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Edward Rima

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Date Of Death: November 30, 1999

Reader Interactions

Condolences

  1. Ed and I shared many conversations over the years together in the Venice Symphony. I, too, attended the U. Of Mich. School of Music, played in an Army band, and came from the Detroit area. We’ll miss his sense of humor and camaraderie. He is in our prayers.

  2. It was my privilege to make great music with Ed as a part of the Venice Symphony. He was a gentleman and had a great sense of humor and we shared talks and smiles as I passed by him in the top row down to the ’cello section. I will miss him.

  3. Ed was a gentleman and a gentle soul. I will miss seeing him in the Venice Symphony Orchestra brass section.

  4. Ed was my friend, mentor, and a neat guy. He taught me important concepts about music and playing the tuba. I will miss him and think about him every time I play.
    John Haswell

  5. We’re so sorry to have this news. Ed shared many occasions with us, some hilarious, some serious. He was a man of many talents, and will be missed. Our warm remembrances to the family.

  6. Ed was one of the finest musician I could have performed with. I shared many stories about family things with him. I had many laughs with him. He will be truly missed by myself and all of our members of our musical family. Musically Yours; Joe Bruno.

  8. I’m sorry for your loss. We try to prepare ourselves for times like this but little can be done to stop the heart from hurting. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.
    All my love,
    Jim

  9. We are sorry we can’t be there to share your grief but know that you are in our prayers. Though we didn’t know Ed very well, it was obvious he was a wonderful father and very much loved by his friends. God Bless

  10. Ed was a great man, a wonderful father and grandfather. His warm smile and cheerful conversations will be missed. All my best to you, Kathy.

  11. Our friend and my mentor. When I picked up the french horn after 34 years, it was Ed who gave me the encouragement and knowledge to achieve the level of musicianship I have attained. He will always be by my side in spirit. We will never forget his friendship and love.

    Chris and Kitty

  14. Ed was a consummate musician. Over the years I was fortunate enough to work with him playing trombone, french horn and tuba, most recently in the trombone section of the Venice Symphony. He was a gentleman and a gentle person, someone with a great sense of humor who could always make me laugh. I will miss the musician and the man.

  16. Ed is now in good hands. He can go around heaven “tootin” his horn and giving Gabriel some tough competition. He can look down on his family and thank them for the selfless acts they performed for him. Ed can watch over and take care of them.

  17. I have never forgotten Mr. Rima and all of my days in the band room with him as our director. He not only taught us how to play music but many of life’s lessons that I use over and over. Mainly, “Results Not Excuses”.
    There is no proper way to thank someone that has done so much for so many. I’m sure God’s arms are wide open.
    Love,
    Kerri Burg (Bock)

  18. My thoughts and prayers are will all of you. God bless you all.
    Love always,
    Paul

  19. Jan, Kathy, Alice,

    So sorry to hear this news. Whether it was expected or not, it always leaves a heavy heart when someone passes that you love deeply.

    When I think of your Dad, I canGÇÖt help but smile. From providing support at bandcamp when we were the class to get kicked around, to getting me to switch from flute to bassoon (imagine trying to learn bass clef after so many years of treble), to eavesdropping on his stories when he and Betty came to our house to play bridge with my folks, he was always great to be around. And kind enough to send cards to my Mum even though she canGÇÖt respond due to her Alzheimers GÇô a very sweet man who will be missed very much. I hope he didnGÇÖt suffer, and I hope you find comfort in many good memories of him. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and I send my deep condolences.

    Love,
    Steph

  20. Kathy and Family,
    Losing a parent is so very difficult, no matter when or at what age. Warm condolences; you’re in my thoughts.

  21. I began my band directing career in Southgate the same year that Ed began at Taylor Center H.S. We became good friends but more important he was my mentor. I will cherish and respect his musical and teaching abilities.

  22. My parents, Bill & Jeanne Scheneman will miss Ed so much. He was Dad’s best friend when they both lived in Bradenton, Florida. Ed was always so nice to me when I visited and was a joy to have known. Please know we are thinking of Ed and his wonderful daughters at this sad time.

  23. Kathy,
    I am very sorry for your loss. I was a drummer in the band at Taylor Center from 1972 -75. Mr.Rima taught me alot about music, and he was someone that you would never forget if you had a music class with him. He will be missed.

