In Memory

Deane Bottorf - Class Of 1943 VIEW PROFILE

Deane Bottorf

Deane Bottorf

June 8, 1925 - June 1, 2021

Deane was born in Santa Monica and was a lifelong Southern California resident. He passed away peacefully in his home in Corona Del Mar just a week shy of his 96th birthday. He was raised in South Pasadena by his parents, Dudley and Angela, with a young brother, William.

Deane's lifelong love of music and piano began when he was seven years old and he created a profession based on his talent and passion for music. Deane entertained his way through high school, graduating from South Pasadena High in 1943. He stayed close with childhood friends throughout their lives and participated actively in SPHS reunions. Deane served in the Army Air Force during World War II (1943-1945) and the Korean War (1951-1952) as a navigator and continued a life-long love for old planes and flying. 

Deane graduated from USC in 1950 with a bachelor's degree in Music Composition. Later, Deane crossed over the rivalry line and graduated from UCLA in 1965 with a master's degree in Music Composition. Deane's early professional career was spent entertaining on the piano on the casino/restaurant circuit across the country with his wife Betty and their toddler daughter. He then settled in for a long stint at the Westerner in Arcadia, playing piano bar, when the family moved to Sierra Madre. Deane also taught private piano and voice lessons during that time and well into his retirement. In 1969, Deane became the Elementary School Music Supervisor for Laguna Beach Schools and the family moved to Corona Del Mar. He taught band, strings and chorus in the three elementary schools in Laguna Beach for 20 years and stayed in touch with many of his former students who continued their musical careers professionally.

One of Deane's many passions was introducing children to the magic of music, and nurturing their love for playing, singing, and composing. Deane retired from teaching in 1988 and he and Betty traveled extensively. Deane also had time for golf, sailing, and his grandchildren. He belonged to the Newport Beach Men's Golf Club, the Newport Beach Sailing Club, the American Legion, and in 1998 became a member of the Newport Harbor Exchange Club. Deane volunteered many hours of his time and talent to projects and events with the Exchange Club and was honored as the Exchangite of the Year in 2003. Deane also taught a class in Music for Elementary Teachers at Vanguard University for six years. In addition to performing and teaching, Deane never stopped composing music. He wrote classical pieces, composed an original Christmas song each year for the family Christmas card, and wrote music and lyrics recorded for dance instruction, PTA variety show productions, and the annual 'Showboat' production at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club for 11 years. He wrote original scores and lyrics for children's productions by the Friends of Newport Theater Arts Center. Up until the pandemic, his performances at the Oasis Senior Center in Newport Beach were enjoyed regularly by members.

Deane was a very generous, charming and fun loving man, full of talent and spirit and a deep commitment to the betterment of our planet and all of humankind. He was a best friend to many but his greatest accomplishment was nurturing and inspiring a close and loving family with whom he spent cherished time. Deane is survived by Betty, his wife of 69 years, daughter Cinda (John Robinson), son Doug, two grandsons; and his brother William.

Los Angeles Times, June 8, 2021





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