Rodney Dale Townley
January 6, 1922 ~ May 16, 2015
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Rodney Dale Townley, 93, passed away May 16, 2015. Survived by his children, Rick (Meredith) Townley, Rodney Matthew Townley and Douglas Townley; son-in-law, Donnie Speaks. Preceded in death by his wife, Victoria Markowski; daughter, Gwen Speaks; and his first wife, Marian Nedra May Derr. Rod was born to Robert and Anna Townley on Jan. 6, 1922, in Longmont, Colo. Rod served in the Enlisted Reserve Corps during WWII. He graduated from Colorado University with a Bachelor's and Master's degree of Music Education. Among his many accomplishments in his impressive career in music education he was the conductor of the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra for three years, Distinguished Faculty Award, Professor Emeritus Status, University Associate and was inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Association's Hall of Fame. Rod held many offices and received many awards with the Pueblo Rotary Club and was also Rotary International Governor of Dist. # 547. He was president of University of Southern Colorado Retired Teachers Association, member of Music Educators National Conference, Colorado Music Educators Association, University of Southern Colorado President's Club, National Association of Realtors and certified as a Graduate of the Realtors Institute.
As per his request, cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium and no services. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
I got to know Rod in the 60s and 70s when he was my teacher, the conductor of the SCSC orchestra in which I played as a junior member, as a Pueblo Symphony colleague and as one of the music jury members I played for at SCSC. Yes, I have very fond memories of him, but something that hasn’t been mentioned is Rod’s tremendous, often wicked (though not obscene) sense of humor. I still remember some of his one-liners. It’s sad to see him go, but I’ll always smile when I remember him.
Phillip Rose (not really Astronaut Mike Dexter, but I couldn’t post as myself somehow.)
Dear Townley Family,
It is with fond thoughts that we remember your dad, Rod. Many years have passed since we shared times as each other\’s neighbors and close friends. Those occasions provided happy memories with the Townleys and Levys getting together for summer cookouts, house projects, and discussions about raising kids and teaching school. Our parents were busy with growing families, and establishing themselves as upcoming educators at the college level and in public education. Rod and Ralph were training string and woodwind students, immersed in building their careers, first at Pueblo Junior College; continuing to develop this first rate music department at S.C.S.C.; and then both retiring as Professor Emeritus at the University of Southern Colorado. Our moms, Marian and Ann, were as close as friends could be, as were their daughters, Gwen Townley and Suellen and Cherilyn Levy.
Though the sons Rick, Rodney Matthew and Doug Townley and Brent Levy weren\’t close friends with age and interest differences, they too enjoyed the family stories and gatherings. As we remember our friend, your father Rod, we share the loss you and your children are feeling at this time. Our prayers and condolences to all of you.
Love,
Sue and Cher
Rod was a good friend and mentor. He was a member of a faculty group that took 3 days off after Spring Commencement–that variously ended up a poker group (nickel-quarter). We had good food provided by Bob Smith. My first one was in 1980. I wish I could remember all of these, but Rod provided his “fiddle” in an impromto jam session with many others that included Don McGennity at the harmonica, Budge Threlkeld at the bass voice. John Padgett at the Banjo, with the guitar Ray Serena, at the wash tub Bob Smith?. It was wonderful and truly a creative effort by the faculty and staff.
Rod was either the first or second person I met at the University. This was an aborted attempt to be hired by the School of Business as a leader in the CIS group. The day was below zero in early January and no faculty was on campus. Rod was as an acting VP of Academic Affairs. He didn’t have much to do, but we joked about the situation. I didn’t get that job–just as well.
His future wife, Victoria Markowski, was a neighbor across the street in the Northridge area. After Rod married Victoria, we began to become closer friends slowly but surely, We ate out together, and shared holidays at our house. Sometimes, Victoria cooked up snacks. Rod’s favorite restaurant was Red Lobster. He had a weakness there and always went on his birthday in January and ate Oysters on the Half Shell. The last time he ate 9 of them. Christmas was a special occasion for both Victoria and Rod and they both celebrated as much a possible. There were two large rooms completely decorated with trim and at least two trees. I was easy to give them Christmas presents. At Christmas Victoria and Rod invited us all over for a banquet, but first we played poker for 2 hours. This was a family affair with spouses invited too.
He also had a delightful habit that used to make many occasions interesting; he used to give out quarters it anyone who tried hard to do something important/entertaining. There were many instances of greater generosity that we pledged silence to. Victoria and Rod also supported the Cripple Creek Theater and helped them stay afloat after some rough times as well.
Well we could tell more, but to do so probably wouldn’t help the situation. Rod was a nice person, and we will miss him as well as Victoria. I hope he has plenty of Oysters wherever he goes. He had a favorite saying, “Two bits, four bits, six bits, a dollar” and then add something to it. I suggest in this case, “When I get to heaven, I’ll give it a holler”. May God understand you and sing “Happy Birthday” with you when you play it on your harmonica.
Doug and Rose Marie Knight
Rick, I saw your father’s obituary as I was reading the Pueblo Chieftain on line. I am sorry for your loss. My dad always spoke very highly of your father as a person and as a musician. I hope that all is well with you and your family.
Catherine Connor – I came to know Mr. Townley through my association with Victoria Markowski. She was my first piano teacher at then USC. I saw the two of them regularly at Safeway. This became more frequent within the past few years up to her death, a sad time for me. I sing at Primrose once a month. I was ecstatic when I arrived there one day to find Mr. Townley sitting in the audience. When I told him who I was, he knew immediately. On the days I arrived there to sing, if he wasn’t in the audience I would ask a staff member about him or go looking for him on my own. On my visit there last month, I did get to see him, which simply filled me with joy, as it always did. There was one day that he even played his harmonica for us all. The first day I saw him there, about a year or so ago, I asked him if I could still get the cd which he recorded with Miss Vicky. He pulled one out of his jacket pocket, signed it and gave it to me. I will forever cherish it. I told him it was like gold to me. I had hopes of having him at my church to play his violin and his harmonica for us at one of the concerts I coordinate. I’m sorry that never happened. I recently told him of my desire to learn to play the violin, which is now deepened. I will miss him dearly, remember him always, sing and play in his memory. Many Blessings to the family. Love, Peace, Joy
my Sympathy to the family. He was my music professor at USC Pueblo Colorado. I learned so much in his class and will never forget him and the music labs etc. May your memories comfort you all and i will keep you all in my prayers . Miss Eloise Kay Egnor