Lloyd Steinkamp MemoriesWhile there are probably dozens of folks who have had an almost identical experience with Lloyd, I'd like to share my two minutes of fame with this absolute master of the stage. Fade back to when I as 19, singing in San Jose with other youngsters (the youngest of which was a 12 year old Alan Gordon of Gotcha! fame on tenor). Lloyd had come to coach the chorus in our mountain retreat in preparation for the District contest. After the evening session, Lloyd sat down with a bunch of the lads to enjoy a beer, and thats when my quartet took the opportunity to try and sing our new song "Shenandoah" for him. He appeared delighted to hear us and swiveled his chair around to listen, leaning forward, holding his beer cup to his chest. Just as we took our breath and launched into "Oh..." - Lloyd (using his tongue) pushed his dentures out of his mouth, right into his beer. We couldn't recover after that.. the entire room fell apart as Lloyd looked around innocently saying .. "What?" I doubt he'd remember that moment from those 18 years ago, but its burned into my memory permanently! Adriane Lloyd is one of the naturally funniest guys I ever met. Nobody is quicker. The Phoenicians were performing "The Making Of A Champion" for their annual show, which has vignettes and small chorus spots of the Phoenicians' rise to fame from 1943 to their first chorus gold medal. I was a member of the Salt River Beach Combers. Our director was the inevitable (or inimitable or whatever) Lloyd Steinkamp. Our schtick was we were singing "In The Shade Of The Old Apple Tree" and a bee was buzzing each of us and we had to react. I was next to the end of the front row, and Dr. Dan Wilson was on the end. At the close of the song, with Lloyd facing the audience for the last chord, Dan was to spray the bee with an old pump insect sprayer, and I was supposed to stomp it dead when it hit the ground. Dan and I thought it would be fun to "get" Lloyd. So I got a starter pistol for the last performance of the set; and when it came time to kill the bee, I shot it with the starter pistol. LLOYD DIDN'T EVEN FLINCH! What a showman. Love you Lloyd,
Tom Schleier So another era passes. I, like so many other, am grateful for the opportunity to have spent time with him. During the time I directed the Napa Men's Chorus in FWD Lloyd was always supportive, encouraging and just a genuinely warm gentle man. He was always there to answer questions or listen and that, in itself, is a gift. With a grateful heart - until we meet again.
In Harmony, Lloyd is gone. Another distant friend for over 50 years joins the big chorus...probably greeted on the 'other side' by Val, Burt and many peers of his day. Sad in lot's of ways, yet inevitable for all of us at some point, however truly a life to celebrate. I hope lot's of wonderful memories pour into the Steinkamp clan thru this or other mediums. Lloyd was super talented, very giving of himself, and one who had a huge heart. It would be great to hear from The Western Continentals, and that chorus in England where Lloyd coached for a while...I believe there was even a video made of that adventure? Lloyd touched so many lives in our hobby...I for one look forward to reading from some of those folks who were blest by Lloyd's talents, friendship and humor. The Dessert Knight is now riding the Purple Sage...and probably having a ball. Bye for now Lloyd, God Bless, and see ya soon. bear My memories of Lloyd are many, but the one that stands out happened at the South Bay Show about 1996 when Lloyd was the MC and Tortilla Flats performed. Lloyd walked into our dressing room while we were rubber-stamping tortillas to be thrown during our act. When asked if he wanted to get stamped, Lloyd immediately dropped his pants and was promptly branded. Of course, the moment was recorded on film. We didn't tell Lloyd, but we were using indeliable ink. To this day his left cheek bears the Tortilla Flats imprint.