  24. I am sorry for your loss, I was in band at Taylor Center from 1970 to 1972. Mr. Rima was the teacher that you would never forget,especially the good old marching band days.

  26. I am sorry for your loss and I will always remember Mr. Rima as a great band director I had as a student @ Truman High School and share with My children all the Stories of the things we did and how he taught Us. I Have truly missed him & will continue to miss him. May you know that he was a great teacher and leader with patients and understanding. and was always cared about.

  27. I was a student of Mr Rima’s at Taylor Center and really enjoyed being around him a great person. He will be missed.

  28. My deepest heartfelt sympathies for your loss of a wonderful man. Mr. Rima was my band director/teacher at Taylor Center in the mid-1960’s. I remember time as his student as being filled with hard work, rewarding results, learning about team work, pride with a lot of fun thrown in. I have thought fondly and often of my high school years and the time spent in Mr. Rima’s classes. As a retired teacher myself, I can only hope to have had as positive influence on so many lives. He will live on in our memories.

    Sincerely,
    Yvonne Coffey Olmstead

  29. Hi,

    I had Mr. Rima as a music teacher when I was in High School (1968-1970). I enjoyed his classes very much. He was a special person and a great teacher.

  30. Dear Rima Family,
    I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Rima’s passing. I was a student of Mr. Rima’s at Taylor High School — Concert and Marching Band (’64-’66). He was a wonderful Band Director and everyone adored him. Our Marching Band was one of the best in Michigan. The best memories I have of high school were those band memories and Mr. Rima. Please know that he was highly respected and admired; we all thought the world of him.
    In this time of sorrow, may you be comforted to know that he made a big difference in many students lives — certainly in mine.

  31. Deepest Sympathies to Mr. Rima Family and Friends. I attended TCH in the 1960’s was not in his class but he was always very nice teacher. Bless your family, from mine.
    Kaye Duey-Sullivan

  32. Dear Rima Family: I am very saddened to learn that Mr. Rima has passed on. I have nothing but wonderful memories of him. I learned a great deal about music during the time he was my band director; if you did your best he was very supportive. His dance band played at our wedding reception(Denise Thomas, ’75), and Mr. Streffon was our photographer! We have a great picture of his band in our wedding album. I think Mr. Hanson from Kennedy was in the band, as well.

    You will be in our thoughts and prayers. God bless you.

    Sincerely,

    Tom and Denise Tucker

  33. I was not a student of Mr. Rima, however I share my condolences with the family as I was a TCHS band student and had occassion to hear of his instructing abilities, he will truely be missed.

  34. Janice, Kathy & Alice

    I am so sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. I was just starting high school when “Mr. Rima” came to TC. I felt privileged to have him as my teacher, to help at his band camps and to give you girls piano lessons. He helped me so much in becoming a better musician and a more responisible person. “Results,not excuses!” I truly admired him and have thought of him so often during my 32 years as a band director.

  35. Most people are able to recall one teacher that influenced them the most while in their younger days at school. For me, that was Ed Rima.

    He and I didn’t always see eye to eye, but I admired the man because of his dedication and commitment to excellence. The lessons he taught me about life I still carry to this day … in my family, my career and my hobbies.

    Mr. Rima will be missed.

    Jim Kidd

  36. The wealth of musical and life experiences afforded to me in Mr. Rima’s band room at Taylor Center High from 1970-73 continue to influence me to this day. He was the consumate teacher and musician. I especially remember and appreciate the times we shared after graduation, playing in big bands and working band camps – getting the full dose of his special brand of humor.

    My condolences to Janice, Kathy and Alice. Ed touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

    Doug Scott
    TC 1973

  37. Mr. Rima brought the joy of music into the hearts of many thru his teachings, concerts and by being a friend to many….the beat lives in our hearts forever.

    Bonnie Olson
    class of 1967
    Taylor Center High School

  38. Mr. Rima made a lasting impression in my life, from the first time we met at Yack Arena in the 70’s when my band was playing a show, than as his student in the Truman High School Band(1974-1977). Over the years after graduation from high school we kept in touch, in fact, he and I lived about 2 hours from each other in Florida. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Good Bye Mr. Rima you will be missed.

  39. My heartfelt sympathies go to the family of Mr Rima, I did’nt have him as a teacher, but I knew him and sure liked his personality.

