Obituary of Lloyd V. Armstrong

"Lloyd V. Armstrong, 52, of Mill Valley Road died suddenly on Saturday, October 24. Born in Rantoul, IL, October 7, 1957, he was the son of Eleanor (Blackmer) Armstrong and the late Robert Armstrong. He came to Belchertown as a young child and devoted his life to music, teaching and children. A talented musician, he received his Bachelors degree from Berklee School of Music in Boston. He spent many years substituting in the Belchertown schools as well as volunteering with the school band until the time a full time position became available. He also gave private music lessons during that time. In 1994, he was hired as the co-band director for both Swift River and Chestnut Hill Schools and most recently was the band director for Jabish Brook Middle School as well as the high school jazz band. Lloyd's love of music prompted him to be involved with many local groups, including South End Jazz Band. He was a founding member and president of the Belchertown Community Band as well as its assistant director, along with his involvement in the Belchertown Band Boosters. Lloyd was also a founding member of the Shakuhachi Society of the Long River, the sister society of Seirinsha in Sapporo, Japan, another very important component of Lloyd's musical and spiritual journey. Lloyd was a very talented and giving person, and, according to his wishes, at his death, was an organ donor. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 28 at the Belchertown High School Auditorium. There are no calling hours. The family requests that flowers be omitted and donations be made in his memory to The Lloyd Armstrong Scholarship, c/o Belchertown Band Boosters, Box 76, Belchertown, 01007. Please copy and paste this link in your browser to view the memorial service: http://webcasts.lifetributes.com/97517 "