Deaths within the Austin College community impact campus individuals—and alumni, parents, and friends around the globe. This site offers an opportunity to share condolences, memories, and thoughts from the Austin College family, both near and far.
What a talented and gracious member of the Austin College community Dr. Tappa has been! Teaching, playing the organ and carillion, talking with others--he did it all with passion, yet a gentleness of spirit. He will be missed. I am proud to have called him my friend. Vickie Kirby
The facts about Dick Tappa are great --- A scholar/teacher/performer who loved his subject = the instrument, its music and its history, and opportunities to dance on the keyboard and pedals. Excellence in teaching individual players but also his audiences in well-designed programs with commentary. Reliability and leadership in his church and college roles = one of the 4 horsemen who built the excellent AC music program. Beyond facts of accomplishments and contributions to AC and Sherman, far more important in his legacy to all his friends and to this institution was a spirit of loyalty, honesty, and gentleness. That surely grew out of and contributed to an exceptionally lovely and loving family, to whom he was devoted and who have been devoted to him. My own memories over these 44 years are strong --- Our very comfortable and refreshing lunches together in the old SUB. The major force he was in my daughter’s life: providing both instruction and extraordinary encouragement to a young beginning organist, and also with Lois being the link to a model young lady in Shelly. Amused by the laugh-filled relationship between Dick and Lois; empathizing with his pride in her as she performed on the cello with my wife in both the Sherman Symphony and the Bomar Cramer Music Club (where he also often offered his organ or piano – jazzily or classically). The many many folks I have seen entranced by his playing, even though my impression is that a large part of his audiences still underrated and took for granted the excellence of them.
Although I didn't concentrate in music, I did take some music courses and was blessed to have Dr. Tappa as a professor. He was very patient with me and always was a source of encouragement. And, I believe it was at Homecoming 1997 that he played the famous Charles Widor toccata to conclude the Sunday convocation. Truly amazing that even though he had already retired, he still "had it!" As a Christian I hope to see him again some day. :-)
I will always "expect" to hear Dick playing the carillon when I'm walking around campus. And his organ playing was spectacular. After marrying, we were members at what was then 1st Presby in Sherman, and so had the privilege of worshiping with Dick's music to guide us. My deepest sympathies to Lois and his family. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful musician. Cathy Clayton
Dr. Tappa always had a song for us...His pleasant nature made every interaction with him remember-able. He filled our lives with music as well as love of learning. My prayers go out to his family. Thanks to making my years' at AC outstanding. Libby Taylor-DeLeon
Dr. Tappa was a wonderful mentor who helped shape my college experience. The personal interest he took in his students made a lasting impression. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. I will always remember him fondly. Ajita Reddy
One could hardly imagine a finer member for a campus community, always so gracious and welcoming, and respected by all. I imagine a number of folks recall that his talents extended to ragtime music: Scott Joplin was always a rousing encore to one of his Craig Hall concerts. Thank you for everything, Dr. Tappa.
I was very sad to hear of Dr. Tappa's passing. He was my Communication Inquiry ("CI") professor in 1992. The class was focused on musicals, and I'll always remember acting out a little play our small group wrote about Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate". It was embarrassingly bad, our little play. Still, that class was very important to me as a freshman at AC. I continue to have close friends from that class, and I always remember Dr. Tappa as a smiling, knowledgeable, gentle man. His kindness made everything easier that first year. I'm proud to say that he also taught me piano that year, and I have many memories of him playing the organ in Wynne Chapel.
Some classmates and I were just talking about Dr. Tappa at Homecoming in October. We had smiles on our faces.
Dr. Tappa was my mentor but he took it way beyond that. He remained interested in me and my life for 30 years beyond my graduation. I will always remember him for his warm smile, his encouragement, and his belief in a goofy college kid who had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up.
You could always tell when he was at the organ console too. What a fine musician and lifelong student of his field.
Thank you, Dr. Tappa! You made a difference in more ways than you could ever know.