  40. My condolences……
    Having Mr. Rima as a band instructor at TC (Class of 73),is part of my most fondest memories of High School, Concert Band, Band Camps, Marching at so many events, being the best back then… great memories, great lessons….. Thank You Mr. Rima!

  41. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Rima. I was in the band at Taylor Center from 1970-1973. My band life was some of the happiest memories I have of high school. Mr. Rima was a great role model and he’ll be sorely missed.

  42. “Hail, hail to Michigan” runs through my head when I think of Ed and how he will be missed by everyone in the Suncoast Concert Band. We had a wonderful rivalry (Buckeyes/Wolverines) and I missed his playing the Buckeye fight song this past year (along with missing him, of course). He was a great instrumentalist, a fine band director, and lots of fun. May you play “The Victors” to your heart’s content in heaven, Ed.

  43. Mr. Rima had one of the strongest influences on me while growing up in high school. His “old school” ways are lessons that I use to this day in both my personal life and work. We kept in touch for 32 years after my graduation and I feel honored to have carried on with the bands in Taylor and to have kept him informed as to their successes. He conveyed to me that he was proud of the accomplishments that the band and I were acheiving. I will miss him
    Dennis Winnie

  44. My Prayers are with the family of Ed Rima. I had Mr. Rima for a band director during my high school years. He was a very good teacher and had a repore with the students. I will always remember marching band and the discipline he taught me. He will truly be missed. I wanted to invite him to our 35th class reunion this November, so I am very sad we won’t be able to see him again.
    God Bless.

  45. Janice, Kathy & Alice

    I am sorry for your loss. Ed Rima was a wonderful man. I have many great memories of my days in his bands and he has influenced my life to this day. What a great time I had working the band camps after I left High school. It is sad that people of his caliber aren’t celebrated more. Good-bye Mr Rima and thank you for all you did for many students and myself

  46. I enjoyed having Mr. Rima as a band teacher in Truman High School (~1980) and send my condolences to the family of a very inspirational man.

  47. Mr. Rima was a strong influence in my high school years and gave me the courage and discipline to play drums with passion and dedication. I’ll never forget his saying, “practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect”. This philosophy guides all of my many passionate interests and has helped me to succeed in many endeavors. His range of humor and intensity allowed us to achieve wonderful things together in band. I’ll remember him always fondly…….
    Truman 77’

  48. My deepest sympathies go out to your family. As like many others, I too had the pleasure of being a student of Mr. RimaGÇÖs. And while I was never quite the musical talent I wished I was, he never stopped encouraging me to be better – even when he knew it wasnGÇÖt getting him or me anywhere.

    I count myself a very lucky woman to have been taught by such a caring and devoted man. He truly was a man of outstanding character.

  49. I was lucky enough to have the pleasure of having your dad as my music teacher at Truman High School.(Class of 1976) He was an incredible teacher and taught me much more than music. His passion for life and excellence was contagious. His one liner “Results not excuses” still is something I teach my children. I remember the time my trombone was stolen from my car and he allowed me to use his trombone for the city-wide concert. I felt truly lucky! May you find comfort in the fact that your dad has influenced so many lives. He certainly made his mark. He will not be forgotten.

  50. Just a short note to tell everyone how much I admired him, so talented, and yet so modest and unassuming. Ed was a fine musician, but even a finer human being. He will be missed.

  51. Ed was an excellent musician and
    teacher, and truly an outstanding
    person. It was my priviledge to
    play in the Suncoast Band with Ed.
    My condolences to Jan and Cathy.
    Sincerely, Beth Walp

  52. My condolences to the Rima Family. I appreciated how Mr. Rima pushed us to higher achievement. My favorite “one liner” of his was Results Not Excuses.

    Dave Sabon
    Truman H.S Class of 1976

  53. To the Rima family,
    I am sorry to hear about the passing of Ed.
    He will certainly be missed by all of us in the Suncoast Concert Band.

    May he rest in peace.

  54. Ed will be sorely missed by all his fellow musicians in the Suncoast Concert Band.

  55. I still have the magnificent Conn 8-H made in Elkhart Indiana that Mr. Rima gave me from his personal collection when I graduated from Truman High in 1977 and was accepted into the Michigan State Marching Band – one of only 4 female trombone players in the history of the MSU band at the time. I did not have the resources to buy my own horn and was moved by Mr. Rima’s generosity and encouragement. The horn has a mysterious power, resonating beautiful, soaring, sonorous tones that can suddenly plunge down into the depths and vibrate the black sounds. I will always treasure it and the man who gave it to me as a gift, that feisty, passionate teacher who taught me how to breathe, and play and read music and express myself through the horn, one of my abiding lifelong interests. He always said, “You have to have a buzz to play!” and he was right!

