IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO HAVE TOUCHED OUR LIVES AND SHARED THEIR MUSIC
Guitars in the Classroom is blessed to serve as a sanctuary for memories of cherished individuals who have touched hearts and changed lives, leaving in their wake a lifetime of love, and their passion for music. Below you will read and learn a bit about these special people
who filled the world with their own, remarkable music. We thank them, their families and friends for helping us do our work in schools in their names, memories, and spirits.
who filled the world with their own, remarkable music. We thank them, their families and friends for helping us do our work in schools in their names, memories, and spirits.
Celebrate the Life and Legacy of Doc Gerry Cope with a Musical Legacy Gift
Dr. Gerry A Cope, MD departed this life on February 7, 2024 after a 12-year battle with prostate cancer. Cancer did not win, but instead was forced into a draw against his unyielding spirit. His body finally gave out after he drained every ounce of gas in his tank to be with the people he loved, cherishing the very final moments of a life well lived.
Gerry A Cope was born January 19,1947 to Jack and Lucile Purcell Cope in Farmington, New Mexico. He attended the local schools there and worked at Cope Memorial Chapel and helped create Cope Memory Gardens Cemetery. As a young boy he would ride alongside his father on ambulance calls, fly their plane to retrieve remains while his father slept in the backseat, mow the cemetery grounds, and jumped his father’s new Volkswagen Beetle so violently that the motor fell out. Growing up in the family-owned funeral home did not make him the most popular kid in school, but he would make up for that by making friends everywhere he went for the rest of his life.
After his father passed in 1963 when he was sixteen, he accompanied his mother and sister, Janet, to their new home in Salt Lake City where he graduated from East High School. Upon his graduation from the University of Utah with a BS in political science, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and served two tours in Viet Nam as a surface warfare officer aboard the USS Paricutin.
He married Catherine Ostler in 1970. After his service in the Navy, he spent a few years working for PacBell in the San Francisco Bay area. During that time his first two boys, Geoffrey and Peter arrived. Career-wise, Gerry realized he was not content with where he was headed in life. By force of sheer will power and unrelenting hard work he dramatically altered his trajectory. He attended community college full time for two years to complete the necessary science credits, studied for an entire year to pass the MCAT, and was admitted at the age of 29 to George Washington Medical School in Washington, DC.
Gerry A Cope was born January 19,1947 to Jack and Lucile Purcell Cope in Farmington, New Mexico. He attended the local schools there and worked at Cope Memorial Chapel and helped create Cope Memory Gardens Cemetery. As a young boy he would ride alongside his father on ambulance calls, fly their plane to retrieve remains while his father slept in the backseat, mow the cemetery grounds, and jumped his father’s new Volkswagen Beetle so violently that the motor fell out. Growing up in the family-owned funeral home did not make him the most popular kid in school, but he would make up for that by making friends everywhere he went for the rest of his life.
After his father passed in 1963 when he was sixteen, he accompanied his mother and sister, Janet, to their new home in Salt Lake City where he graduated from East High School. Upon his graduation from the University of Utah with a BS in political science, he was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Navy and served two tours in Viet Nam as a surface warfare officer aboard the USS Paricutin.
He married Catherine Ostler in 1970. After his service in the Navy, he spent a few years working for PacBell in the San Francisco Bay area. During that time his first two boys, Geoffrey and Peter arrived. Career-wise, Gerry realized he was not content with where he was headed in life. By force of sheer will power and unrelenting hard work he dramatically altered his trajectory. He attended community college full time for two years to complete the necessary science credits, studied for an entire year to pass the MCAT, and was admitted at the age of 29 to George Washington Medical School in Washington, DC.
He returned to the US Navy as an officer and received tuition and a sharp looking dress white uniform. After receiving his MD, he completed his first year of residency at Bethesda Naval Hospital in Maryland. His third son Thomas arrived and the ever-expanding family moved from Sugarland Run, Virginia to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina where his son Matthew joined the clan. Camp Lejeune provided beaches to run on, woodworking shops, tank crossings, free airshows, and the lagoons to expose his boys to his love of sailing through secret late night missions sailing 19’ lightnings by moonlight.
