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A Tribute to
Harry E. McNees
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It is with the mixed feelings of
both sadness and peace that I post this website in Memory of Harry E. McNees.
He struggled for many weeks, but finally he has been set free
and he will never be forgotten.
Harry's Funeral was held
in the Harry E. McNees
Auditorium, Kimball High School, Kimball Nebraska.
(Bonnie wishes to express her sincere regret that Jon Peterson was left out of
this program as he presented the eulogy) |
Click here to visit the
Photo Album
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I would like to thank
Sherry and Alex Blanche from the
Western Nebraska Observer for providing many of the photos and
videos on this page. |
Please NOTE: You
might experience problems watching the videos --
the following
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A special tribute and
solo to Harry was offered by David Hickman
David Hickman
Click on pictures to
watch and listen to David
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Jon Peterson offered the
eulogy to Harry 
Click
on picture to watch and listen to Jon
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THE SPECIAL PEOPLE IN OUR LIVES
by
Jon Peterson
email:
JON PETERSON
SPECIAL
1)
distinguished by some unusual quality
2) held
in particular esteem
3)
distinguishable from others
4)
being other than the usual
5)
designed for a particular purpose or occasion
HARRY E McNEES……..MY MENTOR AND FRIEND, A SPECIAL MAN
In
the spring of 1962 I came to Kimball Nebraska to
interview for a teaching position at Kimball County High
School. I arrived about 11pm Mountain Time because I
didn’t realize how far it was to Kimball on 2 lane
roads. Saturday morning, I interviewed with Dr William
Ptacek and toured the school. Walking into the BAND room
on the second floor, I was introduced to Harry McNees.
Strange how one feels while being introduced to MR. BAND,
but I really had a feeling that this was going to be a
great relationship. I was given the vocal position and
my life changed. My special moments with Harry have
never stopped………..every time we have been together over
the past 45 years……..it was like we had never been
apart.
I
joined the faculty of KCHS that summer and Harry cleared
out the little storeroom next to the fire escape so I
could have a office. We put in a desk, a chair and a
file cabinet, that was all that would fit, and pulled
the accordion door shut. I was now a part of the Music
Department. Harry and I clicked from the first day…………he
became my mentor and helped me with everything. We
shared time attending music reading sessions in
Boulder, music convention in eastern Nebraska, music
contest in western Nebraska and Teacher conventions. We
shared our hopes, ideas, goals, our joys. We spent
quality time setting up chairs in the old gym,
auditorium and the park. The McNees, Moore's and Atkins
became our very close friends.
I
knew I was in big time band land………..when the street
west of the school had marching stripe painted across
it. When the KCHS Band put on the first big Precision
Marching Show in western Nebraska for a half time of the
Scottsbluff JC football game.
When grade school students were more interested in
marching in “Harry’s Band” then doing sports. When the
band went to the Indianapolis 500 and my only job was to
be sure that the Marching Band Banner was ready to go in
front of the band.
Thanks Harry,
you were a great trend setter.
When Harry and I were together he taught me wonderful
things that most mentors don’t teach. How to always
spill coffee, gravy, ketchup and/or mashed potatoes on
your tie. How to fall asleep faster than me so I always
had to turn off the TV.
Thanks Harry,
for sharing some personal traits, these are important.
Harry taught me about demanding excellence in teaching
from yourself and students, to push students to be their
very best, to always reach for a superior performance
and never settle for anything less. He showed me the joy
of great instrumental literature with “Elsa’s Procession
to the Cathedral”, “Swingin’ Shepherds Blues” and
“Trumpeters Lullaby”
Thanks Harry,
for sharing great instrumental literature.
I
knew I was Harry’s friend and colleague when he told me
that I was in charge of the Band for Farmers Day. He was
going to pick up his son. I WAS HONORED BECAUSE NOBODY
MESSED WITH HARRY’S BAND.
Thanks Harry,
you showed me trust, faith and confidence
We
moved into this building after our 2nd year
together. What a wonderful auditorium. This was
something very special for Kimball.. I asked Harry if
he thought we could do a musical and he said “Now we can
do festivals, clinics, special concerts and musicals”.
We had a great venue for our concerts, People came to
concerts just to see the auditorium. Great things have
happened in this auditorium.
