David Cowperthwaite

David Cowperthwaite, 82, of Traverse City, an accomplished trumpet player and marathon runner, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2023 at the Grand Traverse Pavilions. Dave was born on February 19, 1941 in Cranford, NJ to the late Howard Raymond and Katherine (Hashim) Cowperthwaite. After attaining his B.A. and M.A. degrees from The College of New Jersey, Dave served his country honorably at Ft. Wadsworth, NY in the 26th Army Band and at Ft. Hood, TX in the 2nd Armored Division Band playing many ceremonial events. Dave then entered the doctoral program in trumpet performance at the University of North Texas where he completed recital requirements in addition to being awarded a teaching fellowship. While at UNT, he performed and recorded with the University Brass Quintet. Dave’s most influential teachers were Mel Boriles, Edward Treutle, and Theodore Weis. Also in his younger years he studied under Casey Bork and Louis Haar. Prior to moving to Interlochen in 1973, Dave performed on trumpet as a member of the Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians choral group which toured the US playing concerts in 40 states. A highlight of that tour was the group being invited by the President to the White House to perform for the annual Christmas celebration. Dave then moved to Interlochen and worked at the Interlochen Center for the Arts music library. While there he performed with the Interlochen Brass Quintet for three years. He also was a trumpet instructor for six years at the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. In 1976 Dave was hired as a band teacher and director by the Traverse City Area Public Schools where he remained until his retirement in 2006. Dave was a member of the Traverse Symphony Orchestra for thirty seven years. Locally Dave was also a member of the Dave Sporny Big Band, the Encore Winds, NMC Band, Front Street Jazz Band, Immaculate Conception Brass Quartet and the Messiah Sing Orchestra. Throughout his career, he had many highlights including performing with Bob Hope, Steve Allen, Joe Williams, Carlos Montoya, Doc Severnsen among others. Dave played on tours with the Boston University Alumni Concert Band from Maine to Delaware, Portugal and Yugoslavia. There were tours to Spain with the Costa Del Dol and Fairfield Festival Orchestras. In addition to his musical career, David also an avid runner, running thirty marathons including ten Boston Marathons. His PR for a marathon was 2:50. He also ran eleven Falmouth MA Road Races and innumerable 10ks. Dave will certainly be remembered for his musical talents, his love for running and also for his love of his beloved wife Glenys. He and Glenys married in 1983 and celebrated nearly 40 years together. Dave is survived by his wife Glenys, sister Kathleen (James) Hatch, niece Jennifer Parkinson, extended family members, special friends Harry and Ginny of Massachusetts and many friends in the local musical, running and educational communities. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 11 am at the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home with visitation beginning at 10:30 am, followed by graveside services at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions in his honor may be directed to the Traverse Symphony Orchestra, Interlochen Public Radio or to Interlochen Center for the Arts. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your memories and condolences with the family.

David Cowperthwaite

February 19, 1941 - May 28, 2023