As a base physician he was called up to support the multi-national peacekeeping force in Beirut, Lebanon. ‘Combat Doc’ as he was lovingly referred to by his family narrowly missed being in the US embassy when it was destroyed by one of the first uses of suicide truck bombs. He treated the wounded and tended to the dead that day. He completed his tour of duty in Beirut, met his two older boys in Key West and gave them an epic ride up the eastern seaboard aboard a ship filled with sailors and jarheads who thought the world of him. He also brought back a pretty sweet moustache.
He finished his last two years and residency at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, and completed his military service at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia and then quickly exited the Navy. He founded Family Medicine of Lake Ridge, Virginia where he became a fixture in the medical community as ‘Family Doc’ alongside his business partner and lifelong friend Dr. Pete Mendel. He surrounded himself with an amazing staff and built a thriving business one patient and countless physicals at a time. He traded his sails for steam and spent countless days on the Potomac aboard his Sea Ray or with a golf club in his hand with a fantastic group of friends.
Upon receiving his cancer diagnosis in the fall of 2011, he embarked on his final and most surprising act. He got in his car, left everything behind and changed his latitude one last time. Gerry made his final home in Carlsbad, California alongside his soulmate Natilee Meacham. On a blind date, they met for a glass of wine, that stretched to dinner and drinks over six hours. After a couple months they spent their first Christmas together in a camper van traveling around the South Island of New Zealand getting to know each other. From there and for the next ten years they would see the world together, savoring adventure on land and sea. They were married in 2020 aboard his beloved Windsong. They quickly became fixtures at Southwestern Yacht club and participated on charitable committees while racing and sailing the Pacific. Natilee and Gerry loved and joyfully appreciated each other without reservation or limit. His dedication to their marriage and his enjoyment of her company extended his life by years and fulfilled him in a way that surprised all of us, especially him.
As a base physician he was called up to support the multi-national peacekeeping force in Beirut, Lebanon. ‘Combat Doc’ as he was lovingly referred to by his family narrowly missed being in the US embassy when it was destroyed by one of the first uses of suicide truck bombs. He treated the wounded and tended to the dead that day. He completed his tour of duty in Beirut, met his two older boys in Key West and gave them an epic ride up the eastern seaboard aboard a ship filled with sailors and jarheads who thought the world of him. He also brought back a pretty sweet moustache.
He finished his last two years and residency at Pensacola Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, and completed his military service at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia and then quickly exited the Navy. He founded Family Medicine of Lake Ridge, Virginia where he became a fixture in the medical community as ‘Family Doc’ alongside his business partner and lifelong friend Dr. Pete Mendel. He surrounded himself with an amazing staff and built a thriving business one patient and countless physicals at a time. He traded his sails for steam and spent countless days on the Potomac aboard his Sea Ray or with a golf club in his hand with a fantastic group of friends.
Upon receiving his cancer diagnosis in the fall of 2011, he embarked on his final and most surprising act. He got in his car, left everything behind and changed his latitude one last time. Gerry made his final home in Carlsbad, California alongside his soulmate Natilee Meacham. On a blind date, they met for a glass of wine, that stretched to dinner and drinks over six hours. After a couple months they spent their first Christmas together in a camper van traveling around the South Island of New Zealand getting to know each other. From there and for the next ten years they would see the world together, savoring adventure on land and sea. They were married in 2020 aboard his beloved Windsong. They quickly became fixtures at Southwestern Yacht club and participated on charitable committees while racing and sailing the Pacific. Natilee and Gerry loved and joyfully appreciated each other without reservation or limit. His dedication to their marriage and his enjoyment of her company extended his life by years and fulfilled him in a way that surprised all of us, especially him.
