In Memory of
Eldred Lyle Glaspey
My Father

Eldred in the 1930's.

Eldred Later in his career.

October 21, 1912 to October 6, 2001

Eldred was a well renowned muscician on the US West Coast.
He loved his music, family, and friends.

Eldred loved the mountains and ocean.

My father, Eldred Glaspey, died October 6, 2001 from congestive heart failure at age eighty-eight in La Pine, Oregon. He was well renowned in the Willamette Valley for his swing and big band music. Born in Fall Creek, Oregon October 21, 1912. He graduated from Springfield High School and studied music at the University of Oregon. He performed for over seventy years, from the 1920’s through the 1990’s at various dance venues throughout the area. His professional career began at age twelve in 1924. Before marrying and settling in Eugene to start a family, he performed all along the West coast from Long Beach, California to Seattle, Washington. In the 1930’s, he played with the legendary Harry James’ big band, and offshore gambling ships in Southern California. He even did a gig as a disc jockey in Boise, Idaho in his early career. My father was proficient on several instruments, but his favorites were the saxophone, violin, and clarinet. In addition to dance music, he performed with the Eugene symphony as a violinist. During the Second World War, he worked for Boeing in Renton, Washington by day and performed at night. He could not live without performing. His music was the driving force in his life. In 1963, he produced a record for Mrs John F Kennedy, "Yellow Roses," commemorating the death of President John F Kennedy. Following the war, his band performed at Fern Ridge Dance Hall. From the 1950’s, most of his performances were at the Moose, Elks, and Eagles’ Lodges. His fans loved him; they followed him from one dance venue to another. He was actively involved with the Eugene local of the Musician’s Association, including many years of service on the Board of Directors. Additionally, he taught violin and guitar. Retiring twice, first from the Southern Pacific Railroad in the 1970’s, he was able to devote more time to his music. He retired from music in 1993, and moved to his vacation home in La Pine, Oregon.

In addition to his musical interests he loved to camp, hunt, and fish; he was an amateur photographer and radio operator. He was an active member of Shriner's, Scottish Rites, and the Free Masons. Family included children: Ginni D Snodgrass of Tualatin, Oregon, Wm (Bill) Glaspey of La Pine, Oregon, Michele Ball of Lacey, Washington, and John Michael Glaspey. He is survived by a brother, Delmas Glaspey of Eugene, Oregon. He had three grandchildren: Tamera Sandvold of Haiku, Hawaii, and Andrew and Nicholas Glaspey of La Pine, Oregon.

His memorial service was October 13, at Lane Memorial Gardens, Eugene, Oregon. As he wished, his ashes were scattered at Sahalie Falls, on the MacKenzie Pass, Oregon, June 15, 2002.

Development in process
© Copyright 2002-2006, Ginni D Snodgrass
All rights reserved.