Bob Patterson, Bari I will always remember my introduction to Lloyd. I was a one-year member of the society when suddenly thrust into the role of director in the Evergreen District, Coos Bay Chapter. I was invited to go to COTS, and the director's track. Lloyd was the dean of the school, but he was also suddenly thrust into the role of teaching a large group of direcctors in attendance. To say it was a wonderful experience would be an understatement. However, the most memorable part of the weekend was a scheme cooked up by Lloyd to get the attention of all the chapter officers. During one of the last general sessions of the weekend, Lloyd called on all the presidents that the directors had something special for them. We all stood up, turned to the presidents, and handed them our resignations. People didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Lloyd went on to explain, but it did get everyone's attention. SIng-cerely & Humm-bly,
John Elving It was late 70's when I attended one of my first, and no doubt, the most memorable of COTS meetings, in a small hotel, in south Atlanta, GA, near the airport! I was attending the Directors Class! We had gathered together, in a general session, to hear this fabulous field rep from Kenosha, expound on the essence of a typical chapter meeting. My first (and fortunately short lived ) impression was," Who is this Jerk, anyway?" After about 5 or 6 sentences of serious explanation, it changed immediately to anything but serious, and took off into the most ridiculous and unbelievable example of what a Chapter shouldn't do! Lloyd played the part of a possible new recruit. The antics that he displayed, in the hilarious performance, were so real and genuine, that it was impossible to not 'get the picture. I know because that night has left a deep and lasting impression on my 61 years of Barbershoping, say nothing of the physical abdominal pain I suffered for the rest of the weekend and into the following week, for pulled muscles from laughing too heartily! Talk about Encouragement and Preserving our beloved Society, Lloyd was the master at presenting a simple (no questions were even thought of, by the time he got through), yet compelling, solution to our Society's challenges! He became one of my best idols. He still is! I think it would be almost impossible to capture the tremendous influence that Lloyd has had, and no doubt, will continue to have, on the Society, but I would like to try in some way, to chronicle that charming and loving person of Lloyd Steincamp! The last time I had conversations with Lloyd was at the "Roadshow" in Atlanta, a couple of years ago! After approximately 30 years of not conversing extensively, (just occasionally saying HI at International Conventions,) he, at the "Roadshow", shook my hand, recalled my name, recalled my International performance as Director of the Music City Chorus in the mid '70's in San Francisco, Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Inquired as to my well being! What memory! What a caring gentleman! What a huge loss to me and the Society! Thanks to the entire Lloyd Steincamp family, for sharing so much of your family to the Society for so many years! Sing-cerely,
Freeman Groat I met Lloyd only once briefly but I saw his name on a lot of great arrangements. I feel fortunate enough as a barbershopper to have met him and sung with many of the greats from Lou Perry to Earl Moon et. al. The debt we owe these men is enormous for the tireless preservation and encouragement of barbershop singing. They must have some pretty darn good quartets up there in heaven presided by the best baritone in the universe, O. C. Cash. We'll miss you, Lloyd, but you'll be with us forever. - Tom Campbell I sit here in total emotional shock. Grief for the loss of a great man, and yet joy knowing that this great man is sitting in heaven singing tags with all of the legends of our hobby. (Actually, he probably has them all laughing so much, they can't even get the tag out.) Lloyd is well known for his years working for the Society to develop new chapters, but perhaps one of his greatest "developments" was later in life. I can truly say that the founders of Westminster were all impacted greatly by Lloyd. It was at the first FWD Youth Camp over 10 years ago that Lloyd started, where the idea of a youth chorus out here was tossed around and Uncle Lloyd championed it from that day on. From the rebirth of Westminster in 2002 until now, he has been as influential of an individual as anyone outside the chorus. From the inspirational speeches before contest, to the hours spent on the phone providing individual guidance, to the champion he was for us in our early "struggles," he has meant so much to so many of us. In the first few hours this morning after the announcement, I exchanged email or calls with at least 10 different guys from the chorus who had been directly impacted in their barbershop lives by Lloyd. Perhaps the most telling impact he has had on Westminster is our core founding principal of "fraternity." In everything we do, we take time out to have fun with our brothers, sometimes, way too much fun, but that is what Lloyd taught us, and what he did best. This chorus will miss Lloyd more than we can ever express.
