LES BEIGEL -- Died 2004

BEIGEL

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 5/30/2018 at 17:36:02

Onawa Democrat
10 November 2004

LES BEIGEL Long time Seattle Musician Les Beigel dies at age 95.

He was the last surviving member of the original 1937 Glenn Miller Band.

Les Beigel, trumpeter, was known by many Seattleites for his years of entertaining the public at such venues as the Seattle Center Summer Outdoor Concerts, Food Circus weekend dances, private dance clubs, the Washington Athletic Club, Veteran's Hospital, and 4th of July concerts at Myrtle Edwards and Gas Works Park. He and his "Dixie Dandies" were regular performers for the Seattle, Renton, and Bellevue Parks Depts. Les was also known as a substitute Band and Orchestra teacher in the Seattle, Renton, and Bellevue schools from 1961 through 1975.

Born in Onawa, Iowa, to a musical family of five boys and three girls, he was introduced to the trumpet by his oldest brother. Bill, who brought a cornet home from WWI and told his siblings "whoever learns to play it well gets to keep it". With that motivation, Les life-long passion for music and the trumpet was launched. He began playing professionally at age 13 at county fairs and local dances. He continued to perform until 1997 when glaucoma prevented him from driving; therefore, he couldn't accept work even though he still played beautifully.

Les first joined the National American Federation of Musicians in 1926 in Sioux City, Iowa at age 16. Dues were $2 per quarter. He is a life member of the National AFM, the Chicago local and Seattle local #76 and served on the Seattle BOD for several years.

He was a staff artist at both the State and Lake and Chicago Theaters as well at WGN radio station in Chicago from 1938 until moving to Seattle in 1954. He worked with many of the greats of the Big Band Era...Glenn Miller, Jimmy McPartland, Red Nichols and the Five Pennies, as well as others.

Les' maternal ancestors arrived on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts, in 1642. He is a direct descendent of Tristram Coffin who participated in the War for Independence. Les was a PROUD AMERICAN and has made many arrangements of patriotic songs. Even though he was 36 years old, had two children and was exempt from military service during WWII, he enlisted in the Navy to contribute his talents to the war effort by organizing and leading a Navy Band based out of Great Lakes Naval Training Center. This band toured the military bases entertaining troops and played at War Bond rallies throughout the Midwest.

Les was raised in the Catholic tradition but has scores of friends and worked with people of all faiths and races whom he appreciated for their God given talents. The Man Knew No Prejudice and lived by the Golden Rule "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

He and his wife of 72 years, Laverne, moved to the Eastside in 2001 to be closer to their daughter. LaVerne predeceased him on November 21, 2003. Les passed away October 10th at Providence Marionwood Nursing Home after a bout with pneumonia. Those marvelous lungs that blew all those years just got drowned out!

Les is survived by his son, Leslie Jr., of Los Angeles; Granddaughters, Jacqueline Beigel Nelson and Jill Beigel Bowman; their spouses and 4 greatgrandchildren. His daughter and son-in-law Pat and Chuck Meyer of Sammamish, WA; Grandsons, Stephen and Glenn Meyer of Woodinville, and Issaquah, WA respectively; Granddaughters Kathleen Meyer Pace of Olympia and Patty Meyer Turnbow formerly of Enumclaw-now Guatemala City and their spouses and children-10 great-grands!

Visitation was at Flintoffs Funeral Home in Issaquah, WA. There was a visitation prior to an ecumenical service at Faith United Methodist Church, 3924 Issaquah-Pine Lake Road, Sammamish, WA. Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery.

A BENEFIT CONCERT - "MUSICAL MEMORIES" will be performed by Les' colleagues at a date to be announced, to establish "Music House" A Care Home for Elderly and Disabled Professional Musicians. A sound-proof activity room will provide a place for the musicians to practice, jam, and entertain those who are no longer able to play. Music is Therapy!! For date and ticket information call: 425/392-7809 after October 23rd. Remembrances in Les's name may be sent to any Washington Mutual Bank-Account #: 429/199166-4.

All are invited to view more pictures, share memories and sign the family's on-line guest book at www.flintoffs.com.

Let Your Spirit Soar, Dear Man, and Reunite With Your "Pretty Little Girl", Laverne!!!