  56. Girls,
    We are so very sorry to hear this news. Your father was the best teacher we ever had, and we still share funny (and not so funny) stories of our band years. His memory will live on in many of his students.
    Our deepest and sincerest sympathies,
    ~John and Char

  57. I am sorry to hear of your loss. I was a student of Mr Rima at Taylor Center. He was a great teacher and a genuinely good person. One of the things I’ve always remembered is his advise “Results, not excuses”. I have used his words with my children! God Bless you all in your time of sorrow.

    Kathie Stellini

  58. Mr. Rima, thank you for being a part of my life(TCHS 1964-1966), No teacher gave of himself, as much as you. You were family.

  59. There are tears throughout the world of music at the passing of Ed Rima. He was more than a performer and teacher. He was a philosopher and dear friend. I am honored to have been a student of his at Truman class of 1977. His lessons opened many doors for me in my own musical career. The lessons of life he shared have stayed with me and I have passed on to many others. “Don’t say, “I can’t,” say, “I’ll try” is among my favorites. To the Rima family, I am so sorry for your loss. Please take comfort in the knowledge that he is loved and will be remembered for years and years to come.

    Warmly
    Marykay Gibson
    Warren, Michigan
    HS Truman, Class of 1977

  60. My sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Mr. Rima’s family and close friends. Count me among the students who’s lives were positively affected by Mr. Rima’s teachings. His passing brings sadness, but his life is truly one to be celebrated.

  62. I was a student at Taylor Center High School and went to school with Mr. Rima’s daughter. Although he had already moved to Truman High School as the director he always helped me with my trombone and bassoon playing. Today I am a band director because of encouragement I recieved from him and my other teachers. My heartfelt sympathys and prayers go to his children.

  63. Kathy,
    We are sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. We were not aware that your mother had passed away too. I read the obit in the Heritage paper.

    We have fond memories of your parents. Your dad was and outstanding person in Taylor.

    We still live on Myler Street. Our children live coast to coast. I remember you being at our house for pictures for either homecoming/prom. Jim lives in a suburb of Chicago.

    Our deepest sympathy to you and the rest of your family.

    Bobbie Sobieraj

  64. We remember Mr. Ed Rima as one of our favorite teachers in Tawas. He taught us well and we will miss him.
    We have many wonderful memories of him and he helped to influence our lives in a very good way. We are grateful that we were part of his life, also. May he rest in peace.

  65. Mr. Rima was a positive influence in my life as a student at Tawas Area High School. He taught “life” lessons as well as music. “Attitude, attitude, attitude,” he would counsel. I fondly remember our band warming up with the beautiful chorales, the summer concerts by the old community building, parades, and the many times the band participated in district and state festivals. How fortunate that he shared his passion for music with people of all ages in many communities during his lifetime.

  66. I’m the oldest daughter of Roger (Slim) and Thressa Fredrick.
    On of my fondest memories of Ed was of me trying to “play” his tuba when I was 5 or 6 years old. I couldn’t get any sound to come out at all!
    We made a couple of summer trips from Ann Arbor to Tawas to visit the Rima family, and I remember how cold Lake Michigan was.
    Dad and I send you our deepest sympathies.

  67. Bette and I were so sorry to hear of Mr. Rima’s passing. We both played in the band at Tawas (Class of ’57) and have many fond memories of our time with him. We were so grateful to be able to talk to him on the phone last July on the occasion of our 50th class reunion. Condolences to the family and you are in our prayers.

  68. I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Rima’s passing. He was the band director at TAHS when I moved to Tawas in 1955 and I learned so much about music from him. He was one of my favorite teachers and I admired him very much. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

  69. Mr. Rima is one of those heros that at the time you do not know mean so much and have done so much to shape you life in so many positive ways.
    I was not that good of a musician, but he stuck with me and preached “additude” is just as important or more so, than any talent you may have.
    As a 3rd section clarinet player from 1954 until I graduated in 1959 at Tawas Area, I consider Mr. Rima as one of the teachers that taught me as much in the band room as outside it.