God bless, Some of the Society's greats were arrangers and directors. Some held administrative offices or were MCs. A select few worked for the Society, while others sang in good quartets. Lloyd Steinkamp, the man from Phoenix who, thanks to intentional mispronunciations, had multiple last names, did all those things... and more. He was the best! An innovator, a motivator, a comedian, and a musician. Lloyd had great "people skills". His name was synonymous with the "Phabulous Phoenicians" chorus and, like the Aramians from Phoenix, the Steinkamps were multi-generational Barbershoppers (father, son). Lloyd was multi-gender-ational, since there are Steinkamp Sweet Adelines. Lloyd's late brother, Fred, was the baritone of the "Notewits", a great comedy quartet from Mid-Atlantic District. Having a sibling as a fellow Barbershopper made Lloyd multi-dimensional, too. Lloyd's long-time quartet, the "Desert Knights", were great entertainers and, like Freddie in the "Oriole Four" and Carl in the "Salt Flats", the "Knights" had Lloyd to do their "toothless" solo number. The "Knights" were popular in the show circuit for many years because they were a hoot to watch and listen to. Lloyd was also a great arranger. He arranged "Ring to the Name of Rose" for the "Phoenicians" and it helped them win their first International Chorus Championship. There are some legendary tales about the pranks played between Lloyd and "Boston Common" bass, Terry Clarke. The middle-of-the-night phone calls to ask each other "are you 3-hours ahead or three hours behind?" One time, it is said, Lloyd got Terry "bad" (or "good" depending on how you see it). Terry arrived at his office in Boston one morning to find his lobby full of "applicants" for a job that had been advertised in the "Boston Globe". Terry had to tell them that the very "unique" job opportunity (as advertised) didn't really exist. In return, legend has it, Terry put Lloyd's house on the market (for sale) while Lloyd was away on a family vacation. Whether it's fact or fiction, it sure is funny. Lloyd was more than an "icon". He was the consummate Barbershopper. Like Jimmy Durante, Louis Armstrong, Liberace, Fred Astaire, and John Wayne, Lloyd Steinkamp is one of a kind. A Barbershop institution. Lloyd was genuine and his contributions to the Barbershop World were immense. Lloyd will surely end up in the "Barbershop Hall of Fame". The best way to honor Lloyd's memory is for us to sing his music! Through Lloyd's Barbershop arrangements, we can carry on his love of Barbershop Harmony with the world. May He Rest in Peace.
Stuck in a minor key, I first met Lloyd in 1980 at Harmony College when I was in his 'pod' for coaching quartets. I met him again at midwinter in 1981. I was so impressed with his positive attitude and incredible knowledge of the theory and craft of our hobby that, in 1986 I invited him and Judy over to the UK to work with the chorus I was directing. I think he was probably the first educator to come over here to work with a specific group rather than the association as a whole. I was fortunate to be their host for 2 weeks. Wow! If there is anybody out there who has had Lloyd and Judy as house guests for 2 whole weeks you will know what I mean. The entire time was taken up with Lloyd freely imparting his vast barbershop knowledge, laughing until my body ached and, of course, the occasional slug of gin! My chorus won the competition and we were fortunate to have a television film crew follow us through the coaching and the convention which means that I have a film record of those wonderful days. Lloyd must have been impressed with us because the following year he invited the Hallmark of Harmony to join with the Phoenicians in a series of shows in and around Phoenix. This time I stayed with Lloyd & Judy for 2 weeks. Their hospitality was, as ever, absolutely fantastic and I came to love them both as brother and sister. This man has touched my barbershop life more than any other and I will miss him greatly. When I spoke with Judy earlier this week it is typical that the topic of conversation was about the great times we had together and how he filled our lives with laughter and love. God bless you Lloyd, now and always. John Grant BABS & Frank Thorne I met Lloyd Steinkamp at Harmony College in 1985 but I didn't really get to know him until 2000 when he was on the SWD Harmony Ranch faculty. As SWD M&P VP at the time, I was running the school. My first job was to pick him up at the airport and take him to the University of North Texas campus. I've done this a million times it seems..."Hey Mike, can you pick so-'n-so up from the airport." Lots of times I'd make small talk with my passenger but this time, I just wanted to listen to what this man had to say. He had a million ideas to share about improving live show performances. I was all ears. After all, my goal was to establish a Standing Ovation Program (SOP) in the SWD. AWESOME! From there, he went on to tell stories of his antics, both onstage and off. At times I was laughing so hard it was almost impossible to control the car. The hour plus drive (including bumper to bumper Friday afternoon Dallas rush hour traffic) seemed like a minute. Sunday AM of that weekend was when Lloyd trained five of us to do SOP reviews. I really liked his approach and use it to this day. It starts with a BLANK sheet of paper. Not a form with excellent/good/fair/poor ratings, yes/no questions, and three or so lines for comments that I've