Errol and I send our deepest sympathy and love to you. We just heard the news and we are very sad. I tried to call him Dick after graduating, but he always remained Dr. Tappa for me. I am so grateful that Errol and I got up to see you both on our last visit to Texas. You both were such an important part of my life at Austin College and then later after I married and had children. He was the first one to suggest that I had an option as a singer...and, that support and belief in me probably planted the seed for me to go on to become an opera singer. I am indebted to him for so much and I will miss him greatly. Errol and I will try to see you this summer when we're back in McKinney. Much, much love to you. Ann (Cooper) and Errol Gay
Dr. Tappa was one of my favorite professors at AC and a very dear man. Even after I graduated, he kept up with me and was interested in what I was doing. I wasn't a music major but I did take organ lessons from him and he was a marvelous teacher...so patient with me. My sympathies to Mrs. Tappa and family. He was truly a great man and a true Christian.
I started out in ballet next to Shelley Tappa on the ballet barre that faced the wall in Miss Peggy's Dance Academy of Sherman. We were called her "little pickles." Many many years later, I found myself in a Jan term class of Dr. Tappa's 1988 ,while unable to leave campus for International Study (aka, 'fun'). To this day, even though I practically lived in the Moody Science building,his class remains one of my most memorable and wonderful experiences. There is not a time when I hear the Czech composer Smetna's piece, The Moldau, that I don't think of Dr. Tappa. In that limey-green classroom of Craig Hall, he opened doors for me simply by sharing what was special to him, doors that I didn't realize the importance of at the time. And the irony: he let me borrow and take home a very special album of his, Romeo and Juliet, to which a young Shelley used to dance ballet to in their living room. A great and gentle man, he will be greatly missed. Thanks for the music and kindness Dr. Tappa Sherry (Shields/Owens) Scott, class 1989
Thank you everyone for the incredible memories. I especially like to remember my Romeo and Juliet living room dancing! I love the way people remember different pieces, all precious, every piece a part of something bigger than any of us realize we can be... The mosaic of many perspectives is brighter than any one story or snap short view. Thanks again for giving/sharing with my family. Shelly.
As keeper of the carillon at Austin College for the past 30 plus years, it was my privilege to work with Dr. Tappa on numerous occasions. We added a top C bell to the carillon just a couple of years ago and are looking to continue to enhance and improve the instrument in years to come. Dr. Tappa was always a kind and witty, somewhat understated colleague, and he will be greatly missed by so many whose lives he touched in significant ways. I am blessed and grateful for having known Dr. Tappa. Prayers for all who mourn his passing.
I am extremely fortunate to be one of the very long list of former students and ardent admirers of Dr. Tappa. Not only was he the consummate gentleman and an inspiring, patient, and effective teacher (I spent many an hour with him at the organ in Wynne Chapel, and have continued my pursuit of music, including graudate school at his alma mater, I.U.), but he was a wonderful example - one of the very few pure ones I have ever met - of a kind, loving, and humble Christian man to everyone who was lucky enough to know him. I have some vivid and happy memories of our Jan. term in New Orleans (did I mention his patience?!), and I agree with an earlier writer that he always had the most contagious, perpetual, and obviously sincere smile on his face... which is how I will always remember him, with deep gratitude and much love! Nancy Parks Shamburger, '75.
We have long felt gratitude to Dr. Tappa who taught our daughter to become a church organist. She was fortunate to have had such a fine professor. When we met him as visiting parents we were touched by his warmth and impressed by his dedication.
What a talented and gracious member of the Austin College community Dr. Tappa has been! Teaching, playing the organ and carillion, talking with others--he did it all with passion, yet a gentleness of spirit. He will be missed. I am proud to have called him my friend. Vickie Kirby
ReplyDeleteHe made music come alive for all of us.
ReplyDeleteThe facts about Dick Tappa are great --- A scholar/teacher/performer who loved his subject = the instrument, its music and its history, and opportunities to dance on the keyboard and pedals. Excellence in teaching individual players but also his audiences in well-designed programs with commentary. Reliability and leadership in his church and college roles = one of the 4 horsemen who built the excellent AC music program.
