Obituary: Raymond Foote

On July 1, after 97 years, Raymond Foote left this world to be with the Lord.

Raymond was a distinguished concert pianist and music professor. He started teaching piano at age 13 and taught for 80 years. He graduated from the Julliard School of Music, received a Bachelor and Master of arts in Musicology, cum laude, from the University of Washington, and a doctorate in music and history from Stanford. While at Julliard, Raymond studied under Sergei Rachmaninoff, who nicknamed him "Small Hands Foote."

Raymond served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and has been a member of the Masonic Lodge for more than 50 years. He has won several piano competitions and appeared on radio and stage.

It was at one of Raymond's concerts where he met his soul mate, Rebecca. After the concert, he invited her for a milkshake, and the rest is history. They enjoyed 69 years of marriage filled with love, music, traveling, and lots of storytelling. Together they traveled to 23 countries.

He leaves behind his wife, Rebecca, and his nephew Gion Gibson and his family from Washington State. Special thanks to Susan, Dana, and Debbie for their loving care! We can only assume that right now Raymond is giving a concert in heaven. We will miss him.

Condolences can be sent to Rebecca at The Lodge in Carson City. A memorial service will be held at a future date. His memoir will be posted on this website, www.designstudionorthwest.com/foote.