Tributes

Bill Foley – trombone. Bill passed away in Spring 2011. He was one of the primary founders of the Olympic Express Big Band and he will be sorely missed.

Probably the only “locally grown” musician in the group being born in the Port Angeles/Sequim area. Bill received a “Who’s Who” in High School music in 1975 in addition to making “Honor Band” all three years in High School. Essentially “Honor Band” was a select group of  High School musicians chosen  from the entire Olympic Peninsula that put on a concert once a year. After graduating from High School in 1975, he put his horn down for 21 years until an urging from close friends put him back on the musical path. Since 1996,  Bill has played with several Big bands, Jazz bands, Dixie bands, Rock bands, and Orchestra pit bands.
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More importantly, Bill stated, “I have made so many friends musically whose musical credentials so far outweigh my own that I can’t believe they actually let me play with them!!  I am blessed!!”

We were all blessed with Bill’s friendship and compassion and will continue his wonderful life’s legacy by sharing lively music, lots of laughter and enjoying life to the fullest!

Pam Gilbert – Thank you for your contributions, tireless efforts and tenacity in making this web site become a reality.