Posted on:
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
I met Wayne after he married Jeanne. Jeanne was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, where I was the band director. Wayne joined our group, and was a faithful and talented member of the band for close to 15 years. After having played in several dance bands in his younger days, Wayne decided to form his own band, The Music Makers in 1991, and offered me the position of bass player. We spent many hours in rehearsals and gigs over the next 20+ years, and I will be grateful to have known such a fine musician and wonderful friend. My sincere condolences to the Cook and Gibbons families. - Ron Linker
Posted by:
Dick Gulbrandsen
Posted on:
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
I am deeply saddened by Wayne's passing. And also saddened that I can not attend his service. My wife and I will be in Florida until 2/28. Wayne was an excellent trumpet player, a great person and a good friend We met when he played lead trumpet in "Ray Dickow's Addison Musicmakers" big band and spent many years together as band mates. After leaving that band we kept in touch, but not often enough. Wayne will be sorely missed.
Posted on:
Monday, February 20, 2017
I played trumpet in the church band with Wayne for for number of years. He was a wonderful musician! More important than his wonderful musical talent was the life that Wayne lived. He was a kind,gentle, considerate Christian man.I am saddened by his death and will miss him.
Posted on:
Monday, February 20, 2017
I am sad to hear of Wayne's passing. He was outstanding trumpet player and for many years managed the Music Makers Big Band. He was hard working and detail oriented in his leadership. Sitting to my right for many years in the band I had the privilege of hearing many great trumpet solos. I was also impressed with his dedication to his church and the number of times he would play the trumpet with as much as 3 Easter services in one day. It was at his church band where we first met. When inviting me to play later with the Big Band, he provided many years of enjoyment making music together. Thank you, Wayne, for the joy you have brought to us. Bill Mertz
Posted by:
Jonathan Mueller
Posted on:
Monday, February 20, 2017
Sad to hear about Wayne's death. He was a strong supporter and staple player of the brass ensemble at St.John Wheaton for many years and as faithful and dedicated a member as you will find. He and Jeanne loved the students at St. John and were always there to support them, whether helping out in the library or cheering on an athletic team. May the Lord bless his family during this time and may they be comforted by the hope of the resurrection, which was won and given to Wayne by Christ through baptism, the forgiveness of sins, and Christ's body and blood put into Wayne each time he received the Holy Eucharist. Peace.
Posted by:
Nancy Burkhart
Posted on:
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Wayne ("Dad") was a sweet man. I always enjoyed seeing him when he dropped into The Dreamwear Shoppe or stopped by Cotton Deco. He always had a smile and a hug ready for us. I'm so sorry for your loss. He will be deeply missed.