Garrison L. 'Gary' Western

Obituary

Garrison (Gary) L. Western was born on October 20, 1958 in Des Moines, Iowa to Dorothy M. Turner and James L. Western. He is the beloved brother of Roxanne Broadus (BJ), Ron Williams (Julie), Jerri Williams, Earl Williams (Kay), Marce M. Turner, Dustin Williams, Diamond Turner, Alyssa Turner, and Alden J. Turner.



Gary was educated in the Des Moines (IA) Public Schools. He attended Clarkson Elementary School, Harding Junior High School, North High School and graduated from Hoover High School in 1976. He later attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City, Iowa and The Julliard School in New York, New York. Gary received his Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Iowa and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance from The Juilliard School.



Gary was currently employed at Creative Visions where he helped many young people of the community. He was also developing a program, Transition from Prison Mentoring Program, through Plymouth Church, which raises awareness through dialogue and music about the challenges facing people in the correctional system. As a tenor, Gary's true passion was sharing his talents with many through vocal performances, which led him through an amazing career that was full of worldwide engagements and accomplishments.



Gary began his spiritual walk as a child at Kyles A.M.E. Zion Church where he was actively involved in the ministry including as a choir member. He was currently a member of First Christian Church where he served as a Choir Section Leader and occasional soloist.



Gary has loved music and been a musical virtuoso all of his life. His musical talents included singing opera and gospel as well playing several musical instruments including the piano, tuba, and clarinet to mention a few. Gary was fortunate to have been instructed and coached vocally by Donna Emmons (Des Moines), Robert Eckert (University of Iowa), Barbara Pearson (Chicago), Donald Knight (Chicago), James Alexander (The Julliard School), Shirley Emmons, Stanley Sonntag, and Simon Estes. His accomplishments as a tenor in vocal performance include Verdi's REQUIEM with the Chicago Symphony; Sportin' Life in the Graz Opera (Austria) production of PORGY & BESS, Lieder recital, American Institute of Musical Studies, Graz, Austria; Don Jose in the Toblach Opera (Italy) production of CARMEN; MESSIAH, Indianapolis Symphony; Bernstein's SONGFEST, and numerous recitals, premieres, solos and church appearances. Gary also enjoyed cooking and eating, his favorite dish was pork cutlets, he loved family and friends especially young people, and organizing musical performances including a Christmas Concert at Kyles A.M.E. Zion Church.



Gary was a beautiful soul who was kindhearted and genuine. He also did not hesitate to be honest with you and tell it like it was. He was a musical inspiration who lifted you up when you heard his voice and witnessed his performances. His passion for music overflowed to his love for his family, in which he embraced the children. Gary touched so many in his own personal way which we will all cherish and be forever grateful.



Gary was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 5, 2014. He was preceded in death by James J. Western, Shedrick Turner, Rosetta Berry, George and Matilda Price, James Jennings, and Theodore Emry as well as other numerous loved ones.



Immediate family members remaining to cherish Gary's memory are his beloved mother, Dorothy M. Turner, Roxanne Broadus (BJ), Ron Williams (Julie), Jerri Williams, Earl Williams (Kay), Marce M. Turner, Dustin Williams, Diamond Turner, Alyssa Turner, and Alden J. Turner. Gary will also be loved and remembered by a host of relatives and Friends.





Visitation

DEC 9. 10:00 AM - 06:30 PM

Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home

3500 Sixth Avenue

Des Moines, IA, US, 50313



info@hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com

http://www.hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com Family Greeting friends from

DEC 9. 04:30 PM - 06:30 PM

Henderson's Highland Park Funeral Home

3500 Sixth Avenue

Des Moines, IA, US, 50313



info@hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com

http://www.hendersonhighlandparkfuneralhome.com Funeral Service

DEC 10. 10:30 AM

First Christian

25th and University

Des Moines, IA, US