Gene Hartzler

The Far Western District Board of Directors and the district membership take great pride in dedicating this 2004 Fall District Convention to Gene Hartzler—Mister Barbershop of the El Cajon, Rancho Bernardo and Palomar-Pacific Chapters!

Gene was born in White Pigeon, Michigan, on April 5, 1915. His main interest, all of his life, has been music. He played in the band at every school he attended. this included his college days at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where his major was accounting but his minor was music. He went on to successful employment with the Conn Musical Instrument Company in Elkhart, Indiana, utilizing both talents.

Gene and Maxine met in Kalamazoo in 1936 and were married in 1938, coinciding with the birth of the SPEBSQSA in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This year, Gene and Maxine celebrate their 66th anniversary along with their two daughters and families, including four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In the Big Band era of the 1930's and 40's, Gene played clarinet and was male soloist with a popular dance band. The Hartzler Family moved to California in January, 1950, having enjoyed all cold weather they needed. But he didn't leave his clarinet behind. He is currently on call to play with the Pomerado Community Concert Orchestra.

Gene became a member of the SPEBSQSA in 1965 when he joined the Brand new El Cajon licensed chapter and served as their first treasurer. He guided the chapter through all the incorporation legalities and at the 1965 FWD Fall Convention in Phoenix, he was presented the El Cajon Chapter Charter by FWD President Don Galvin.

He transferred to the San Diego Chapter in 1966 and performed with the Sun Harbor Chorus under the direction of the late Marvin Yerkey when they competed in Chicago at the International Convention, winning a fifth place bronze medal.

In 1972, Gene was elected Secretary of the Far Western District and served in that office for 14 years. H served on the International Chapter Officers Training Schools for many years teaching chapter secretaries.

When Gene and Maxine moved to North San Diego County, he transferred to the Rancho Bernardo Chapter. Again, another move brought him to Escondido and he moved his membership to the Palomar-Pacific chapter. Each Tuesday evening he continues to be one of the chapter's most active lead singers.

Without the continued efforts and total involvement of members like Gene Hartzler on all Society levels, there would be no Far Western District, nor even a Barbershop Harmony Society. So, step up to Gene sometime this weekend, shake his hand, say "Thanks" and harmonize to his lead, singing a Barberpole Cat song!