seen recommended by other SOP trainers. Lloyd was in favor of a more holistic approach that concentrated on providing Chapters with a maximum number of tools for improvement opposed to what amounted to a rating system for show evaluation. And when I say holistic I mean EVERYTHING. Parking, the box office, the theater, the show program, sound, lighting, script, jokes, announcements, transitions, singing, presentation, bows, quartets, then a live post-show evaluation with the Chapter show committee. Everything from soup to nuts. It takes MUCH longer and MUCH more effort than filling out a pre-fab form, but this is the right way to do it. While watching Lloyd's video examples, he never asked, "how would you rate this performance." It was always, "what would you recommend to the performers to improve this set/or show." He'd demand answers too. If you came up with a generic or cop out answer he'd let you know it post haste. Not in a harsh way, but in a way that you learned by laughing. It's one of Lloyd's greatest gifts. The ability to get you to laugh and learn something in the process. Funny, creative, Nurturing man touched us all, Rest well Unkalloyd! Michael I. Borts The first time I became aware of Lloyd was my first trip to Harmony College in 1986. At the opening session there was this guy telling us how to earn a standing ovation (Video is Stock #4056 from the Harmony Marketplace). It earned him a standing ovation. While I didn't know Lloyd from Adam before that, he certainly came onto my radar then. The first time I met Lloyd was when I was practice judging a district contest for my candidacy in the Stage Presence category in '92. I walked into the Green Room and there was Lloyd - holding court. There was no other term for it. Judges were gathered around listening to 'Uncle Lloyd' and the stories he was telling. And what stories they were. Tales of things (bad) that had happened to guys in the pit. Getting sick and puking into the water pitcher during a song and many tales worse than that. We all howled with laughter. Just what I didn't want to hear before my first time in the pit, but probably just what I needed, because it got me to relax and realize no matter what happened to me, someone had had worse. I didn't think Lloyd would remember me from that experience, because I could only listen in awe - not saying a word (and those who know me will realize how rare that is). But from then on whenever I would see Lloyd at a convention we would say "Hi." and we'd chat about things going on in our lives and the current favorites in the contest. There was no reason for Lloyd to remember me, but he did. Best I can tell, he remembered everybody. Certainly *everybody* remembered him! In A Chord, Tom Condon Circa 1985 after being a Society Fieled Rep and directing the Scottsdale Chapter for years, with Russ Young by the way, Lloyd returned to his Phoenix Chapter as an active singing member and earned two Intl medals with the Phoenicians before moving on to San Diego. During the course of months and years that passed, I will never, ever forget a Phoenician Oktoberfest held out at Old McDonalds Farm in north Scottsdale past Pinnacle Peak Rd. Of course, I was a lowly patrolman at the time and that was my lone area of patrol. With the help of Mike Laurel, I lay in wait for Lloyd and Judy to drive by in their VW Van. The plan was for me to stop Lloyd and scare him the best I could. The stars couldn't have aligned better! The time came and Lloyd and Judy drove by. I pulled out and had to maneuver through traffic to catch up to them. I had to get to them in time before they turned off into the farm, so I hit my lights and siren and made everyone get out of the way so I could catch up to them. I did and Lloyd pulled over in what seemed like panic. As a good barbershopper story would go, there happened to be an ambulance coming the other direction with lights and siren on at the same time and Lloyd had a martini in his lap. I found out later that they had 2 passengers with them; Howard Messecher (former Interp Judge) and his wife from Calif. With all of this chaos, lights, sirens, a flying martini and being pulled over, Lloyd tossed the martini out over his shoulder spritzing Mr and Mrs Messecher! I got out of my patrol car and Lloyd exited, of course not having a clue it was me. I was yelling orders and he was saying, "Yes sir, yes sir.." with a flashlight in his face. Once close enough, I simply said, "I'm here to escort you to the party, Mr. Steinkamp." Well, I think he had some kind of sudden bodily function when he recognized me, almost collapsed, a few choice words and then what seemed like an eternity of belly laughter between us all; Howard and his wife actually receiving the best of it! Of course, we all got to the party at the farm safe and sound. This is one of those gems of a story that will never be forgotten and will go down in the annals of Phoenician, Phoenix Chapter and Uncle Lloyd history as one of the best 'gotch-ya's' in the world! Now you know the story. This is how the term SgtBlood was coined...by Lloyd, and I wasn't even a Sergeant yet! I have maintained it with pride and it will stand as my email screen name forever. When I was promoted to Sergeant years later, Lloyd said, "See, I told you so!" Thank you Lloyd for all the memories, love and helping me first get interested in the judging program way back in 1989. God blesses those who bless others. You are with HIM, Lloyd. Thank you my friend!
