Paul John Vander Gheynst
December 21, 1943 — May 1, 2016
Paul J. Vander Gheynst, passed away May 1, 2016 at Midtown Medical Center in Columbus, Georgia. He died peacefully with his wife and children by his side. Vander, as he was lovingly called, impacted the lives of many over his lifetime and the ripple effects of his influence will be felt for a long time to come.
Born in Long Branch, New Jersey he is preceded in death by his parents, John R. and Evelyn Vander Gheynst. His educational degrees included a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University, Masters and Doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois. Additionally, he studied at The Eastman School, the Julliard School and the University of California at Santa Barbara.
He was named to the Columbus State University faculty in 1972, promoted to professor, and named Dean of the College of Arts and Letters in 1982, a post he occupied for eighteen years prior to serving for two years as the University's Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs. He was the founder and director of the Columbus State University Jazz Band.
His career as a professional musician was wide ranging. As a trombonist, his artistry was both in jazz and the classical styles, performing and recording with an extensive list of world-class musicians. In addition, he was a noted composer, arranger and conductor.
Among his many service contributions, Dr. Vander Gheynst served as Musical Director for the Springer Opera House for over 96 musicals, was a former President of the Columbus Jazz Society, and co-chair of the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts Construction Committee. He was instrumental in transitioning the performing arts from the main Columbus State University campus to the downtown Columbus area. He served on the Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance and was former president of the Georgia Association of Jazz Educators.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his son, John and Leslie, granddaughter Rian Vander Gheynst of Austin, Texas; his daughter, Amy and Brian Nixon, granddaughter Carly and grandson Will of Peachtree City, Georgia; and his daughter, Sally and Brad Baker, granddaughter Evie of Columbus, Georgia; step-son, Brent Rasor of Farmersville, Ohio; step-daughter, Lorinda and Jeff Babb, step-grandson Riley of Morrow, Ohio; sister, Jean Handel of Teaneck, New Jersey; and, sister Anne Powell of Durham, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Carol.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Paul J. Vander Gheynst Scholarship Endowment for Jazz Studies, Columbus State University Foundation, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31907. A memorial service will be held on May 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 301 11th Street, Columbus, Georgia. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.
As many of your lives have been touched by the kindness, respect, and love of all that is good and honorable in this life from Paul J. Vander Gheynst, may you extend these same qualities to others that were exemplified by this extraordinary gentleman. His consistently high standards and vision left the world better than he found it.
3874 Gentian Blvd Post Office Box 7907
Columbus, GA, 31908
Born in Long Branch, New Jersey he is preceded in death by his parents, John R. and Evelyn Vander Gheynst. His educational degrees included a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University, Masters and Doctoral degrees from the University of Illinois. Additionally, he studied at The Eastman School, the Julliard School and the University of California at Santa Barbara.
He was named to the Columbus State University faculty in 1972, promoted to professor, and named Dean of the College of Arts and Letters in 1982, a post he occupied for eighteen years prior to serving for two years as the University's Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs. He was the founder and director of the Columbus State University Jazz Band.
His career as a professional musician was wide ranging. As a trombonist, his artistry was both in jazz and the classical styles, performing and recording with an extensive list of world-class musicians. In addition, he was a noted composer, arranger and conductor.
Among his many service contributions, Dr. Vander Gheynst served as Musical Director for the Springer Opera House for over 96 musicals, was a former President of the Columbus Jazz Society, and co-chair of the RiverCenter for the Performing Arts Construction Committee. He was instrumental in transitioning the performing arts from the main Columbus State University campus to the downtown Columbus area. He served on the Columbus Cultural Arts Alliance and was former president of the Georgia Association of Jazz Educators.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his son, John and Leslie, granddaughter Rian Vander Gheynst of Austin, Texas; his daughter, Amy and Brian Nixon, granddaughter Carly and grandson Will of Peachtree City, Georgia; and his daughter, Sally and Brad Baker, granddaughter Evie of Columbus, Georgia; step-son, Brent Rasor of Farmersville, Ohio; step-daughter, Lorinda and Jeff Babb, step-grandson Riley of Morrow, Ohio; sister, Jean Handel of Teaneck, New Jersey; and, sister Anne Powell of Durham, North Carolina. He was preceded in death by his late wife, Carol.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Paul J. Vander Gheynst Scholarship Endowment for Jazz Studies, Columbus State University Foundation, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, Georgia 31907. A memorial service will be held on May 5, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 301 11th Street, Columbus, Georgia. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.
As many of your lives have been touched by the kindness, respect, and love of all that is good and honorable in this life from Paul J. Vander Gheynst, may you extend these same qualities to others that were exemplified by this extraordinary gentleman. His consistently high standards and vision left the world better than he found it.
Visitation
MAY 4. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)
McMullen Funeral Home3874 Gentian Blvd Post Office Box 7907
Columbus, GA, 31908
Memorial Services
MAY 5. 10:30 AM
St. Luke United Methodist ChurchTo order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Paul John Vander Gheynst, please visit our flower store.