Our Director Has Passed

I'm late in posting this, but there is an importance in posting it regardless of tardiness.

To my knowledge, I never met Matt Jenkins, so I can hardly say any words about him. Instead, I'll allow past band members and those who did know him do that instead. On May 17^th, Ryan Carollo E-mailed the listserve with this message:

For all you Moocowers, and especially those of you who were Moocow Marching Band members between 1999 and 2005, I have some sad news to share. Our beloved director from that time, Matt Jenkins, passed away on Thursday, May 10. The obituary is available here: http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1480431&fh_id=14062

With sadness,
Ryan

This was followed by an E-mail from Justin Brown:

Dear Fellow Band Members,

I'm emailing regarding sad news that several of our cohorts have brought to my attention, the passing of our former director, Matt S. Jenkins.  I don't know much more than what is in the obituary which can be found here

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/berkshire/obituary.aspx?n=matthew-s-jenkins&pid=157639363&fhid=4937
http://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?o_id=1480431&fh_id=14062

I hope that this announcement goes out over the listserver (not knowing if previous attempts have made it through or not).  I've included a few email addresses that I had at my disposal and apologize if you're receiving this email twice.  If there's someone that I've missed, please feel free forward the word along.

Matt served as the director of our illustrious organization from 1999-2005.  I had the opportunity to work with him closely while I served as student leader of the band.  I think it was clear to all of us that he definitely enjoyed being a part of our group and always had
a great time when he was with us.

Chris Holmes '03 pointed out to me that it takes a special person to "get it" and understand what it means to be in the Moocow Band, and I think there are few people out there who could lead such a rag-tag bunch of misfits.  Matt was certainly one of those people.  I think we all had a ton of fun working with him over the years.  There were a lot of times where Matt was just one of the guys, participating in our antics and even enhancing both our good and bad ideas. Without Matt, I'm pretty sure the band wouldn't have wrestled a flag away from Amherst fans at the 2002 homecoming game to make an albeit brief appearance on NESN.  Matt was also a large part of the conversation that led to the first root beer keg party in 2004 and made sure it happened by getting us the keg.  It's incredible that his continues to be an annual band event.  Last night, I ran across a cd that Matt made for us in the spring of 2005 entitled, "Matt Spencer's Greatest Hits", where Matt Jenkins collected a bunch of famous recordings and played the end of "Gimme Some Lovin'" on the tuba during each of them.
He presented this and copies at the band banquet that year.  I think one of Matt's favorite parts of being in the band was assigning the annual PITA award; sometimes it was so hard to make a decision, but also felt so good getting some payback. I'm sure that we each have our own memories of times with the band and how Matt was a part of them. These were the kinds of things that he did for us, and he will certainly be missed.

I hope that this news finds you well.

Justin Brown '05
Williams College Moocho Macho Moocow Military Marching Band Student
Leader (2002-2004)

Which was responded to by Richard Levy, Jr.:

Very, very sad.  Matt succeeded the great Fran Cardillo, who directed the band from 1964-1999, following Irwin Shainman.  Sad coincidence, both Matt and Fran died at UMass Hospital in Worcester (Fran 13 years ago next week ....).

Condolences to all Eph Marchers,

        Rich Levy '74 (Student Leader  '71-'74)

I offer what sympathies I can to those that knew Matt and, I think I can speak with confidence that, the rest of us admire and are thankful for what Matt did for this group and this band.

"These are our normal hats."