Robert Wesley Paredes 1948-2005

WILLIAMS, PAREDES

Posted By: michael (email)
Date: 8/22/2005 at 09:32:20

Robert Wesley Paredes was born February 10, 1948 in San Diego, California and died August 20, 2005 in Coralville, Iowa. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fernando Napoleon Paredes and Laureta Gay Williams and is survived by his wife Melody Scherubel, as well as a generous host of dear friends, students, colleagues, and admirers. He attended colleges in San Diego and received his MA and Ph.D. in composition from the University of Iowa in 1989 and 1990 respectively. He taught at the University of Iowa as a Visiting Assistant Professor and Director of Experimental Music from 1991-1993, and from 2000-2005 he was an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Jazz Studies Department at the University of Iowa. He performed and taught in Europe, Australia and Brazil and well as throughout Iowa and the US.

Bob was a consummate artist whose work involved acoustic and electronic media, painting and drawing, and numerous written works. He was a beloved friend and teacher. He taught composition and metalanguage as well as wind instruments. Bob was a performer of Jazz, Klezmer, Classical, and Avant-Garde repertoire as clarinetist, flutist, and saxophonist. His numerous scores, writings, and recordings reflect a probing mind, a giving heart, and a monumental soul.

Bob had an unquenchable thirst for literature, film, intellectual criticism, and healthy conversation. He lived a life which overflowed with honesty and integrity, dignity and purpose, connection and modesty. Though always deserving of every nuance from the titles of Doctor and Professor, he insisted on being called Bob.

His legacy is one of pervasive thought and genuine feeling. Everyone who had the privilege of knowing him as Teacher, Colleague, Friend, and Accomplice will miss him dearly and remember him always.

May the Peace and Love he shared go with him and his. Memorial donations can be made to Iowa City Hospice and to the MacBride Raptor Center.

Visitation will be held at Lensing’s Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Road, Coralville, IA on Thursday, August 25, 2005 from 6-8 p.m. A short Buddhist prayer service will follow the visitation.

On line condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com