Randy C Stringfellow, aka "SGTBLOOD" My everlasting memory of Lloyd's funny shenanigans dates back to 1970, when we went to the first arrangement category meeting in Racine, WI. Lloyd was writing one of his daily reports on the goings one, in which he referred to mild mannered me as "Dirtymouth Latzko." If it weren't for the "honor", I might have been offended! God love Lloyd and all he meant to that great Society of ours. We will certainly miss him! My best to Judy on this sad occasion! Walter Latzko One thing you can say about Lloyd, one story/email isn't enough. He sang in the two funniest quartets ever, Desert Knights and Music Appreciation 101. Later he sang with The Singing Padres, who entered the Pal-Pac Comedy Quartet Contest. When he heard that there weren't many entrants, he put together another package with the same four people. The result was the late entrants, with their hastily put together package beat the The Singing Padres, with a package they had been performing for years.
Bob Patterson, Bari The funniest quartet that I’ve ever seen was not the Desert Knights, but a quartet which included the sons of two of the Desert Knights. Music Appreciation 101 was made up of tenor Gary Steinkamp (Lloyd’s son), lead Phil Winston (and later Bob Jackson), baritone Terry Aramian (son of Desert Knights lead Sam Aramian), and Lloyd himself on bass. The happiest occasion that I ever saw Lloyd was when he was singing with his son. Paul Eastman I learned so much from Lloyd about how to be a good barbershopper *and* a good person. One of the earliest lessons he taught me was how to accept praise graciously. In my early days with Grand Tradition, I was truly surprised how much people appreciated what we did, and I responded to praise by getting embarrassed and listing all the things I'd done wrong during the performance. But Lloyd pointed out that praise is a gift that an audience member is giving you. To arrogantly say "Of COURSE we're great!" devalues this gift, but so does denying that we deserve it, implying that the giver doesn't know what he's talking about. Lloyd told me that the best answer to the wonderful gift of praise is a simple "thank you!" It may seem obvious in hindsight, but it wasn't to me -- not until Lloyd phrased it in just the right way. My fondest memory of sharing the stage with Lloyd was a chapter show that we and Music Appreciation 101 did together. At one point in their act, Lloyd would disappear behind the curtain to retrieve a hat he'd placed back there. Well, we snuck out while they were on stage and attached a thread to the hat. When he tried to pick it up, it suddenly came to life and darted away from him. This earned us one very startled look from Lloyd, but he instantly regained his composure and successfully retrieved the skimmer. After MA 101 finished, we shared a good laugh with him and assumed all was forgiven. Then it was our turn on stage. We sang our first song, Bobby introduced the quartet, Terry blew the pitch for our second song ... and suddenly, a different pitch sounded from somewhere. So Terry re- blew the pitch ... and yet another incorrect pitch sounded! Yup, you guessed it! It was Lloyd, behind the curtain, teaching us a very valuable lesson: Never think you'd gotten the best of Unka Lloyd, because it was a pretty good bet you'd be wrong! Yes, he could make you laugh, but he could also make you cry. I remember when he was coaching my chorus. One of our songs was "Softly, As I Leave You". After we sang it, he asked us what it was about, and we told him the obvious: The guy has fallen out of love with the girl, but he still cares about her. It hurts him too much to tell her, so he sneaks quietly away while she's asleep. But then Lloyd suggested a different interpretation, one that seems especially apt right at this moment, so shortly after losing him. He suggested that, rather than just trying to sneak away to avoid an unpleasant scene, perhaps the singer is terminally ill. He knows it's his time to go, but the woman who loves him can't accept this. She is holding his hands, refusing to let him go, keeping him alive by sheer force of will for days. Finally, exhausted beyond human endurance, she drifts off to sleep. I don't know whether Lloyd originated that interpretation, but he delivered the story with such quiet sincerity that there was not a dry eye in the place when he was done. Our first attempt to sing it afterwards failed -- we were literally choked with emotion. After that, it was a whole new song, and to this day I can't sing it without tears welling up in my eyes. Lloyd was truly an amazing guy, and I was blessed to have known him. Dave Garstang Can someone provide an email address for the late Lloyd and Judy? Our family would like to send our condolences as we all knew Lloyd and Judy personally. Lloyd served as an Arrangement Judge for Harmony, Inc. back in the early 80's. As Judges' Hostess for the convention/contests, I remember sharing a dinner table with Lloyd at the Rusty Scupper near the O'Hare Marriott. As was usually the case, Lloyd kept the whole table of (otherwise) dignitaries in stitches for the whole meal. His love of the hobby showed through in just about everything he did. In Harmony, Nancy Foris, HI Recording Coordinator