ReplyDeleteBeyond facts of accomplishments and contributions to AC and Sherman, far more important in his legacy to all his friends and to this institution was a spirit of loyalty, honesty, and gentleness. That surely grew out of and contributed to an exceptionally lovely and loving family, to whom he was devoted and who have been devoted to him.
My own memories over these 44 years are strong --- Our very comfortable and refreshing lunches together in the old SUB. The major force he was in my daughter’s life: providing both instruction and extraordinary encouragement to a young beginning organist, and also with Lois being the link to a model young lady in Shelly. Amused by the laugh-filled relationship between Dick and Lois; empathizing with his pride in her as she performed on the cello with my wife in both the Sherman Symphony and the Bomar Cramer Music Club (where he also often offered his organ or piano – jazzily or classically). The many many folks I have seen entranced by his playing, even though my impression is that a large part of his audiences still underrated and took for granted the excellence of them.
Jan Term in New Orleans when Dr. Tappa took the stage and ended the evening with much applause, $45.00 in tips and 3 job offers.
ReplyDeleteA true gentleman and outstanding musician.
Although I didn't concentrate in music, I did take some music courses and was blessed to have Dr. Tappa as a professor. He was very patient with me and always was a source of encouragement. And, I believe it was at Homecoming 1997 that he played the famous Charles Widor toccata to conclude the Sunday convocation. Truly amazing that even though he had already retired, he still "had it!" As a Christian I hope to see him again some day. :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful man.I loved his concerts that would fill the campus with music. He will be missed. -Kristina Jourdan - Korte
ReplyDeleteI will always "expect" to hear Dick playing the carillon when I'm walking around campus. And his organ playing was spectacular. After marrying, we were members at what was then 1st Presby in Sherman, and so had the privilege of worshiping with Dick's music to guide us. My deepest sympathies to Lois and his family. He was a wonderful man and a wonderful musician.
ReplyDeleteCathy Clayton
Dr. Tappa always had a song for us...His pleasant nature made every interaction with him remember-able. He filled our lives with music as well as love of learning. My prayers go out to his family. Thanks to making my years' at AC outstanding.
ReplyDeleteLibby Taylor-DeLeon
Dr. Tappa was a wonderful mentor who helped shape my college experience. The personal interest he took in his students made a lasting impression. My thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. I will always remember him fondly.
ReplyDeleteAjita Reddy
He will be sorely missed.....
ReplyDeleteRIP Dr. Tappa
Dr. Tappa was a special man, who always greeted you by name and a smile when you would see each other on campus. Wanna Kniss
ReplyDeleteOne could hardly imagine a finer member for a campus community, always so gracious and welcoming, and respected by all. I imagine a number of folks recall that his talents extended to ragtime music: Scott Joplin was always a rousing encore to one of his Craig Hall concerts. Thank you for everything, Dr. Tappa.
ReplyDeleteI was very sad to hear of Dr. Tappa's passing. He was my Communication Inquiry ("CI") professor in 1992. The class was focused on musicals, and I'll always remember acting out a little play our small group wrote about Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate". It was embarrassingly bad, our little play. Still, that class was very important to me as a freshman at AC. I continue to have close friends from that class, and I always remember Dr. Tappa as a smiling, knowledgeable, gentle man. His kindness made everything easier that first year. I'm proud to say that he also taught me piano that year, and I have many memories of him playing the organ in Wynne Chapel.
ReplyDeleteSome classmates and I were just talking about Dr. Tappa at Homecoming in October. We had smiles on our faces.
Thanks, Dr. Tappa! You are missed.
I'll always remember Dr. Tappa's smile. Every time I saw him, he was wearing it. He was one of AC's many treasures!
ReplyDeleteDr. Tappa was my mentor but he took it way beyond that. He remained interested in me and my life for 30 years beyond my graduation. I will always remember him for his warm smile, his encouragement, and his belief in a goofy college kid who had no idea what she wanted to be when she grew up.
ReplyDeleteYou could always tell when he was at the organ console too. What a fine musician and lifelong student of his field.
