Don Loftus

[John Musselwhite]

The following Letter to the Editor appeared in the Eugene Register-Guard on
Saturday, July 27th, 1996.
____________________________________________________

LOFTUS CONTRIBUTED

  We were shocked to learn of the accidental death (apparently by a drunken
driver) of Don Loftus, whom we knew and loved from the time he was a
graduate student at the University of Oregon School of Music in the 1950's
and 60's.

A professional musican, Don repaired and tuned pianos and played and gave
lessons on many instruments.

  Don and Mitzi were married in 1958, in Tokyo, where Mitzi had a fullbright
grant teaching English. (Mitzi has written a delightful and moving book
describing her life, "Made in Japan and settled in Oregon.")

  Don and Mitzi ran a tropical fish store in their home at 14th and Oak
Streets. They, with their three sons, continued and built upon their many
interests,
activities and services upon moving to Charleston, on the Oregon Coast. Don
was always happy to share his great love of "ol' time" songs and rag time piano.

  Don's many interests and talents included running (he participated in 19
marathons after age 47). Active in the American Field Service, he and Mitzi
hosted and aided students from several countries. Don was a Charleston
volunteer firefighter for the past 10 years. He was active in the annual
Sawdust Theater, a hilarious old-time acting and musical event in Coquille.
Extremly generous with their time and talents, Don and Mitzi contributed
much to the Charleston community, teaching music and language skills in
local school programs.

  Don designated donation of body parts at his death, and his ashes are to
be returned to the Oregon Coast he loved. He suggested that those wishing to
remember him could get together in songfests. Donations to his memory may
be made to the Sawdust Theater. Don will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Bayard McConnaughey
Eveyln McConnaughey

Eugene, Oregon


Taken from Eugene Register Guard Newspaper
Letters to the Editor.(section 14A.)
Saturday, July 27th, 1996

Register-Guard internet address:
RGLetters@aol.com

Letters must include the writers name and address, and should be no longer
than 250 words..