In his final months all his hard edges were knocked away exposing a man who was so eternally grateful for the life experiences and relationships that he had. He raised four feral boys to adulthood without losing a single one, despite all of their best efforts. They left behind a trail of twisted cars, motorcycles, hang gliders, surfboards and miles and miles of stiches that he lovingly sewed into all of them. He gave his boys a hand when they needed it whether it was a hug, and hand up or a kick in the ass when required.
He sailed and skippered Windsong on Saturday, sharing cocktails and a cigar with all his boys and grandsons around him while doting on his dearest Natilee and his pup Abby. He was tired, but he never stopped moving or giving stern direction to the boys setting the sails. Echoes of “Your other left!” still reverberate around Point Loma. He ate his favorite lasagna and carrot cake, blew out belated birthday candles on board that night singing songs surrounded by the people he loved. Doc said his goodbyes to his boys on Sunday as they flew back to their families. Monday evening, he sent his final message to his boys via text.
“I want to thank each of you for creating our special time together. Being with you and your families was just priceless. I love each of you beyond words. I am truly proud of the Copes and I see brightness around all my boys. Love to everyone, Pops.”
He was gone Wednesday morning.
He is survived by his sister, Janet Cope Powell; his wife, Natilee, his bestest four-legged friend Abby; his four sons: Geoff, Pete (April Keeton), Tommy (Filly Gaines) and Matt (Kellyann Cavaretta) and by his five grandchildren: Tallousa, Scarlett, Peter, Alden, and Atticus Cope.
Services are planned for the spring with his ashes to be spread in the Pacific Ocean along Point Loma, San Diego.
He sailed and skippered Windsong on Saturday, sharing cocktails and a cigar with all his boys and grandsons around him while doting on his dearest Natilee and his pup Abby. He was tired, but he never stopped moving or giving stern direction to the boys setting the sails. Echoes of “Your other left!” still reverberate around Point Loma. He ate his favorite lasagna and carrot cake, blew out belated birthday candles on board that night singing songs surrounded by the people he loved. Doc said his goodbyes to his boys on Sunday as they flew back to their families. Monday evening, he sent his final message to his boys via text.
“I want to thank each of you for creating our special time together. Being with you and your families was just priceless. I love each of you beyond words. I am truly proud of the Copes and I see brightness around all my boys. Love to everyone, Pops.”
He was gone Wednesday morning.
He is survived by his sister, Janet Cope Powell; his wife, Natilee, his bestest four-legged friend Abby; his four sons: Geoff, Pete (April Keeton), Tommy (Filly Gaines) and Matt (Kellyann Cavaretta) and by his five grandchildren: Tallousa, Scarlett, Peter, Alden, and Atticus Cope.
Services are planned for the spring with his ashes to be spread in the Pacific Ocean along Point Loma, San Diego.
Remember the Giving Heart and Creative Spirit of Will Van Laningham
John William "Will" Van Laningham, 34, died Friday, March 17, 2023, in a car accident in Hazen, Ark. He was born Jan. 15, 1989, in Little Rock to Kathy Mandrell Van Laningham and Scott Van Laningham.
Will's love of music was matched only by his intolerance for injustice, wherever he saw it. When he wasn't making music, he was making friends. Most of them remained close friends through thick and thin for the rest of his all-too-short life. His friends have contributed to this beautiful memorial tribute.
We at GITC wish to thank Michael Baron, Eve and Mike Baron, Alex Fogel, Caleb Headley, Mark and Kat Viser, John Unger, Michael and Julia Crean, Mike Kirby, Dave Handley, Steph Wilcox, PJ Lanaghan, Dan Gross, Diane Cook, Michelle Sullivan, Sheweet Yohannes, Jess Cook, and Marilyn Burch for choosing to memorialize Will with a group donation in his name. You can read his entire beautiful obituary, written by his loving parents, here. We send them, and Michael’s many friends our deepest condolences for their loss. His memory will live on through this legacy gift giving teens the gift of learning to play guitar, make music with friends, and find a musical path forward in their lives.