Thank you, Dr. Tappa! You made a difference in more ways than you could ever know.
Dear Lois and Shelly,
ReplyDeleteErrol and I send our deepest sympathy and love to you. We just heard the news and we are very sad. I tried to call him Dick after graduating, but he always remained Dr. Tappa for me. I am so grateful that Errol and I got up to see you both on our last visit to Texas. You both were such an important part of my life at Austin College and then later after I married and had children. He was the first one to suggest that I had an option as a singer...and, that support and belief in me probably planted the seed for me to go on to become an opera singer. I am indebted to him for so much and I will miss him greatly. Errol and I will try to see you this summer when we're back in McKinney. Much, much love to you. Ann (Cooper) and Errol Gay
Dr. Tappa was one of my favorite professors at AC and a very dear man. Even after I graduated, he kept up with me and was interested in what I was doing. I wasn't a music major but I did take organ lessons from him and he was a marvelous teacher...so patient with me. My sympathies to Mrs. Tappa and family. He was truly a great man and a true Christian.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to learn of Dr. Tappa's death.
ReplyDeleteHe was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor and a good organ instructor.
I send my special thoughts and prayers to the family.
Does anyone know if Lois still lives on Dover Drive?
I started out in ballet next to Shelley Tappa on the ballet barre that faced the wall in Miss Peggy's Dance Academy of Sherman. We were called her "little pickles." Many many years later, I found myself in a Jan term class of Dr. Tappa's 1988 ,while unable to leave campus for International Study (aka, 'fun'). To this day, even though I practically lived in the Moody Science building,his class remains one of my most memorable and wonderful experiences. There is not a time when I hear the Czech composer Smetna's piece, The Moldau, that I don't think of Dr. Tappa. In that limey-green classroom of Craig Hall, he opened doors for me simply by sharing what was special to him, doors that I didn't realize the importance of at the time. And the irony: he let me borrow and take home a very special album of his, Romeo and Juliet, to which a young Shelley used to dance ballet to in their living room. A great and gentle man, he will be greatly missed. Thanks for the music and kindness Dr. Tappa
ReplyDeleteSherry (Shields/Owens) Scott, class 1989
Thank you everyone for the incredible memories. I especially like to remember my Romeo and Juliet living room dancing! I love the way people remember different pieces, all precious, every piece a part of something bigger than any of us realize we can be... The mosaic of many perspectives is brighter than any one story or snap short view. Thanks again for giving/sharing with my family. Shelly.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to learn of Dr. Tappa's death. He was a wonderful man, who made beautiful music in all areas of his life.
ReplyDeleteAs keeper of the carillon at Austin College for the past 30 plus years, it was my privilege to work with Dr. Tappa on numerous occasions. We added a top C bell to the carillon just a couple of years ago and are looking to continue to enhance and improve the instrument in years to come. Dr. Tappa was always a kind and witty, somewhat understated colleague, and he will be greatly missed by so many whose lives he touched in significant ways. I am blessed and grateful for having known Dr. Tappa. Prayers for all who mourn his passing.
ReplyDeleteI am extremely fortunate to be one of the very long list of former students and ardent admirers of Dr. Tappa. Not only was he the consummate gentleman and an inspiring, patient, and effective teacher (I spent many an hour with him at the organ in Wynne Chapel, and have continued my pursuit of music, including graudate school at his alma mater, I.U.), but he was a wonderful example - one of the very few pure ones I have ever met - of a kind, loving, and humble Christian man to everyone who was lucky enough to know him. I have some vivid and happy memories of our Jan. term in New Orleans (did I mention his patience?!), and I agree with an earlier writer that he always had the most contagious, perpetual, and obviously sincere smile on his face... which is how I will always remember him, with deep gratitude and much love! Nancy Parks Shamburger, '75.
ReplyDeleteWe have long felt gratitude to Dr. Tappa who taught our daughter to become a church organist. She was fortunate to have had such a fine professor. When we met him as visiting parents we were touched by his warmth and impressed by his dedication.
ReplyDelete