George Ross Belden

Dr. George Ross Belden passed away on November 29th, just shy of his 83rd birthday. He was an endlessly curious trombonist, composer, conductor, teacher, camper, fisherman, chef, sailor, gardener, carpenter, 15-time marathoner (at least), husband, and grandfather. With his beloved late first wife, Mickey, he moved to Alaska in 1978 to become professor of Music Theory & Composition as well as Low Brass at the University of Alaska Anchorage. He remained there for over 30 years, where he was instrumental in the formation of generations of musicians. Alzheimer's took away his memory of many of those things, but his family is grateful that he always seemed to know them and retained his fundamental generosity, kindness, and sense of humor. We are especially grateful for the care he received over the last few years from nurses, doctors, and PCAs. He is survived by his sons Steven and David, devoted second wife Alice Belden, brother Jeffrey Bedell, as well as many grandchildren and extended family.

 A Celebration of Life is planned in Anchorage in the spring.