 years at CHS was a remarkable achievement and the countless lives he touched as he engaged the souls of our students in music is a testament to the District’s Core Values of inspiring creativity and individuality of each student. (Taken from email sent to CUSD staff by Kevin Ward, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources)