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DR. PHILIPPE R. DE LA MARE
May 19, 1917 ~ May 10, 2009
Dr. Philippe R. De La Mare, former Dean of Music and professor at the University of Portland, OR, died peacefully at home on May 10, 2009, just nine days shy of his 92nd birthday.
Born May 19, 1917 in Tooele, Utah to Persie and Alma De La Mare, Phil received his early education in the Tooele schools, then went on to obtain his B.A. and M.A. degrees at the University of Oregon. Later, he received the Ph.D through graduate study at the University of Portland, Eastman School of Music, University of Utah, and with the legendary Nadia Boulanger in France.
He joined the University of Portland in 1947 to help establish the School of Music, rising from assistant professor to professor to Dean of Music in 1965. For many years he served on accreditation teams for both the Northwest and Western Regional Associations of Schools and Colleges. He received the Steinway-Sherman and Clay Award for his contributions to music. In 1969 he supervised the recovery of the music program from the disastrous fire which destroyed the music and drama buildings.
Following a return from the Orient in 1974 where he had been invited to lecture at Yonsei University in Seoul, Korea, he resigned his administrative position to return to full-time teaching. In 1982 he retired with the rank of professor emeritus and made the transition to part-time teaching as adjunct professor, continuing in this capacity until 1989.
Upon his retirement, he dedicated himself to the loving care of his wife, Persis. In 2008, he moved to Brush Prairie, WA to live with his daughter and her family.
A true Renaissance man, Phil's recreational interests were photography, fly-fishing and mountain climbing.
Phil is survived by his wife of 53 years, Persis; daughters, Monique (Jay) De La Mare-Krahn of Brush Prairie, Washington, Melisse (James) De La Mare-Gibson; son, Philippe of Portland; grandchildren, Amelie, Sophie, Madeleine, Jess, Jeffrey, Claire, Garman, Hues and Clive; and brothers, Jay (Colleen)De La Mare of Tooele and Don (Barbara) De La Mare of Parker, CO.
A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thurs., May 21, 2009 at the Chapel of Christ the Teacher at The University of Portland.
Disposition was by cremation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the department for Multiple Sclerosis research at Oregon Health Sciences University or to the Dr. Philippe De La Mare Outstanding Musician Award Fund at University of Portland.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I attended the University of Portland from 1969 to 1973. He was my theory and composition teacher. He also was my voice teacher, during my senior year. A very fine man.
Charles Charles
May 11, 2023
I was at the University of Portland from 1969 to 1973. I had Dr. DeLaMare for theory, composition and voice. He was a wonderful professor and person.
Charles Charles
Student
November 11, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Dennise Larson
May 30, 2009
Dear Persis and Family, I was so sorry to learn of your loss. It has been a good number of years since we have seen each other, but you have been in my thoughts many times. I remember with humor the delightful special Birthday dinner party Persis presented Phil complete with the baked Alaska and the belly dancer. I also remember how Phil loved brownies. I would hope to perhaps hear from you again sometime and also send my best wishes for your well being. Much love,
Barbara Isom
May 27, 2009
I am truly saddened for your loss. Phil was a kind, gentle man who touched the lives of many with his ready smile and caring nature. I will always remember him sitting at his piano teaching some student who diligently practiced the lessons he gave them while us neighbor kids hung out with Persis in the kitchen listening to all the neighborhood gossip. Much love to you, Phil, and all your wonderful family!
Maria (Kann) Welsh
May 20, 2009
Dear Family - I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It has been a long time since I was wandering around in the driveway between the two homes talking to Mr. De La Mare. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Michael Bartholomew (Spokane, WA)
Michael Bartholomew
May 19, 2009
For all the world, we would not have missed knowing Phil and Persis DeLaMare, truly good neighbors and good friends. With warm thoughts and memories, he has gone for a well-earned rest.
Hermie Kann and family
May 19, 2009
To Persis and family. I am so sorry for your loss. It's been many years since we were neighbors but have kept all of you in my thoughts. with sympathy Liz Bartholomew and Paul
May 19, 2009
Dear Persis and family....I'm so sorry to hear about his passing. I was thinking that it was about time for his birthday. I have very fond memories of him, he was truley a rare gentleman. Lori Frasier
Lori Frasier
May 17, 2009
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