Dr. Gary Yukio Iida

He grew up in Fresno, where he graduated from Central Union High School in 1960. He continued his education locally, graduating from California State University, Fresno, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music. He earned both his masters and doctorate degrees in music from the University of Southern California.

He shared his wonderful gift and love of music with others as a teacher first at Nogales High School and La Puente High School, in southern California. He spent the next 27 years at Claremont High School, teaching all aspects of music from jazz and orchestra to marching band, earning countless accolades along the way, including the Teacher of the Year Award. He continued to teach at the college level, serving at both El Camino College and Pasadena City College, where he led the band in the Rose Parade in 1996. He also served for many years as a conductor for the Claremont Symphony Orchestra, well into his retirement years.

Gary touched so many lives with his love of music, sharp wit, and unparalleled kindness. He will be deeply missed and remembered forever.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Michelle and her two children Casey and Joe; his daughter Tiffany and her husband Barry, and their two children, Joss and Bodie; his son, Geoffrey and his wife Tula, and their daughter Chloe; his brother, Irwin and his wife Jessica, and his daughter Stacy; his brother, Rickey and his wife Rona; and his youngest brother, Dennis and his wife Lee Anne, and their daughters, Jennifer and Jessica.

A Viewing will be held at Lisle Funeral Home, 1605 "L" Street in Fresno, ph. (559) 266-0668 on Saturday, November 16, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

A Funeral Service will be held at Lisle Funeral Home, on Sunday, November 17, 2013, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made payable to the Claremont Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 698, Claremont, Ca. 91711, noting the "Gary Iida Memorial CYSO Scholarship Fund."