[Dixielandjazz] Don Gumpert

[Steve barbone]

Sad news indeed Norm. Thanks for letting us know. Don Gumpert will be missed
and our hearts go out to Sandy. RIP Don.

Sadly,
Steve Barbone

"Norman Vickers" <nvickers1 at cox.net> wrote

> To:  DJML Listmates
> 
> Sad news indeed. Veteran cornetist Don Gumpert passed away at his home at
> 1:30 Pm, today, March 17th.
> 
> He was in home Hospice, was comfortable and with loved ones. This
> information from two of his bandmates
> Paul Bruketa and Dave Hanson.  Funeral arrangements are pending.  When
> information is available, I'll pass it along.
> 
> In the meantime cards and letters can go to his wife Sandy at 312 Seminole
> St., Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547.
> Email Sandy at DonGumpert at cox.net
> 
> Don, a native of St. Louis, came to Pensacola in the mid-1960s to perform
> regularly with a tight Dixieland group at Rosie O'Grady's in Seville Quarter
> Entertainment Complex.  Original members of that band included clarinetist
> Sammy Gardner and trombonist Tommy Harrison.  They all came down from St.
> Louis, hired by enterpreneur Bob Snow.
>  
> In recent years, Don lived in nearby Fort Walton Beach and performed locally
> as well as at jazz festivals  all over the country.  He died of cancer of
> the kidney which was widespread at the time of diagnosis.  Seville Quarter,
> the Jazz Society of Pensacola and other friends had a concert in his honor,
> at which Don himself played, in September 2003.  Obviously, he lived longer
> than the original predictions.  Don's last gig was about a month ago-- he
> was on oxygen at the time, according to the reports.
> 
> He will be missed!