    He scared the hell out me many times…..and I needed it!

    He will always be remembered!

  70. Dear Jan, Kathy, Alice and all of the Ed Rima Family,
    I’m sorrowed to hear of the loss of Ed. Not only was he an inspiration as a musician and teacher to my siblings and me, but as a collegue to my father, David Leith, who was a band teacher in the Melvindale school system during EdGÇÖs years in Taylor. Ed was truly a man of great character and infuence to others. He will most certainly be missed. Thank you, Mr. Rima, for laying a foundation of strengths and values to build our lives upon. Godspeed your family during these difficult days.

  71. Dear Rima Family,
    Your dad taught me in band from 1958-1963 at Tawas Area HS. Without this experience, I’d have had very little chance at music training in my life. He was strict, but we participated in parades (Memorial Day, July 4th,Iosco County Fair, St.Patrick’s Day), Band Day at U-M, the Lilac Festival on Mackinaw Island, plus many district & state festivals. I remember uniform inspections before parades & concerts (scarey!), but we always had a sharp band. I remember the life lessons too & still remind myself “Results, not excuses.” As long as I have a memory, I won’t forget him! He made me a stronger person.

  72. Thanks, Kathy, for writing me about your dad. I have pleasant memories of visiting you two when Ed helped me fix my horn.

    I sure enjoyed seeing him when you all arranged for him to come to the Venice Symphony rehearsal last season. That was very good of you.

    It left a little hole in my heart when I heard that he had passed away. You have my deepest sympathy.

  73. As a follow up, Mr. Rima would would have made me come in after school and play the part of the music I’d messed up on……even my spelling… it was not “Additude” it was “Attitude” that stuck with me!

    I still can’t tell the difference between a B flat and a B sharp! Even in the 3rd section he demanded practice!

  74. Ed will always be in our hearts at Tawas Area High School as a great band leader

    Dan Ropert

  75. I did not know Ed very well, only sat with him in the Manatee Community Band, when he would sit in when we needed an extra trombone or French horn for a concert. He would sight read any thing we played and was willing to play any part. He set a great example. My daughter got to know him in the Venice Symphony and had the same impressions– a kind and unassuming man. I just wish I had the opportunity to know him better.

  76. I was a former student of Mr. Rimas’ back in the 60’s at Tawas Area HS. I learned of his illness a few months back and was thankful I had the opportunity to express my deepest gratitude and respect to him for his efforts to teach me not just the technical aspects of music, but also and more importantly to me at least, the discipline and passion that is necessary in ones’ life to elevate above mediocraty, be it in music or anything else important in ones life. It is ironic that it took 45 years to be able to express this to him but again, I am most grateful to have done that and to have received his note in return. My deepest sympathys to his family and friends.

  77. Dear Janice, Kathy and Alice,
    My sincere condolences to you and your families.
    I have fond memories of my years as drum majorette and a flute player in the Tawas Area High School Band from 1958- 62.
    I also have fond memories of having the pleasure of taking care of all three of you for your parents in your younger years, in 1962-64.
    May your parents both rest in peace.
    Sincerely,
    Andrea (Andie) Proctor La Blance

  78. Jan and all the Rima family,

    I am very sorry to hear about your dad. I never took band in school, but my brother and sisters had your dad as a teacher. The TCHS marching band (your dad included) spent many hours at our house when I was a kid. He was a great guy.

  79. To Mr Rima’s family. What a wonderful teacher he was. I remember you girls coming to our home with your parents to visit my Mom and Dad. It was a great time to be in the Tawas Area Band when your dad was the director -class of 57. The annual trips to Band Day at U of M were one of the high lights of the year. Your Dad brought out the best in each of us. He was a tough taskmaster and the results were always worth the work. He was one of my favorite teachers. Jean Schaaf Derbyshire

  80. To the Rima Family,
    Mr. Rima was the reason I wanted to show up for school almost every day, only missing 5 1/2 days in five years. He was my favorite teacher, always pushing us to do our best. I remember him saying “if you are going to make a mistake, (musically), make it a good one”. He was a joy. God bless you all!