Will's love of music was matched only by his intolerance for injustice, wherever he saw it. When he wasn't making music, he was making friends. Most of them remained close friends through thick and thin for the rest of his all-too-short life. His friends have contributed to this beautiful memorial tribute.
We at GITC wish to thank Michael Baron, Eve and Mike Baron, Alex Fogel, Caleb Headley, Mark and Kat Viser, John Unger, Michael and Julia Crean, Mike Kirby, Dave Handley, Steph Wilcox, PJ Lanaghan, Dan Gross, Diane Cook, Michelle Sullivan, Sheweet Yohannes, Jess Cook, and Marilyn Burch for choosing to memorialize Will with a group donation in his name. You can read his entire beautiful obituary, written by his loving parents, here. We send them, and Michael’s many friends our deepest condolences for their loss. His memory will live on through this legacy gift giving teens the gift of learning to play guitar, make music with friends, and find a musical path forward in their lives.
LOVED ONES WHO MOVED ON IN 2022
On April 17, 2022, founding board member, sponsor, and all-around influencer and GITC advocate Rick Turner, a.k.a. Warwick Armstrong Turner, beloved former husband of GITC founder, Jess Baron, and father of GITC volunteer and problem solver, Juniper Elias Turner, left Terra Firma for parts unknown. His impact on this organization he helped establish and nurture for over 2 decades, is immense and immeasurable. He is loved, missed, and we honor his bold, creative spirit and countless contributions to Guitars & Ukes in the Classroom. Read about Rick and his innovative work in lutherie and more, here.
Stephen A. Tedeschi
May 30, 1959- January 6, 2022 Steve was a devoted family man, an animal lover and a self-taught, gifted guitarist who introduced his younger sister Laura to the beauty and power of music and shared this passion with her throughout their lives. He is remembered by his family with great love. 
Christa Beran (1936-2022) loved music. She collected and played multiple instruments including African percussion, many of which have been generously donated to our programs this month by her loving family and her dear friend, Lucinda Rubio-Barrick. Raised and educated in Europe, Christa eventually moved to San Diego where she enjoyed volunteering in several capacities, including with students at the Polinsky Children's Center. A generous soul, she is remembered for her joyful spirit and sense of humor.
GITC volunteer, luthier Robert Hein repaired every broken wooden ukulele in our programs for years. He helped students all over learn to play by restoring donated instruments out of the goodness of his heart. Robert put a great many hours into making these repairs and this work gave him peace and real joy. He will be well remembered and very much missed.
We remember musician and producer Robert Stojak,
beloved by his sister and whole family for the creativity and care he poured into the San Diego community through his musical endeavors and mentorship of youth. 
Guitarist, Alex Glass |
Dennis Stanger of Julian, California loved making music and creating an environment of friendship and harmony with his wife, Deb and their circle of friends. The joy he spread, his kindness and humor, continue to warm the hearts of those he left behind. 
A true and loving pillar of his family and community, Frank Joseph Larry, Jr. made a peaceful journey home on January 11 after 65 years of living life to its fullest. You can read more about this wonderful man HERE on our blog page about him. You are also welcome to donate to our work in his name and memory. Frank's music touched thousands of hearts just as his service to our nation steered the course of American lives. Guitars in the Classroom is deeply honored to be part of sharing his legacy. 
"I am truly blessed". Kevin spoke these words in a video he left for his family. He also professed his profound love of God, Family, and Friends, stating he was truly blessed to have all of these things in his life. Kevin Leon Edmonds, 54, of Nixa, MO. passed away Sunday, May 20th, 2018 in Springfield, MO. Kevin loved life and lived every day to the fullest! He never met a stranger and eagerly awaited steel guitar conventions. Some of his most cherished moments included playing with his granddaughter and spending time with family. He absolutely loved playing music with his kids and once even played onstage with Roy Clark at the Grand Ole Opry. Kevin is remembered with love by his family, dear friends and close associates who are donating to our charity in lieu of flowers at the request of his wife Carolyn. We thank these kind folks - the Worthleys, the Schlemeiers and the members of the board of the Missouri Assisted Living Association for their amazing donations that together are supporting GITC to provide free teacher training programs in the state of Missouri!
