Larry Lee Cortner
Died: March 26, 2005 | Place: Residence
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Obituary
CORTNER, Larry Lee (b.December 28, 1943) passed away peacefully at home after a brief struggle with cancer on Saturday, March 26, 2005. Son of the late Logan and Phyllis Cortner of Des Moines, Iowa; survived by his life partner of 35 years, Derik Leonard, and a brother, David and his wife Cathy. He will be greatly missed by Derik’s mother, Mrs. Blanche Leonard, and Derik’s niece Carolyn and her children Erin and Jeffrey, as well as Larry’s two nieces, Angela and her husband Blake, Heidi and her husband Jason, one nephew, Brady and his wife Kristen, and cousins Nanci and Don. Larry was born and educated in Des Moines. He then attended university at Oberlin for his undergraduate degree and then the Eastman School of Music where he completed a Master of Music degree and the Performer’s Certificate in organ in 1968. He finished his DMA degree at the same institution in 1978. Larry was appointed professor of organ and theory at the University of Western Ontario in 1968. He won first prize at the 1971 International St. Alban’s Organ Competition in England. In addition, he served as organist at the following churches: St. James Presbyterian, First Church of Christ Scientist, Strathroy United, and St. Paul’s Presbyterian (Hamilton). Visitation will be at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London on Tuesday, March 29th from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., with prayers at 7:30 p.m. The Mass of the Resurrection will be said at Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, 196 Dufferin Avenue at Richmond Street, London, at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 30th with interment in St. Peter’s Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the London Music Scholarship Fund, designated specifically for an organ scholarship at the Faculty of Music, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7. On line condolences accepted at www.amgeorgefh.on. ca
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I am saddened to learn of Dr. Cortner’s passing. I was a grad student of his (1980-82) and his knowledge and humour at my lessons I will always remember and appreciate. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. How I wish I could be at the funeral on Wednesday.
Bob Jones
Chesterville (near Ottawa)
I extend my sympathies to Derek and the remaining family. As a former student of Larry’s I admired him for his honesty, his caring and permitting one’s own expression to come through. His warmth and compassion for his students and his interest in what they were doing was always evident. Larry’s performances of the works of Cesar Franck have always been an inspiration to me and I thank him for that. He was a wonderful person, a great musician and an inspiring teacher and he will be greatly missed by all of us.
Sandra Young Tangjerd
Dr. Cortner was my organ instructor during my four years of undergraduate studies at UWO. He had a knack for striking a good balance between humour and seriousness during lessons, and for conveying musical ideas in a minimalistic, yet convincing, manner. Dr. Cortner not only helped me grow as a performing musician, but was also among those who encouraged me to pursue graduate studies in musicology.
I am very sad to learn of Dr. Cortner’s death, and I extend my condolences to all members of his family, especially to Derik. He was a kind man and a wonderful teacher, and he will be missed.
It has been difficult and painful to hear of the suffering and death of Larry–a friend and colleague for many years.
Larry struck me as a fine and sensitive person; always considerate and generous. It must be a tremendous loss to his family and partner.
I shall never forget the kindness he extended to me during organ juries. He would thoughtfully provide me with the necessary scores so I could appear more intelligent in my role as a (non-organ playing) juror. Furthermore, he would laugh at my silly jokes and indulge my questions and comments about organ performance. It is these personal glimpses of Larry that will always linger in my memory.
Derik…..I cannot tell you what a shock it was for me to read of Larry’s death today….I haven’t looked into the London Free Press web site in over a year….and I don’t know why I did today….but I’m sure glad I did.
I have been living in Brantford for almost 2 years now…and it’s times like this…I wish I never left.
I will always remember Larry’s warm…. friendly… caring smile….that I saw on every visit….and I could see how much he cared for your Mom as well..
I know he will be missed very deeply….
My thoughts are with you Derik….God Bless!!
I remember the organ trips Larry organized to Eastman & Montreal back when he first arrived. We were a crazy bunch then! And how he impressed us with his virtuosity. I’m happy to learn that he had a long career at Western and influenced so many students.
Dear Derik: This is a voice from the past; hope you will remember me. I was Kathy Baker Newing when you and Larry knew us. We enjoyed many times with you both.
I lost track of your address AND I did keep track of you through John McIntosh and a good friend whose parents went to Larry’s church in Strathroy. I always admired Larry’s ability and his sense of humor. I am sorry he died and I imgine you miss him a lot. I send you love and peace and strength. I do hope you are well as can be. Kathryn