Richard M. Vars

On May 14, 2015, Richard Michael Vars, 62, succumbed to the ravages of melanoma which he fought so long and so valiantly. At home in Portsmouth, RI, he was surrounded by his loving family and friends. Rick was the beloved husband of Claudia Carlson Vars for 32 years. Born on October 29, 1952, in Newport, RI, he was the son of Richard Melvin Vars and the late Barbara (Gerhart) Vars.Rick graduated from Rogers High School and received his Bachelors and Masters' degrees in Music Education from Rhode Island College. Rick's passion for music, especially jazz, began at an early age after listening to a Dave Brubeck record played by an elementary school teacher. He began studying percussion and joined the Drum and Bugle Corps Boys' Club GENTS of Newport, Trinity Church Choir, and The Newport Artillery Fife and Drum Corps, as well as playing in the Thompson and Rogers school bands. An accomplished percussionist, in his teens Rick played in local bands and continued to play in area clubs, orchestras, churches and fife and drum corps throughout his life. Rick was also the Drum Captain, Commodore and Vice Commodore of the Colonial Navy Fife and Drum Corps where his leadership brought dramatic changes to increase the Fleet in both numbers and musical ability. Rick began his distinguished teaching career in 1979 as band director in Long Island, NY. In 1980 he returned to his home state as Director of Bands in the Middletown School System, and continued educating and inspiring music students - novice to accomplished - while directing bands in Warren, Tiverton and East Providence schools for the next 30 years. In 1987, he became a true "Townie" as he directed both the Martin Junior High and the East Providence High School bands; his last position before retiring was Director of Music K-12 in East Providence. Even after retirement, Rick was happiest in a classroom of music students or playing his drums. He was a significant figure in the growth and development of music programs wherever he taught, with his ensembles receiving Superior ratings in numerous highly competitive festivals up and down the east coast. Rick was an inspiration to countless students and colleagues as evidenced by their outpouring of heartfelt appreciation for all they learned - perseverance, passion of music, professionalism, dedication, patience, kindness, and grace - through his teaching. He was a true gentleman.In addition, Rick was selected as guest conductor for MA, VA, RI, and CT All State Festivals, as well as the John Phillip Sousa Foundation Band in MA. He was honored to be the clinician at the Eastern Division Music Educators Conference in MD and a Guest Lecturer at the University of Central FL. Other honors include being selected for the 9th Annual School Band and Orchestra Magazine's 50 Directors Who Make a Difference; being inducted into the "Who's Who of American Teachers" four times, and receiving the RIMEA Meritorious Service Awards. Rick was a member, President, and board member of the Rhode Island Music Educators Association, and member of the National Association for Music Education, the International Association of Jazz Educators, the Percussive Arts Society, and the Company of Fifers and Drummers.He served his country in the 88th Army Band, Rhode Island Army National Guard, and was awarded an Honorable Discharge on September 24th, 1978. He was a member of the American Legion.Rick loved spending time at the ocean or in his boat, digging for quahogs, or cruising in his Mustanga"always listening to his favorite jazz, Celtic, and Beatles. Celebrating holidays with family and friends was one of Rick's greatest pleasures -he loved welcoming everyone into their home. His July 4th parties were renowned, his Halloween decorations were the pride of the neighborhood, and their Christmas decorations spectacular.Besides his loving wife, Rick is survived by his father Richard, and his brother Thomas, both of Portsmouth, RI, his sister Rebecca Vars Key of West Palm Beach, FL, 8 nephews and nieces, 1 grandnephew and 2 grandnieces.Claudia is very grateful for the outstanding care provided to Rick throughout his illness by her three sisters, nephew and niece, as well as all the care and support by family and friends.Rick's spirit will live on in the family he loved so much, the musicians he mentored, and the music for which he lived.A Dedication and Celebration of Life will be held at East Providence High School Auditorium on Saturday, May 30, at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Rick's memory may be made to the Rhode Island College Foundation, Richard M. Vars Music Education Scholarship, 600 Mt. Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908; Visiting Nurse Services of Newport Bristol Counties, 1184 East Main Rd., Portsmouth, RI 02871; or The Rick Vars Fund, a... Middletown High School, 130 Valley Rd, Middletown, RI 02842. Service MAY 30. 01:00 PM East Providence High School Auditorium 2000 Pawtucket Avenue East Providence, RI, US, 02914