When we come together for a barbershop or non-barbershop event, what often happens is time stops for us. We pick up the conversation, the warm feeling in our hearts and the close bond that we experienced the last time we were in each other's company. Sometimes this span of time can be from one show to the next, perhaps it was years since we were last together. What is almost magical is the indensity and sincerity that we barbershoppers experience. We take it for granted. Next time we meet, those same friends will be there, the fun and harmony and laughter will be continued and the story goes on and on. Sound like Finian's Rainbow? Possibly. But this is real life. Our next convention will be missing a key member of The Society For The Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing In America, Inc. The letters, SPEBSQSA meant something true and good to Lloyd. It's one of the reasons why I loved him so much. There were no minced words about Lloyd, no hidden messages and no ego to interfere with what was honest and authentic in him. For those and many other reasons, Lloyd was a role model, a mentor and a father figure to me. Oh, Lloyd had his birth children and grandchildren...but there were many of us whom he "adopted" and introdued us as "his kids" at many shows and conventions. An honorary Steinkamp. With the honorary Steinkamp seal of approval came an unwritten pledge. Honesty, good character, trying your best and a sense of fun. All Steinkamp traits. You've heard the stories about Lloyd and you've heard the myths. Like the time Lloyd and Terry Clarke were swapping barbs and practical jokes on one another. They joked for a reason. The prize was an "invisible trophy" of sorts. You had to "one up the other" but nothing hurtful or damaging. Ok, Ok. So somebody called a realtor and tried to sell somebody's house while the other one was on vacation. Myth or fact? Ask Judy Steinkamp. She knows where ALL the secrets are buried. (Ha!) To be in the company of the Steinkamp Family was to know true, sincere love of what a family is all about. I can't tell you how long I've known the Steinkamps, but it's been practically my entire life. The year my father passed away was a sad year for me. I had decided not to attend the upcoming International in Louisville that year. Louisville was an especially sentimental place for my family and I didn't think I could attend the convention without being all weepy. When Lloyd, Judy and Gary Steinkamp realized that I hadn't made any plans to go to Louisville's International, they made all the arrangements for me, letting me be a part of their family each and every moment. I can't tell you what that meant to me, then...and especially now. Lloyd said to me, " You HAVE to go!" It wasn't a plea so much as a fatherly expectation. Lloyd and his family have brought so much to others and especially the barbershop world that's it's practically impossible to state all of their accomplishments. They have been a barbershop legacy in the truest sense of the word. Father, faith, fellowship and friend. Lloyd Steinkamp made everyone he met feel tremendously important. His encouragement of music domestically and internationally is also legendary. The difference with Lloyd is that he promoted and encouraged his love of this hobby for the betterment of "The Society" and not for any personal promotion. Lloyd could do it all. Sing melody and sing harmony. Not only that, he could also arrange music and he did it the old fashioned way. Intuitively. Lloyd didn't use any "cookie cutter" marketing devices. He used his brain and his heart. Lloyd competed in quartets, choruses as well as coaching and directing them. His timing was perfect and his smile was infectious. Maybe the two things that I, personally, will miss most about Lloyd was his laugh and his hugs. Lloyd's laugh came from somewhere deep in his soul. You could see it on his fact. That hidden "punch line" that he was trying so hard to keep a lid on until that perfect moment of delivery. Then there it was! Kaboom, pow, bam! Perfect every time. He never forgot a story, and event, a convention or an arrangement...but if he did, Judy was there to give him a "prompt" and Lloyd picked up the ball and ran with it. The Lloyd Steinkamp Hug: When Lloyd hugged you, it felt like you won the lottery. The hug was always followed by a quick fatherly kiss and the words "I love ya, Kid!" To be on the receiving end of one of Lloyd's hugs meant a golden seal of approval. I'll miss Lloyd's stories and all the times spent together at barbershop and non-barbershop occasions. To say we've lost a great man is too little a compliment to him. Lloyd was a renaissance man. Lloyd was a party waiting for a place to happen. Lloyd was a historian and a musician. Most of all, Lloyd made the world a better place because he was the here for us to experience. Special thanks and gratitude to Judy and the Steinkamp family for letting me share him too, with you. Lloyd, thank you for taking such good care of your family and friends and for including me in that very special circle. I'll never forget you!
