Your friend Philip Cox died in June. There will be a memorial service for him at the Unitarian Church on July 20. I remember meeting him with you in December of 2009 at Bethany Manor for his 90th birthday party. I'm glad I got to meet him. Reading his obituary, I see how much in music, theater and game playing in common along with math. I'm sure you two had fun together.

There is time to remember Colby at Christmas especially with all the music around. Yesterday I saw Mike Golemo conduct TubaChristmas at Ames 1st Methodist. At Wheatsfield I heard Colby's friend Tom Russell with some members of Strong Like Bear. They were replaced by my friend Reggie Greenlaw and his close musical companion Curt Snook. Reggie's hammer dulcimer music always brings me near the region where I am sure Colby lives now and always has lived. Colby started piano and organ lessons when he was four. He was playing in a church at age 13. So really, he spent his life in music. Music, nature and the people he loved who loved him were his links to a high power.

Matt passed his orals for his MFA in integrated arts after Thanksgiving. Colby would have been proud. We think of him often. I have windchimes for his grave at Ames Cemetary and will put them there before Christmas.

Goodbye to 2010

I just spoke with Erica Fuchs who plays violin along with her Dad Ron for Central Iowa Symphony. Colby would have been playing with CIS this December. Before the concert, the director Eric, told everyone that Colby had died suddenly in November. The piano remained unplayed on the stage in his honor.

The newest photograph you can see when you click on Media is of Colby's Wildflower Prairie, taken late this Spring the first year the yard prairie bloomed after being seeded Fall of 2009. We cared for it and enjoyed it in all it's changes till November.

I was so sorry to hear of Colby's passing. The last time I saw him he visited me in NC while passing through on a hiking tour. As someone who loved the outdoors, I know that Colby spent his last day enjoying life. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Today,I have been listening to a podcast of Colby playing Glory to God at Unity Church on April 15, 2008, one week after his wife Judy died. I appreciate Mike Golemo's and Burton Hable's tributes to Colby. I was with Colby when he and Burton performed the Ewazen on March 29, 2009. This is some of the most beautiful music I ever heard Colby play.

Colby assisted with our youth group at the Congregational Church and his music was a delight. I knew him as a teenager and as an adult. I always enjoyed seeing him around town throughout the years. He was unique and talented-the best combination. I was sorry to see had passed; but know he enjoyed life and contributed much to others enjoyment of it.

I will always remember Colby as a passionate and inspired musician, and as a person who shared his talent and love for making music with young and old alike. My father, Max Exner, appreciated Colby's dedication and joy for music throughout their years making music together. Colby patiently accompanied me as a young musician in Ames; when he recently visited us in Bloomington, IN, I was struck with the purity and authenticity of his musical vision, in marked contrast with some here who call themselves professionals. He was the real thing, with the heart and soul of a musician. Good bye, dear friend!

Thanks for the musical memories.

I first appreciated classic church hymns with organ accompaniment as I grew up at Collegiate Presbyterian
Church (CPC).

My favorite hymns are the ones Colby played at my wedding at CPC 25 years ago.

May each of Colby's friends and family find the peace and comfort during this time that only God can provide.
He is truly the God of all comfort (see 2 Corinthians 1 :3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.")

I first met Colby when he was the music director for ACTORS' production of "Camelot" in the mid-1970s. Boy! was I surprised when he put me in the soprano section (I'd always sung alto before), and I had a blast actually singing the melody for once. One of my treasured possessions is the thank you note he sent me after the show closed. It was such a surprise that he would take the time to write to me -- the newbie in the back row of the chorus. So, thank YOU, Colby, for being part of my musical life.

Colby, you made such beautiful music for the Advent Refreshers at First Christian Church and your ISU music department recitals. Your gift of music touched many. It was a privilege to know you. You and your family will be in my thoughts.

Colby -- thanks for your willingness to always play piano or organ with the Wind Ensemble on our concerts. You always knew how to "edit" a part and make it better. I remember how much you enjoyed playing the music of David Gillingham.

You were always willing to dedicate any amount of time to help a student prepare for their juries, continuations and recitals.

On behalf of the Department of Music, we extend our deepest sympathies to your family.

We will miss your marvelous spirit and your gift of music which you shared with so many.

Rest in peace.

I enjoyed listening to Colby play piano for many, many voice students at Iowa State. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us.

I had the privilege to work with Colby in 2008 and 2009 preparing for my juries and senior recital. It was during this time that Colby lost Judy. Colby wanted to continue making music together, because it continued to keep him going. Performing Eric Ewazen's "Sonata for Trombone and Piano" together was one of the most wonderful musical experiences I've ever had. Thank you, Colby, for having the passion you did for music, and sharing it with so many of us!