andrew dodson

As I go through life and get older, I’ve learned one of the interesting things is learning to deal with news of death.  Especially when it involves someone I have had a personal connection with.  I first dealt with this situation with the death of a friend and former baseball teammate, Chad Lippert.

This morning, I learned of the death of Dr. Stephen Tilford of Georgetown College.  Two semesters of my time at Georgetown was spent learning how to play piano from Dr. Tilford.  I have a good feeling his life is being celebrated in heaven right now.

Here is an email I received for my band director, Dr. Pete LaRue:

September 10

Dearest Band Scholars,

Subsequent to when I sent you the Weekly Reminders earlier today, I attended church and there learned of the passing of Dr. Tilford [for you Fledglings, Dr. Tilford’s office is right across from Band Central – this very fine young man had been in a struggle with cancer for the past few years].

”OC” [aka Off-Campus] Band Friends – I am sending this to you also, as many of you knew Stephen and know his wonderful family.

Stephen died at 6:45 AM this morning. I hope you shall well-remember this young man, possessed of extraordinary artistry and exceptional intellect. His wife Natalie, his two sons [Colin – 4 and Rhys – 2], his older brother Bradley and his family, his younger sister, Jane Ellen and her family – and of course his remarkable parents, Danny and Shirley Tilford – shall need our thoughts, prayers and support. It is with greatest sadness that I inform you of the crossing-over of this colleague, fellow-musician and friend.

Sincerely,
Peter LaRue
Tiger Bands

I am fortunate to have a recording of Dr. Tilford performing Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” with the Central Kentucky Concert Band.  He was a phenominal pianist, and an even better human being…

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