Brickley, Richard 'Dick'

Richard “Dick” Brickley, 83, lost his courageous battle with Interstitial Lung disease on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, at his home. Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 27, at the United Methodist Church in Anamosa. Pastor Laurie Riley will officiate at the service. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at the church. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Anamosa.

Dick is survived by his children, Susie, Roy (Annie), Del (Denise), and Brad (Jennifer); grandchildren, Alix, Krystina, Jennifer and Brianna; great-grandchild, Molly; a sister, Rosalie Shada; a brother, Bud; and a sister-in-law, Doris Brickley;

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Florence; and a brother, Lloyd.

Richard Brickley was born Dec. 5, 1928, in Anamosa, Iowa, the son of Delbert and Blanch Merritt Brickley. Dick and Florence were united in marriage July 25 1951, in Clarence, Iowa. Dick was a 1947 graduate of Anamosa High School. As a high school student he performed numerous trumpet solos throughout Eastern Iowa. In 1946, he won the trumpet competition for the Chicago land Music Festival. He competed in Chicago and performed at Soldiers Field. He was recently performing with the Dixie Notes Big Band.

Dick received his Bachelor of Music degree, his teaching certificate, and a commission in the United States Air Force from Coe College. He earned his Master of Arts in Trumpet performance at the University of Iowa. He received his Principals Certificate from Denver University. Dick served as a music adjudicator and concert band clinician throughout Iowa and Colorado. He was appointed to the Music Advisory Board for the University of Colorado.

Dick served as director of bands at Washington High School in Cedar Rapids from the fall of 1968 through the spring of 1976. During this tenure, Dick implemented the Revolutionists, and soon organized an annual “Jazz Rock Jamboree,, a jazz band contest for schools located throughout Eastern Iowa and the Des Moines area. He also organized the Washington Pom Pom Squad of 50 members and marched 160 students the fall of 1975. The WHS Brass Choir accompanied the WHS Vocal Choir to Europe in 1970 and the full band made a tour to Europe in 1974.

Dick left Iowa for 15 years and served as a supervisor of Fine Arts in Grand Junction, Colo., and as supervisor and principal in Longmont, Colo. Before teaching at WHS, Dick held band director positions in Marion, Monticello, Anamosa and Vinton, and served in Korea with the United States Air Force.

Dick was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be missed dearly by those closest to him.

Thoughts, memories and condolences may be left at www.goettschonline.com.

Published Sept. 26, 2012 in The Gazette