  81. Jan, Kathy and Alice —
    I just returned from vacation and saw the e-mail about your dad’s passing. I am so sorry for your loss, and the loss of you mom, too. I remember your family from being in band (Steph didn’t mention that when she switched to bassoon in 10th grade it only took her a month to pass me up for first chair after I’d been playing since 5th grade!) but also from Fairlane subdivision, Fairlane School, Girl Scouts and church. Your parents were both great role models for all of us and contributed a lot to our community. I still remember skit night at band camp before 10th grade when Janis dressed up in plaid shorts and a polo shirt with a whistle around her neck and imitated your dad. I also remember Girl Scout camping when we all brought a different type of Campbell’s soup and had to put them all together in one pot for a “special” soup. Yuk! I doubt that was your mom’s idea. Hope you are all doing well despite this great loss.
    Take care.

    Margie DeFord Yansura

  82. When I played with Ed, I was a student at TAHS (1958-62). He was my most influential teacher — ever! He taught success in LIFE along with making MUSIC. It is so good to see others mention his: “Results, not excuses” mantra — the best advice in music and life. His music continues to play in our hearts and our memories.

    May he rest in peace as his family savors the memories of this wonderful man.

  83. Dear Rima Family,
    Mr. Rima was an inspiration to all of us in the Tawas Area band. His lessons written on the board were not only music theory but messages we could use throughout life. “Practice, practice, practice” was drilled into my brain, & it has stuck with me. I have not seen him in over 40 years, but he is closer to me now than before. His picture is on my piano alongside my dad’s who died in ’06 at age 92. I think Mr. Rima looked kind of like Tony Bennett. I wonder what his music sounds like in Heaven! My love & condolences to his family.

  84. Dear Rima Family,
    We just returned from a visit to Interlochen International Music Camp. As I was listening to the final notes of Les Prelude I thought of your dad and how he encouraged me to attend camp there the summer of 1964. It was a dream for me and an accomplishment and experience I will always treasure and he made it all possible. He was an outstanding teacher and his life lessons and love of music live on in all his students. The one saying our family always credited him for was to aways use your good, old, American ingenuity to make things happen or in the case of my brother’s broken music holder, sort a way to fix a problem on the spot with what you have available! No excuses for not showing up ready to play. Such wisdom for all of life. Mr. Rima was loved and respected. He was an inspiration and I thought of him often when I entered my own classroom. He was a master teacher who was the reason a lot of us loved our days at Tawas High. The hightlight of my day was band practice. Mr. Rima instilled pride in our school and in ourselves. His legacy of students who love and play music is a testament to his outstanding teaching. He must be smiling as he sees all his old students still playing instruments and enjoying the music he loved so well. I am grateful for the communication from your family and the opportunity we had to write to him
    My deepest sympathy to all of you.
    JoAnn Moehring Pinkerton

  85. Dear Rima Family,

    I was so sorry to hear of your (our) loss. We’ve all lost a lot with his passing.

    Even though your mom and dad visited Tawas quite often, I am sorry to say I always found out about their visit after the fact. I have often thought of your family, your dad was so proud of you. He was an inspiration to all of his students, and the band got more #1 ratings while he was our Director. We were one of the sharpest bands where ever we performed, thanks to him.

    I was a majorette in the Tawas Area Band, from about 1950 through 1958. (our dance teacher, Miss Ruth was the leader for the majorettes and 3 of her students became Senior Band majorettes in the 4th and 5th grade). Never one to let anyone just sit and do nothing, your dad had the majorettes take care of all the music sheets, filing, and making sure it was ready for the band.

    I remember one of your dad’s favorite “instructions” was to PICK UP YOUR FEET, PLAY YOUR PART AND STRIVE, STRIVE, STRIVE. The band members carried this into the rest of their classes.

    I’m sure he’s still making Heavenly music.

    God Bless you all.

  86. To the Rima’s Family,
    Your father was a great positive influence on my life. I still remember after playing clarinet for many years your Dad gave me the opportunity to learn the oboe my last two years in high school Band. I learned about attitude, perseverence, and responsibility from your Dad throughout my high school years at Tawas Area High School (1955-1959). May Heaven enjoy the music he brings. After reviewing the responses in this guest book many great memories have been rekindled. A special thanks to Kathy for letting some of us “old” band students communicate with your father during the past few years. Bob Cabble

  88. Mr. Rima was a wonderful, demanding task master who made us accomplish more than we thought possible. He treated us third and fourth chair musicians with the same good respect and consideration that he gave the good musicians. His lessons were life lessons and not just music. I think of him often.

