Dwight Vance

Dwight Allan Vance May 9, 1939 — March 2, 2008 Dwight Allan Vance was born May 9, 1939, in McMinn-ville to Warren and Rhoda Vance. He moved to Redmond at age 3 and graduated from Redmond High School in 1957. Also in 1957, he entered the University of Oregon. He played in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., in 1958 with the UO band. Dwight entered the Navy in 1958 and while there, he played in the band on several Navy carriers. After Dwight left the Navy in 1962, he returned to UO and graduated with a master’s degree in 1967. In 1957, while at UO, Dwight began playing with the Eugene Symphonic Band. He played with them until January 2007 with exception of those years he served in the Navy. At the time he had to leave, Dwight had the longest tenure with the band of any member. While stationed in Anacosta, Va., Dwight met Janet and they were married on Sept. 5, 1959. After leaving the Navy, Dwight and Janet moved to Eugene, where Dwight completed his master’s degree in music education. In 1967, the Vances moved to Corvallis, where Dwight began teaching band at the elementary-school level, then later at middle schools and high schools. After 27 years of teaching, Dwight retired in December 1994. Dwight loved magic, music and animals. His interest in magic began at age 10. Throughout his life, he performed magic for a variety of events and taught magic to children through the Parks and Recreation Program and at OSU. He served as president and was a member for over 40 years of the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and served as its Oregon territorial vice president for many years. Besides playing with the Eugene Symphonic Band, Dwight also played with the Willamette Brass Quintet and Corvallis Community Band. Over the years, Dwight loved animals, particularly the three dogs he and Janet had. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Corvallis Public Schools Foundation-Music Program in memory of Dwight Vance or to the Heartland Humane Society. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, March 7, at Northwest Hills Community Church.

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Dwight Vance

May 9, 1939 - March 2, 2008