Thanks Harry,
for seeing into the future and planning this great room
“How can I not forget watching Harry double-time
conducting with “playboy center-folds taped into his
scores” or an alarm clock ringing under the directors
podium with Harry looking at the percussion section for
the culprit……….funny things. Someone had put pictures
in my scores also. I wonder who that was? The best joke
ever played on me was during the Library Scene of “Music
Man”, We started the vamp for the opening song and I was
ready to give Henry Jennings the cue for “Marian,” Out
of the corner of my eye I saw someone walking on stage
left………. Harry McNees began walking across the stage
wearing shorts, t-shirt, helicopter beanie and reading
BALZAC. I was stunned, Henry just looked at me and
smiled……..Mary Kay Moore’s eye got as big as quarters
and we just watched in disbelief. The applause was so
loud and long, we had to hold up the show …..and then he
walked back across the other way. We had so many
comments about the special performance of Harry McNees
that we had to do it again the next night.
Thanks Harry,
you taught me to always be prepared for the unexpected
and to have fun.
I
was honored to be in the audience when Harry E McNees
received the “Don Lentz Award” from the Nebraska State
Band Masters Association, when Harry E McNees was
inducted into the Nebraska Music Educators “Hall of
Fame” and I was here when this auditorium was named
“the Harry E McNees Auditorium”.
I AM HERE TODAY TO PAY SPECIAL HOMAGE TO MY SPECIAL
FRIEND AND MENTOR HARRY EDWARD McNEES
You
see Harry McNees was SPECIAL to all of us. Now you can
put in your own word
1)
distinguished by some unusual quality excellent
musician
2)
held in
high esteem great
“Hall of Fame” educator
3)
distinguished from others
coffee on his tie
4)
being
other then the usual great
lover of classical literature Balzac
5)
designed
for a purpose to share
his love of music to all of us
Quoting from “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran
And he said:
You
would know the secret of death
But how shall you find it unless you seek it in the
heart of life
For life and death are one, even as the river and the
sea are one.
Only when you drink from the river of silence shall you
indeed sing
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you
shall begin to climb
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall
you truly dance.
STRIKE UP THE BAND HARRY…………..IT’S TIME
TO GO DANCING |
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Jon is currently a Visiting Instructor of Music
at Nebraska Wesleyan University. He is serving as Recruiting
Coordinator for the Music Department and doing some teaching in
Beginning Choral Conducting and Secondary Vocal Music Education.
He taught at Kenesaw, Kimball County High School
(from 1962-67. Where they did 3 Musicals, "Annie Get you Gun", "My Fair
Lady" and "The Music Man"), and Lincoln East. The first Swing/Show
Choir was put together and performed while in Kimball in 1965. Since
that time, Show Choirs are now found all over the country. Jon servers
as a national clinician and judge for Show Choir festivals over the US.
Mr. Peterson (Pete) retired from serving as the Music
Department Chair and Director of Choral Activities at Lincoln East High
School after 32 years. He has served as President of the Nebraska
Choral Directors Association and the Nebraska Music Educators
Association.
Mr. Peterson was selected for:
1986
Gallup Inc. Outstanding Teaching Award
1991
Nebraska Choral Director of the Year
1993
Aliant Communications Teacher of the Year
1996
Nebraska Music Educators Hall of Fame
1999
State Thank You Teacher Award |
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Jim Moore and Mary
Kay (Moore) Jenner
(click on picture to see and listen) |
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Guest Book for
Harry E. McNees
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May 18, 2007 |
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Some people spend their entire
life figuring out how to leave a legacy behind.
Harry didn't even have to try. Harry had an
auditorium named after him while he was still alive
and well. That really shows the caliber of this man.
Harry is the biggest influence as a mentor/teacher
in my life. The countless hours Harry would spend
teaching me everything he knew was priceless. If I
only knew then what I know now, I would have taken
better notes!! There was definitely something
spiritual about Harry in everything he did and in
everyone he touched. Harry was definitely a rich and
successful man. We will miss you Harry. You and
Bonnie are forever in our prayers. Dulce! |
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Steve Allwin (Tucson,
AZ) |
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May 14, 2007 |
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Harry was my "Little Brother."