Rosalind Severs-Frizzell I got the news Wednesday morning at work, just as we had been planning a couple of special visits for Lloyd. Metropolis was planning to drive to San Diego to visit him in hospice and Dan Jordan and many friends were also planning to put together a video to send to Lloyd to pay tribute to him, along with a massed chorus of ourselves and other quartets & chorus men. He was one of the greatest, most genuine guys you'd ever want to meet and his love for barbershopping and barbershoppers was always evident - he never hesitated to give of himself to anyone who needed him. I would certainly agree that this activity would result in him becoming something of a father figure for many of us. Once you saw Lloyd and talked to him at a convention, he was then always on your mind as one of the most memorable folks and was one of the reasons you looked forward to being there. He was an extraordinarily talented musician/arranger, and one of the funniest guys you'd ever want to meet. His eye for comedy was flawless and he always knew how to make a "bit" better than it was. Metropolis owes a great deal to Lloyd, as he has mentored us from our very beginnings and helped us hone some of the audiences favorite numbers (in particular, he added some wonderful touches to our routines in "I Only Have Eyes for You"). Lloyd was a highly talented Emcee and I always loved watching him do his thing, whether running the show or performing in it. He was also a very outspoken person whose opinions were never in doubt. I've heard him referred to as "a character" - that doesn't even begin to describe him. He was his own man. He developed "The Scorpionaires" (the Association of Far Western District Champions' Chorus) - and every performance of this chorus in my memory has his indelible mark on it. What was great about that "organization" was that it was not organized at all. It was a gathering of enthusiasts of the hobby who knew it backwards and forwards and Lloyd always knew how to put the talents before him to their best use. The FWD powers-that-be have always put us on the program, and about 10-15 minutes prior to going on stage, we'd all meet backstage so that Lloyd could tell us what we'd be singing (and how he'd be directing it) and what we'd do with the performance. It was always a classic nugget and a familiar tune with a twist on it. One time, my tenor, James Sabina, was late getting on stage and we'd already started singing "Little Eyes/Liza" - James was just offstage and not terribly far away and attempted to "sneak" onstage (from the downstage legs into the front row, of all things...) and as soon as Lloyd's peripheral vision caught him, he directed us all to shuffle away from James - James just about lost his composure, but everyone onstage played along with Lloyd and the audience just fell about the place with laughter. Another year, we had the Gala-Lads (Dave Panther, Tom Keehan, Gordy Lees & Bill Cockrell - 1960 FWD District Champs & 1962 International Quartet Champions) all in attendance at the 40th anniversary of their District Championship. We were singing "That Old Quartet of Mine" and Lloyd had set it up so that they would all step out on "and if someday, we ever meet again". I knew this was going to happen, as I was there when Lloyd doled out the plans. But when they stepped out, what I didn't know was that I would be awash at the sheer poignancy of the moment - I couldn't control being choked up - the tears came next and I can't remember ever being so moved during a performance that I was actually a part of. These are the moments that I will always remember and cherish spending with Lloyd. He was a true original and we're not likely to see his peer anytime within this generation. His absence has been very evident these past few conventions and now I miss my dear friend even more greatly now, knowing that I won't be able to talk with him or seek his counsel again or just share a laugh or two. He wished that we all have a tremendous afterglow following his services - but, truly, there won't be any room anywhere that will be able to fit everyone who loved him. There are buses being chartered from the LA County area as we speak. I know so many folks who want to be there, so I'm imagining that I'll be among those spilling out of wherever we gather. My thanks to all of you who have said so many thoughtful, kind things about Lloyd, remembering the man he was and further incorporating him into our public consciousness. I pray that no one will ever forget that he truly, absolutely loved this hobby and the people involved in it and did everything he could to further everyone's enjoyment of singing together. My thanks to Lloyd, as well. For everything. Pax, harmonia,
Brian Philbin Dear friend and loved ones of Lloyd Steinkamp, I am so moved and at times laughing till I fall on the floor from the stories that many of you have written about my Dad. I have heard many of them before from him but it's great to hear your perspective on what REALLY happened. He was the funniest man I ever knew. I wanted to make sure that all of you knew of our plans for this upcoming weekend. Dad's Memorial Service will be held this Saturday, January 13th, at 1:00pm, at the church where he was the Minister of Music at:
Tierrasanta Lutheran Church, Their telephone number is : 858-560-8688 I understand from Judy that Dad's Choirs, and the Westminster Chorus will sing at his service. There will be an "afterglow" following the service in the Conference Center of the Ramada Inn, just down the road from the church.