  89. To Ed’s family and freinds I send my deepest regrets. Ed will be so greatly missed. He always had a quick smile, and a big hug for me. My toast to Ed is a straight up gin martini with two olives, one for him and one for me. Cherise

  90. Dear Janice, Kathy, Alice and sister Mary,

    I am really sorry to hear about Ed. I thought about him and Betty often. I can remember when they moved to Tawas City and lived right next door to my parents, Clyde and Hattie Evril. I also remember when his Mom & Dad came by bus to Tawas and brought all the different cheeses and sausages that it would take to make Italian recipes. We were over at Betty & Ed’s house every night for dinner that week. We were introduced to pizza for the first time! Also, Mary, do you remember when my Mom, Dad and I came to Jamestown, NY to visit and stayed with your folks. What a great time we had. I had Ed as a teacher in Tawas from 1956 to 1960 and I enjoyed every minute in band. I have a lot of memories of all the concerts, parades, Solo & Ensemble Festivals etc. During my band days we made a 75 RPM recording, I still have the album but can’t find a record player to play it on!!!!

    Ed was a great person and he will certainly be missed.

  91. Dear family of Mr. Rima:
    I was in the band at Tawas Area High School from 1956-1960 and had Mr. Rima for those 4 years. I became a teacher and taught in Port Huron, MI for 30 years. I adored that man and admired his perfectionism of presentation. We were one sharp band and did incredibly well. Ironically, I just tried to locate him after seeing the festivities of the 4th of July and recalled all our summer band concerts. I found out that he was in Florida and Taylor but the info did not have a phone number. I was going to try other sources when Barbara Klenow in East Tawas sent me the email about his death. I am so sorry I came so close to connecting with him. I wanted to “confess” that years ago I “took” a pair of band uniform pants without his knowledge and he was furious when he discovered a “missing pair of pants”– he never knew who took those pants.
    It was me. I had gained some weight and my pants were too tight. No one was in the bandroom at the time when I took them and I just slipped in and out. I was going to tell him the next day but he blew a cork–I was so scared I said nothing–just returned my assigned ones when I was a senior. I had those pants for years–don’t even remember what eventually happened to them. I will give a donation to Tawas Area High School the next time I am in East Tawas–in his memory!! I truly loved that man. Hope to hear from his family. (I am retired in Santa Fe,NM and have been here for the past 12 years.) I will always remember him–he influenced my teaching profoundly. PattLaVoy

  92. For all the Family and Friends,

    We would like to Thank everyone for
    their thoughts and prayers.
    All the memories were very heart-warming during this difficult time.
    Our Father was loved by us all.

    Thank you so much and God Bless you.

    Family of Edward J. Rima

  93. He was my band director @ Truman HS 1976-79 when I played French Horn and Eb Alto Horn in Marching Band. What a great man. Taught all of us not only how to play music, but also enjoy doing it. I am sure he’d be proud – I’m now the bass player for Bennie Dodd & The Ghostriders based out of Charlottesville VA. I often think of Mr. Rima when I play on stage. He will be missed and I deeply regret not trying to look him up over the years. He’s in a better place now, and I bet you he’s playing that bass trombone of his right now.

    What I would give for him to join us and play some jazz or blues with us…
    God Bless,

  94. Mr. Rima Family: I have always referred to Mr. Rima as my male mentor. I learned so much about music playing clarinet for him. He taught me so much, especially ’character’! As a band at Truman, we must have been arrogant thinking we were so good; and I recall him saying, “you are only as good as people TELL you – you are.” I enjoyed his leadership in band; as a counselor at band camp and playing for his community band. Mr. Edward J. Rima has always been bigger than life to me. I have such wonderful memories that will carry me on forever! I miss him.

  95. Just read of Mr. Rimas’ passing…Very sad to learn this. Prayers to the family and fellow Rimanites…Loved that man. He taught me the value of music and a strong work ethic that changed my life. Because of him, I have had a very successful career in the music.recording business…Without him in my life..well who knows.
    Blessings to the family. Rock on ED!!

  96. My condolences to the Rima family. Mr rima was my band director between 1967 – 1970. He was a warm human being who strived for perfection, which made our band outstanding. I’m 65 now and still think about the sign he had on the wall which said “RESULTS, NO EXCUSES”, that I give credit to where I today. ..successful. thank you mr. Rima.

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