All his life I referredto him as this. To tell the
truth, Harry was a bigger man than either of his
bigger brothers. We may have made more money in our
working years but Harry was head and shoulders above
us. He help mold hudreds of young lives. He had
talent, humility and faith in God. The Heavenly
Angels better look sharp because they now have a new
music director. We miss you,Pete. |
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Art McNees (Vero Beach,
FL) |
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May 12, 2007 |
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Being the youngest of the 5
Settles kids I had some fantastic mentors in my
older siblings. Harry was an awesone addition to my
group of mentors in that he never showed anger, he
saw the best in everyone, and he brought about a
calmness in the worst of situations. I thank God for
the 55 years that he was one of my older brothers.
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J.D. Settles (BLUE EYE,
MO) |
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May 11, 2007 |
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was a great and wonderful
person helped a lot of kids |
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lorraine shelley (scottsbluff,
NE) |
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May 11, 2007 |
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Bonnie and family, We are so
sorry to hear of your lose. Harry was a wonderful
person and did great in this life and he will do
great in heaven.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. |
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Saron and Mary Andrews
(Kimball, NE) |
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May 11, 2007 |
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As we pass through this world
we have an opportunity to meet and know alot of
people. Some we remember and many we forget. I will
always remember Harry because he was a Special
Teacher and a Friend to ALL. Hopefully you will find
comfort in Knowing that Harry had so many friends.
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Clarence Cunningham
(Grand Island) |
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May 10, 2007 |
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Uncle Harry was my Dad's
brother. My Dad preceded Harry in death by seven
years. One day I was talking to Dad about "Uncle
Harry". We were talking about Dad (Doug), Art and
Harry and the relative success they enjoyed in their
respective careers. He told me that Harry was the
richest of the three McNees brothers. When I
questioned this he said, Uncle Harry is beloved in
the town of Kimbal. He has more friends and has
influenced more people than Art or I put together
times ten. He's had a wonderful life and he has a
wonderful wife. Based on the memories expressed
here, I would say, Dad, as usual, you're right
again. We'll miss you Uncle Harry. Tell my Dad we
miss him too. You guys have fun up there. |
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Ken and Lyuda McNees
(Raleigh, NC) |
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May 10, 2007 |
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Dear Aunt Bonnie,
I was so sorry to learn that you have lost your
life-long love and companion, my Uncle Harry. He and
my father Doug are together now, no doubt wreaking
havoc in the heavens with their unlimited humor and
pranks. I can't think of any better fellows to be
our angels than those two. Uncle Harry was a devoted
Christian and teacher of many things. I will miss
him but he remains in my heart. For this is the day
the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I am truly blessed to have known such a wonderful,
loving man -- my uncle.
Warmest love,
Suzanne Tudor |
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Suzanne Tudor (Venice,
FL) |
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May 8, 2007 |
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Bonnie and Family, My thoughts
and prayers are with you all. Harry had a tremendous
influence on so many of us - helping build
confidence when we lacked it, giving encouragement
when we needed it, and always praising when we
deserved it. Blessings. |
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Anna (Hendricks) Perry
(Houston, TX) |
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May 7, 2007 |
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What an awesome life you had,
Harry. Witness the positive influence you had on so
many. Those of us fortunate enough to have known you
are members of an elite club. Thank you for all the
wonderful things you did; for all your hard work
over so many years on our behalf and just for being
a great guy. |
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Bill Smythe (Omaha, NE)
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May 7, 2007 |
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I promise never to forget the
BANNER on any future band trips. I promise never to
eat in my band uniform. I promise to study hard on
Sunday nights for those tests on Mondays. I promise
to march in pouring down rain the next time I'm at
the Indianapolis 500. I promise to practice and
practice and to be the best at what I do. I promise
to always remember and love Harry! |
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Shortie Kiefer
(Hensley) (Kimball, NE) |
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May 5, 2007 |
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Bonnie and family , My family
would like to express our sorrow for you. Harry was
a remarkable person, always telling his students to
keep their heads up and believe. We are turely
sorry. |
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Dena (Hinrichs) Hill
(Tecumseh, MI) |
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May 5, 2007 |
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Bonnie, In this hour of loss
and sorrow, there is little we can say, but may the
deep concern of others help to comfort you in the
loss of your dear husband. |
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Shirley Heimbuck/Goehring
(Lodi,, CA) |
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May 5, 2007 |
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Bonnie and family, I always
considered Harry as one of my best friends in
school. Harry took me aside one day to ask me to
hold my head up and say "hi" to all. That day
changed my life as did Harry. I will now hold my
head a little higher and say "Hi" to Harry in
heaven. Thank you Harry. Bonnie and kids, you will
remain in my prayers. |
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Christy (Hoke) Anderson
(Scottsbluff, NE) |
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May 4, 2007 |
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Bonnie
Harry not only touched the lives of all his students
in a most postitve way, but he also touched most
everyone in Kimball directly or indirectly. He is a
part of Kimball history.
