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SamIam · Sophomore Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 168

It is with sadness and deep sorrow that I regret to say that George N. Parks, the Band Director of the UMass Minuteman Marching Band, passed away tonight while travelling with the band in Ohio on their way to Ann Arbor.

The UMass Drumline homepage has a tribute:
http://www.umassdrumline.org/

My thoughts are with the Parks Family, the Minuteman Marching Band, and the entire UMass community. This is a tragic loss for all.
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Marty Peretz · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 2:10 am Post subject:

Truly a legend. That's a name I've heard throughout my life of following UMass athletics. Touched so many lives I'm sure. Wow. Really tragic. RIP.
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SamIam · Sophomore Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 168

It is truly incredible how many messages I'm reading on Facebook that say something to the effect of "You are the reason I came to UMass" and "you're the reason I am who I am today."

These messages are all from UMMB alumni.
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Refuse2Lose83 · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 2:54 am Post subject:

Wow. This is awful, I am shocked. I assume he wasn't sick? May he rest in peace and may God be with his family, the band and all those at UMass
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Jackman · Senior Joined: 02 Jun 2006 Posts: 1974

Horrible news. Believed to be a heart attack. Deepest sympathy to his family and the extended band family.

Zangzigger · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:02 am Post subject:

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2010/09/george_n_parks_umass_band_dire.html

Feato · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:03 am Post subject:

my guess too given the circumstances & timing.

I would imagine the new building under construction for the band will be renamed in his honor...

sucks...
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MF

I'm a professional smartass.

Zangzigger · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:09 am Post subject:

The building was already to be named the George N. Parks Minuteman Band Building

Feato · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 3:12 am Post subject:

nice. Next will be some other stuff then no doubt (scholarship if not already? awards?)
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MF

I'm a professional smartass.

LeBlanc88 · Junior Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 437

Very sad news. George was a UMass icon.

Mark 80 · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 6:39 am Post subject:

This is a very sad day. I remember when he first got to UMass in 1977. My thoughts are with his his family and the UMass band community.
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photoman · Senior Joined: 26 Apr 2003 Posts: 919 Location: Attleboro

Saddened to read of this. When I think of George Parks I always have a vision of him perched on one of the concrete overhangs at McGuirk directing the band. (hoping he wouldn't fall off!) A class act. He'll be missed.

dennisdent · Posted: Fri Sep 17, 2010 8:08 am Post subject:

^
Will always have the same vision of him. Coaches and players came and went but Mr. Parks was always there at the football games.

Sad, sad day.

UMass87 · Hall of Fame Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 7335

My thoughts go out to Mr. Parks family and his current and former band members. What a terrible loss for his and the wider UMass family.

DrG · Hall of Fame Joined: 02 Apr 2003 Posts: 2171 Location: MA

I am shocked and saddened. In many ways, George was the public face of the best of UMass. He had many opportunities to go to big-time schools but he loved UMass. Condolences to his family and of course the extended band family.