Remembering David Endicott
On May 29, 2025, the Puget Sound region lost an individual whose resounding influence on countless young people enabled many to discover the joy of music through his tireless efforts. David Endicott’s life was distinguished by his unwavering dedication, generosity, and a steadfast conviction in the transformative power of music.
A proud Norwegian from Viroqua, Wisconsin, David encountered significant challenges during his formative years in a small farming community. His band director at Viroqua High School, Emery “Nordy” Nordness, inspired him to pursue his educational opportunities. David attended the University of Wisconsin, where his studies were steeped in music, lifelong friendships, and camaraderie. He was an active member of the Madison Scouts Alumni Marching Band, where his love for music and performance blossomed — earning him the affectionate nickname “Tuba Dave.”
David’s professional career in public relations led to his appointment from 1982-1987 as press secretary for Senator Slade Gorton. His tenure in government service continued when Governor Lowry appointed him to the Washington State Healthcare Advisory Board. David operated his own marketing consulting firm in Seattle for many years.
Beyond the corridors of government, David became a well-known figure in Seattle’s political, Rotary, and music circles. His passion for service extended into his work with Rotary Club of Seattle (Rotary #4), one of the oldest and most active Rotary chapters in the country. Serving on the programs committee, he helped shape initiatives that supported the city’s most pressing needs. In 2016, recognizing the changing landscape of community engagement, district leadership asked David to establish a virtual Rotary chapter — Rotary #5030.
Music4Life™ Begins
Rotary Club of Seattle to help students in Seattle Public Schools, David set out to develop a program to remove barriers for students to participate in instrumental music programs in public schools. The mission of Music4Life quickly crystalized around the goal of donating and repairing musical instruments, free of charge, for use by public school students that did not have the means to purchase or rent an instrument.
The impact of these instrument donations immediately took off, and what began as a Seattle-based program, quickly caught the attention of superintendents in nearby public school districts.
Today, through David’s extraordinary and steady direction, Music4Life now serves students in fifteen (15) public school districts in and around the Puget Sound. Since its founding, Music4Life has delivered more than 3,100 musical instruments, valued at approximately $2 million, into the hands of public school students in need.
Honoring "Tuba Dave"
David will be dearly missed by his community of friends and volunteers, who remember him not only for his accomplishments but for his laughter, warmth, and unwavering devotion to Music4Life.
In accordance with his wishes, donations in memory of “Tuba Dave” are being accepted by Music4Life to ensure that the organization to which he gave so much endures and continues to reach new generations.
If you would like to donate to David's Music4Life legacy, please follow the links on the Music4Life’s Donation Page
David's Impact in Words, Deeds & Pictures
Throughout his remarkable tenure helming Music4Life, David had one goal — changing and improving the lives of children through The Benefits of Instrumental Education. Below are remembrances of colleagues and like-minded individuals, along with a sampling of hand-written, heartfelt thank you notes from students who benefited from the Music4Life program.
"David gave up his career as a professional public relations consultant to serve the youth of Washington because he so strongly believed that music education could set one’s stage for success. His devotion to this shaped the last few decades of his life. He dedicated his life to serving others. He walked his talk."
“Last summer, David allowed two kids in a family to use violins over the summer break so they could participate in a special program. This was a one-off opportunity that they would not have had if not for David’s willingness to think outside the established process.”
“David has always had a heart for kids! In 1976 the then Governor, Dixie Lee Ray, invited the Auburn Blackwatch Drum and Bugle Corps to march in the Carter presidential parade to represent Washington. They needed to raise about $50,000 to pay for their trip. David’s name was given to my husband and the rest is history! David even accompanied the kids and walked the freezing cold with them. I didn’t know he had made an album of the trip until I found it in his apartment after his death. He was loved so much by so many!”
To give the gift of an instrument or a monetary donation in David's memory, please click through to the Music4Life’s Donation Page
Music4Life Continues — A Message from the Board
With heavy hearts following David Endicott’s passing, the Music4Life Board of Directors has been busy over the summer to ensure Music4Life’s important work continues without interruption. In June, the board elected new officers to lead the transition from David's stewardship of the non-profit organization to a new, longer-term leadership team.
Serving as Interim Managing Director is Colleen Armstrong, past Seattle Opera Chief of Staff, who has been on Music4Life’s Advisory Board since its establishment. Stepping into the President’s role is Dr. Gary Cohn, former Superintendent Everett Public Schools and Superintendent of the Year recipient in 2017. Cliff Lenz, former King Broadcaster and co-host of Seattle Today has taken on the position of Vice President. Gary Ryno, of MorganCFO,has returned to his old seat as Music4Life Treasurer. And continuing in their established roles as Directors are Marli Iverson, pianist and long-time member of the Seattle Rotary Club and Dean Petrich, the highly experienced piano technician who has oversight of Music4Life’s piano tuning program.
The board of directors also worked quickly to establish new contact information for Music4Life, including a new mailing address, contact email address, and phone number. Music4Life’s new contact information is as follows:
Mailing Address: Music4Life P.O. Box 17728 Seattle, WA 98127
Email: info@music4life.org
Phone: (206) 999-2388
Until a new Executive Director is hired to lead Music4Life, the Board will continue to monitor and receive all incoming donations and instruments during the interim period. We hope this information has been helpful and reassuring for all of our friends and donors during this time of transition.
In appreciation for all you do to support the vital mission of Music4Life, we thank you again for your care and concern during this leadership transition. If you have any questions, please reach out directly to Colleen Armstrong at Email: Colleen@music4life.org or (206) 999-2388.