Dale Hoke |
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Dale Hoke (Parker, CO)
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May 4, 2007 |
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Harry gave off an inner light
that will forever shine on in me. I hold your family
in "The Light." |
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Michael Hanway
(Seattle, WA) |
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May 4, 2007 |
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Bonnie-we love you and KNOW
where
harry is now PRSAISE THE LORD
God be with you at this special time |
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M&M Gompert (Sebring,
FL) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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Bonnie & family,
I want you to know that you're in our thoughts and
prayers during this time. Harry was an awesome
teacher! He always had a smile on his face his
personality was contagious. God Bless you all! |
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Don Burns Jr
(Scottsbluff, NE) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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Harry's gentle influence
extended around the world through the many exchange
students he taught in Kimball. He and Bonnie have
many friends in far places. |
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Ewan Vickery (Adelaide,
South Australia.) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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Bonnie and Family,
We are so sorry to read about the loss of Harry. We
know he was surrounded by love and caring until the
end. We hope you are feeling the comforting arms of
all the thoughts and prayers from all of your
friends near and far. We were truly blessed to have
visited with him after Avona's celebration of life
and to appreciate his wonderful smile and sense of
humor one last time.
Take care and know we loved him and pray for all of
YOU!!!
Jim and Cathy Ochsner |
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Cathy Ochsner
(Ogallala, NE) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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Dear Bonnie: I recall the good
times we had in your home playing cards and
visiting. The time in New Hampshire and the trip to
Mystic Connecticut. You and Harry were always fun
and delightful to be with. Harry never complained
about his physical problems and he did have a few
pains here and there. His legacy will play on here
on earth and the Heavenly Choir will have the best
director ever. Love and Prayers for you and the
family. |
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Philil and Fran Fidel
(Sun City, AZ) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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I have so many wonderful
memories of Harry McNees. He was an excellent
teacher, mentor and friend. 20+ years later, I can
still remember his very genuine smile, but also his
serious and stern look that said "I believe in you
and I know you can do better". I learned some great
positive life-lessons from him. Harry McNees, you
will be greatly missed! God Bless Bonnie and all of
Harry's loved ones! |
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Craig Morgan (Lakewood,
CO) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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Bonnie & Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers at this diffcult
time. God bless you! |
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Jennifer (Allen)
Johnston (Scottsbluff, NE) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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I once had trouble answering
the question "Who are my heros." The problem was
that I had grown-up surrounded by extrodinary
people, Harry and Bonnie topped the list. We'll miss
you Harry and pray for your family. |
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Jon Kemling (Lincoln,
NE) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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Our thoughts and prayers are
with you. We will see you soon. |
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Chuck and Claire Allen
(Centennial, CO) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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I am sorry I cannot attend
Harry's funeral, it is the day of our Mass Band
Concert of which he attended several. I always
valued his comments and complements after my band's
performances.
Harry's support and encouragement when I was in
Scottsbluff helped me maintain my confidence as a
teacher and conductor and I always enjoyed just
discussing bands and music with him.
We will miss him greatly. He was a fine teacher,
conductor, and most importantly, a fine person. |
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Randy Raines (Gering,
NE) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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Bonnie and Family,
I am so blessed to have known Harry and played under
him for many years. He is an angel of God that we
were fortunate to know and love. God Bless You and
yours! |
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Trisha Goins (Skiatook,
OK) |
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May 3, 2007 |
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Aunt Bonnie,
We are all thinking of you. We all miss you terribly
and wish we could be there for you.