Dee Hoyt is lovingly remembered by his family, his wide circle of friends and his many associates whose lives he brightened over his decades of service in the music products industry. Dee played professionally since he was a teenager including in local clubs and played for the National Guard as well as for dances. His band, the Tornados, recorded and performed rock and roll in the early 1960s. While playing at night, Dee got a job at Hayes Music as a salesman by day. He found that he really enjoyed selling. He sold to school band directors and later took on piano lines. Dee contributed greatly to the Gibson line when he worked for the Chicago Musical Instrument Company. When the NAMM Oral History program was underway, it was clear what Dee meant to others within the industry when over a dozen friends and coworkers recommended he be interviewed. Dee passed away at the age of 71 in 2015. You can hear this interview with Dee recorded by the NAMM Foundation. https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/dee-hoyt
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We remember with fondness Jim Sullivan, guitarist, guitar enthusiast and collector, for his friendship, authenticity, and foresight to plan ahead for the future of his instruments. We send deep sympathy to his family. Jim donated a large portion of his guitar collection to Guitars in the Classroom. Many of the instruments are heading directly into the hands of high school students in our Continuation high school guitar programs in South Los Angeles. The fanciest instruments will be sold to raise funds for our free programs teaching guitar to students in need. We hope he is enjoying "The Big Jam Session in the Sky" as he liked to call it.
Shane Manzi was a beautiful soul, a musician and composer, a passionate guitarist and guitar educator, and a beloved family member. He has been memorialized and remembered by his large family and circle of friends, and their gifts in his memory are funding free guitars for teens at-promise in our after school guitar clubs, as well as scholarship guitars for teachers in training who request an instrument so they can participate. We thank his sister Teri Cehelsky and father Patrick for choosing GITC to hold this special soul in memory and gratitude.
William Haydon Osborne of Indianapolis, Indiana passed away on November 19, 2021, at the age of 29. He was born on January 24, 1992. He was a beloved husband, son, brother, grandson, nephew, son-in-law, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his wife Megan Patterson, his mother Madeline Hapak, father Thomas M. Osborne, Sr., brothers Thomas Jr. and Charlie Osborne, and sister Mary Charlotte Osborne. His dog, Glenda, was a light in his life. He started to hone his musical talent during high school, teaching himself to play electric and acoustic guitar and writing original music.He formed many bands and had concerts for his adoring fans from school. Haydon passionately pursued music, history, travel, and reading. When Haydon got excited about his interests, he was all in. For example, he woke up at 3 am to sit on the beach in Florida to watch the most recent Space X launch. The Beach Boys and the Beatles were his all-time favorite bands and he recently traveled to London to attend a rare public opening of Abbey Road Studios; Haydon said afterward that this was among his favorite adventures he had ever had. He founded a recording studio called Yandes Sound Studio and spent many happy hours recording, producing and writing his music. Haydon's foundation and moral compass was that of being a selfless and good human being. He was driven, had an intellectually curious mind, and valued being a caring and listening friend. Above all, he loved his family and friends deeply. Heaven has gained a special angel.
Barbara Catalano, center, was a dear friend to GITC, a second grade teacher at Fay Elementary in City Heights, San Diego. Barbara brought the song "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" to our classrooms when she chose to learn it in 2016 to open the hearts of her students to one another. Her kindness and courage live on in our memories and her spirit is felt through music each day.
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If you would like to memorialize a loved one with a tax deductible gift to
Guitars in the Classroom, please reach out to us at [email protected]
Guitars in the Classroom, please reach out to us at [email protected]
We also remember this fine musician whose time was cut short
but not before he could rock the world!
Bradley Dean Hamlet
but not before he could rock the world!
Bradley Dean Hamlet
If you would like to memorialize a loved one with a tax deductible gift to
Guitars in the Classroom, please CLICK HERE.
Guitars in the Classroom, please CLICK HERE.