Ramada Inn Their telephone number is: (858) 278-0800 There are rooms available at the hotel at a group rate of $79.00 per night if you mention the Steinkamp Group. We welcome quartets to sing and any stories you may want to share with us at the Ramada. Dad made us promise that we would have a BIG Afterglow or an Irish Wake to celebrate together and share our memories and that we would prop him up in the corner with a little smile on his face so people would wonder what he was thinking. Funny to the end! Well, Dad won't be propped up in the corner, (sorry Dad) but we will have a great time if you are there to celebrate with us. We hope to see you this Saturday In lieu of flowers, it is Judy and Lloyd's wish that a Youth In Harmony Scholarship be the result of your gifts. Those gifts may be given through the Tierrasanta Lutheran Church, and will be handled by Harmony Foundation.
On behalf of Judy, the 8 of us kids and our entire family, thank so very
much for your thoughts and prayers and especially for your funny stories.
Laughter was Dad's favorite sound in the whole world; that and Barbershop singing. Love, (and fraternally) Gary Steinkamp I wanted to wait to tell this story because I had to try and get over the shock of losing a great friend. I'm sure everyone who ever met this great Champion of Barbershop has a story to tell of Lloyd's generosity, humor, and friendship. My story begins at the 1991 Southern California COTS, and our friendship continued until our loss. I had just returned from the Persian Gulf War, having been medivac'ed out through Germany for trying to catch a Scud Missile (that's another story in itself). I was the newly elected Membership VP for the old Saddleback Valley Chapter (now Irvine Chapter). At COTS Lloyd was the MC for the General Sessions and in one of the sessions, we were to be entertained by one of the registered Quartets who were in attendance. When it became time for them to perform, the Bass needed to use the facilities. Lloyd had to fill in some time in order to cover for him. Lloyd started telling the joke about the English Pilot that got shot down over Germany during the war. The pilot's leg was severely injured and the German Doctor had to amputate his leg. The Pilot asked that his leg be sent back to England so that it could be buried on his home soil. The Doctor said he had to ask the Kommandant for permission but that he saw no problem. Well the joke went on and on for about (15) minutes because of the way that Lloyd liked to stretch the moment. Just as he was getting to the punch line, I couldn't take it any longer and yelled out, "Ain't that Bass back yet?" Well you could have heard a pin drop for about 3 - 5 seconds, then the whole room erupted into a fit of laughter that stopped Lloyd in his tracks. I believe it was the first time Lloyd was speechless for over 5 seconds. After the General Session, I went up to Lloyd and wanted to apologize for the interruption. He wouldn't think of it. He said that it was probably the best moment of his time there at COTS. We became good friends after that, even though I only got to see him at Barbershop functions, he always remembered me because of that one time . I last saw Lloyd at last year's Reno convention and he gave me one of his famous hugs and always had kind words for everyone. I will surely miss his humor, friendship, and kindness. There will never be another Lloyd Steinkamp, but we can honor him forever by always remembering what he gave to each of us - a sense of excitement in this hobby of ours. God Speed Lloyd.
Dennis Johnson I share the thoughts of all who have expressed their sincere feelings following the loss of our dear and good friend, the irascible, lovable and funny Lloyd Steinkamp. No one could have been acquainted with Lloyd and his works without feeling our barbershop world has been diminished by his departure from this earthly life. I knew Lloyd about 40 years, judged with him many times, laughed with him whenever we were together, know his family, and know that they will miss him greatly, as we all will. Your stories and memorial thoughts are truly touching, but I'd like to suggest that we also remember Lloyd through our music and our actions. I think that one of the best ways to honor Lloyd and his great love of barbershop, and his contributions to barbershop music, is to make a strong commitment to savor, to love and to preserve real honest-to-goodness barbershop, and to resist the continuing deterioration of his, and our, music. We can accomplish this by doing everything we can to keep genuine barbershop music alive and well, not only in Lloyd's memory, but in memory of all those giants who have gone before him - - Bob Johnson, O.C.Cash, Val Hicks, Lou Perry, Dave Stevens - - to name just a few, and to make sure that the unique flavor of barbershop music survives for another hundred years. So - let's forget doo-wop, hip hop, and all the other questionable musics that fail so miserably as they try to pass for barbershop. We should ask that our chapter choruses sing more and better barbershop. We should insist that our quartets and choruses sing the best of barbershop on our shows and in our contests. I ask the judges to take a long and serious look at our contest system and to ask themselves if they are doing what must be done to insure the future survival of our unique music. If not, why not? It will be a tragedy if we, every one of us, do not do all we can to preserve and encourage barbershop music for the future. I am in deep sorrow at the loss of a wonderful man and unique friend.
Burt Szabo |