All our love,
Chris, Traci, Abbi, Nick and Rylan |
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Traci Pleiss (Lincoln,
NE) |
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May 2, 2007 |
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I am so sorry for your loss. He
was such a wonderful man, so kind and considerate of
others. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this
time of loss. |
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Brenda Brown (Lincoln,
NE) |
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May 2, 2007 |
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Our three kids, Deron, Richa,
and Kevin, are all successful music educators. When
we are asked why they are so good and successful in
music, we always respond with "All three of our
children started their instrumental music careers
under the teaching of Harry McNees. That is the
reason they have a good understanding, appreciation,
and are successful in music." Thanks, Harry, for
being such a terrific person! |
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Dick and Barb McGee
(Mesa, AZ) |
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May 2, 2007 |
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I will always remember the
times we
judged music contests and went to
band masters and All-State conventions. You were a
good friend and inspiration to all of us
younger band directors. God Bless! |
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John Forsythe
(Scottsbluff) |
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May 2, 2007 |
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Our thoughts and prayers are
with you! |
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Rachael Evans
(Wheatland, WY) |
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May 2, 2007 |
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So many memories. Thanks for
all the special trips to CSU and Air Force football
games. How about the permanent "K" in the middle of
the football field, and who could forget the early
morning street marching practice for the Calgary
Stampede trip in the summer of 80'.
You made us the awesome band that we were and you
touched my life. You will be sorely missed.
God Bless you and your family. |
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Dave Smythe (La Mesa,
CA) |
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May 2, 2007 |
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GOD BLESS
YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS |
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STEVE SETTLES
(MITCHELL) |
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All Rights Reserved
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E-MAIL
Please relay my deepest sympathies and condolences to Bonnie
and the extended “McNees” family. Have a great day
celebrating such a great man and a life that has touched the
far corners of the world.
Cheers
Steve Mackenzie
AFS student 1985
Percussionist 1985
Band Goat 1985
We are saddened to hear of
Harry's passing. If it would't be too much trouble, could
you e-mail or fax me a copy of the complete obituary. I
would like to share it with some of his friends in
Scottsbluff.
Thank you.
Dwight Barbour
Barbour Music
fax 308-632-0467
I'm Stephanie Perry, (daughter of John
Perry graduate from 1965) a graduate of Kimball High School
from 1989 and played clarinet for Harry until he retired in
1987 and then under Cynthe Steahr. Am not sure if anything
is being planned for Harry's funeral from "Harry's" bands or
not, but would like to stay informed about any alumni band
happenings now and in the future.
Stephanie Perry
13528 Frederick St
Omaha, NE 68144
308-241-1326
Stephanie Perry
Golden Harvest
402-289-0230
I know we all loved and respected Harry and Bonnie. They are
such a positive example for all of
us...an example that I, personally, carried
humbly as my standard for "enthusiasm,
righteousness, and goodness"!
We are all so blessed by their giving spirit
and love of life.
We are, now and forever, blessed by
their spirituality.
SEMPER FI,
BYRON WICKS
I heard already from my parents that my friend and teacher Harry had
passed. He was a great influence on myself and upon many,
many others. He was my favorite person in the whole town of
Kimball!
Harry will be as fantastic a band instructor and leader in
Heaven as he was for us 'down here'.
My regards and prayers to Bonnie.
Peace, Jeff Johnson >>>> Cornet / '75
What a great man. He was
the main reason that I went back to the last All Class
Reunion a few years ago, just to thank him for helping me
become who I am today.
Gordon Hansen
Software Solutions Developer
Business Automation Services
Corporate Administrative Services
State
Farm Insurance Companies
Office: 309-735-8695
My heart is saddened as well but at the same time
joyous that Harry's earthly pain has now ended. Always a mixed
blessing when someone so special passes into the heavenly
kindome. It will be hard coming back to Kimball so soon after my
mom's own burial but want to share my love and concern with
Bonnie and her family. And always good to come "home".
Patty Niemann
Vocal/ General Music Specialist
Sheridan Elementary
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Bonnie
has established two memorials
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Harry McNees Memorial
New Tribes Mission
1000 East 1st Street
Sanford, FL 32771-1487 |
Harry McNees Memorial
Music Program
United Methodist Church
Kimball, NE 69145 |
It is suggested that
you make your checks to:
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Harry McNees Memorial
C/0 Bonnie McNees
524
Madison
Kimball, NE 69145 |
This
will give Bonnie the freedom to decide which memorial to send the funds.
If the memorial is sent directly to the fund, Bonnie may not know about your
gift.
Bonnie
also said that she welcomes any contact with everyone.
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Note:
This is a place to post a message you would like to
communicate
Please contact
Chuck Allen |
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