April 10, 2015
April 10, 2015
Memories of Don and Marilyn Fontana" by Rodney Punt
My musical journey began in Inglewood, in its public schools from kindergarten through high school. Over the summer between my junior and senior years at Morningside High (1962-63), I joined Don Fontana's Crenshaw Christian Church, and later when school was in session also the MHS choir. We became fast friends, as did later my younger brother Gordon, who also sang in Don's choirs. Don became a mentor to me, as to many young people during this period. I was surprised when Don cast me as Rasmussen T Finsdale, a role in the musical, L'il Abner, which brings another memory:
A fellow senior, Larry Swarbrick, performed the role of L’il Abner to my character Rasmussen T. Finsdale, in the De Paul/Mercer musical. Larry had, the year before, memorized Poe’s long 'The Raven' in lieu of an English final and recited it deadpan to everyone's amusement. But his life would be a life lost in the Viet Nam War just a few years later, while serving as an officer in the US Army. I also served as an Army officer but survived the era. In what seems today a cosmic compensation, Larry's younger sister, Carol Swarbrick, went on to a considerable career on the musical stage and television, and is still active today. We all knew and loved Don and Marilyn.
A high school friend, Johnny Carl, also mentored by Don, became a talented choral director and worked with Don at the Chrystal Cathedral. Another high schooler was the pianist Bruce Gaston, who fled the USA during the 1960’s to avoid the draft, and settled in Thailand. Taking to that country's native music, he became a permanent resident and is today a composer with an international reputation in Thai music.
As chance would have it, I was with Don one day while home again after graduation from MHS when he was offered the job at Glendale Presbyterian Church. Don and Marilyn remained close to my brother and me and to our parents over the years that followed. In the mid-1980's Don called, and subsequently Marilyn and my wife arranged, the residency of their daughter with us at our home for the better part of a year when she needed a place to stay in the West Los Angeles area.
We were able to see Marilyn and Don at his retirement tribute at St. Andrew's Church in Newport Beach in 1992. They are both now part of our beloved memories.
My musical journey began in Inglewood, in its public schools from kindergarten through high school. Over the summer between my junior and senior years at Morningside High (1962-63), I joined Don Fontana's Crenshaw Christian Church, and later when school was in session also the MHS choir. We became fast friends, as did later my younger brother Gordon, who also sang in Don's choirs. Don became a mentor to me, as to many young people during this period. I was surprised when Don cast me as Rasmussen T Finsdale, a role in the musical, L'il Abner, which brings another memory:
A fellow senior, Larry Swarbrick, performed the role of L’il Abner to my character Rasmussen T. Finsdale, in the De Paul/Mercer musical. Larry had, the year before, memorized Poe’s long 'The Raven' in lieu of an English final and recited it deadpan to everyone's amusement. But his life would be a life lost in the Viet Nam War just a few years later, while serving as an officer in the US Army. I also served as an Army officer but survived the era. In what seems today a cosmic compensation, Larry's younger sister, Carol Swarbrick, went on to a considerable career on the musical stage and television, and is still active today. We all knew and loved Don and Marilyn.
A high school friend, Johnny Carl, also mentored by Don, became a talented choral director and worked with Don at the Chrystal Cathedral. Another high schooler was the pianist Bruce Gaston, who fled the USA during the 1960’s to avoid the draft, and settled in Thailand. Taking to that country's native music, he became a permanent resident and is today a composer with an international reputation in Thai music.
As chance would have it, I was with Don one day while home again after graduation from MHS when he was offered the job at Glendale Presbyterian Church. Don and Marilyn remained close to my brother and me and to our parents over the years that followed. In the mid-1980's Don called, and subsequently Marilyn and my wife arranged, the residency of their daughter with us at our home for the better part of a year when she needed a place to stay in the West Los Angeles area.
We were able to see Marilyn and Don at his retirement tribute at St. Andrew's Church in Newport Beach in 1992. They are both now part of our beloved memories.
