[Dixielandjazz] MARIO BOBADILLA

[Janie McCue Lynch]

Obit from yesteray's L.A. Daily News ... Interesting tribute to a gentleman
who retired from performing to focus on family and craftsmanship of
woodwinds.  jml 
 
 
MARIO JACOB BOBADILLA Passed away March 6, 2006, at the age of 86, with
loving family at his bedside. 
 
On December 16, 1919, Mario was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. He was one of
nine children born to Clementine and Jose Bobadilla. The family emigrated to
the U.S. when he was three years old. He graduated from Lincoln High School
early to pursue his musical career on the road. 
 
By the age of eighteen, he was performing in world class venues such as
Madison Square Garden and even made it to Carnegie Hall! He spent several
years touring the nation employed by various name bands, some of which were:
Harry James, Artie Shaw, Phil Harris, Vaughn Monroe, Gene Krupa, Sully Mason
 Bob Crosby and Benny Goodman. He was proficient in playing the clarinet,
flute, piccolo and alto-saxophone.
 
 During WWII he served honorably in the Army and was put in charge of the
swing band at Fort MacArthur. He was given the nick name of Be-Bop because
of all the instruments he was capable of playing. He was also employed by
various radio and motion picture studios including Warner Brothers,
Paramount and Disney. He spent thirteen years at Disney Studios playing
background music for several of the Disney classic films. 
 
He learned a great deal of respect and appreciation for nature while being
involved with making the films. He retired from the road to marry and raise
a family, never regretting it for a moment. His wife and kids were the mo st
important part of his life. All of his career decisions were always formed
around staying close to his family. He was offered more money with
prestigious companies but he turned them all down as it meant he had to work
long hours or be on the road again.
 
 He worked for himself for twenty-five years, repairing and designing
woodwinds and their components from his home workshop. He was a skilled
craftsman whom the professionals sought out to build parts that either were
not available or didn't exist. He prided himself on never advertising, as
word-of-mouth was all he ever needed. He called himself the problem solver.
He enjoyed listening to and playing music, barbecuing for his family and
spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a fantastic father
and a great family man. 
 
His passion for life and love of his family are his legacy. He will remain
in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Mario is
survived by four of his five children ("mutts" he used to call them) : Cathy
 Roger, Randy and Roy. He had ten grandsons, two granddaughters and four
great-grand- children. He was preceded in death by his wife of thirty years
and his eldest son Richard. Memorial Service will be held at St. John Eudes
Catholic Church, 9901 Mason Ave., Chatsworth, 11:00 a.m., on Monday, March
13, 2006.
 
 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Relief Fund at
Professional Musician's Local 47, 817 Vine St., Hollywood, CA 90038, in
memory of Mario Jacob Bobadilla. 
Published in the Los Angeles Daily News on 3/12/2006.