Carl Herbert Kandel
December 29, 1934 – September 22, 2024
Carl H. Kandel
Carl H. Kandel, of Edmonds, Washington, died peacefully on September 22nd at Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, Washington. He was 89.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Cynthia Gerard Kandel, and his three children: Mark, of Las Vegas, Nevada; Paul (Sandra Christensen) of Edmonds, Washington; and Juliet (Kelly Kristjanson), also of Edmonds. Grandson Joseph Kandel (Crystal) and great grandchildren Haylee and Hayden Kandel; step grandchildren Aimee Hall, Katie Christensen, and Andy Christensen. Sisters-in-law Betsy Schwinn and Barbara Estevez; and four nieces and nephews.
The only child of Ralph E. and Christine C. (Eickemeyer) Kandel, Carl grew up in the company of a large extended family in Marysville, Ohio. He overcame childhood polio and went on to Ohio Wesleyan University, where he met Cynthia. They were married in 1957. That year, he graduated from Ohio Wesleyan with a BA in Music and, in 1969, he earned a Master of Arts in Music from Kent State University.
From 1961 – 1989, Carl enjoyed a long career as a professor of music at Mount Union College, Alliance, Ohio. He was especially passionate about brass music and explored its place in the religious setting with the Mount Union College Brass Choir which he established in his early years at the college. For twenty consecutive years, the Brass Choir was invited to provide music at Eastertime services at the Washington National Cathedral, one of the great honors of his lifetime.
Carl taught French horn and violin, and was himself an accomplished player and singer well into retirement. He led the Mount Union marching band and conducted the concert band. He inspired his students and instilled in them a sense of “S.P.A.D.”, or Sheer Pride And Determination.
Not afraid to take a role on stage, he once recruited his very young daughter to join him in a campus production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.
In private life, Carl and Cynthia introduced the family to rustic living at a summer cabin. Avid boatsman and fisherman, he kept several vessels, including a sailboat called Sanity. He taught everyone to swim and tinker with outboards.
With retirement to Florida, Carl found meaning in volunteer work in the state parks, and later as an on-air reader of news for the blind at the University of Florida radio station. He had a rich and soothing radio voice.
Carl was quietly brave. He once physically blocked an intruder from entering the family home, not waiting for the authorities to protect them. In later years, he faced medical issues head-on, realistically, but with determination. Thoughtful, humble, and kind to the end, Carl rarely gave voice to negativity and always assumed the good will of others unless demonstrated otherwise.
A private burial service was held at Floral Hills Cemetery in Lynnwood, WA, on Saturday, September 28th.
Those wishing to contribute a memorial donation are encouraged to send a check to:
Trinity Lutheran School
In Memory of Carl Kandel
220 South Walnut Street
Marysville, Ohio 43040.
18 Responses to “Carl Herbert Kandel”
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I am so sorry to hear of Carl’s death. I know these last years haven’t been easy for him or his family, but also know how much he will be missed. Bob and I always enjoyed our time spent with him and Cindy. Hugs to you all!
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr. Kandel’s passing. He was one of the most influential professors/teachers I ever had. My time in the Brass Choir was my favorite part of my time at Mount Union. He will be missed by so many people. SPAD
I was a 1977 graduate of Mount Union College, and played trumpet under the direction of Carl in both the marching band and brass choir. His wonderful memories will always keep him very much alive in our hearts! Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers! God bless you and your family during this difficult time.
Thinking of you and your family. I remember your Dad from Blind River. My best to you,Julie, and your family!
Andy Leslie
So sorry to hear about his passing. I was in the marching band and close to the music program at Mount Union. Not only was he a great instructor, he was a fantastic person. One of those true gems.
I remember him fondly and the hard work, AND good times.
Hugs to his family, and extended family of those that knew him.
I was in Mr Kandel’s marching band at MUC, famous also for the flag on the flagpole announcing practice was on. He also would point out that practice was neither optional (“would you tell a professor you were choosing to miss class? “) nor subject to the weather (“there is always practice, it is just rain”). Carl Kandel, he’s our man, if he can’t do it, no one else can — we would yell during games, and he would turn and smile just a tiny bit and then wave “enough is enough” at us. He made such a difference in the world. We were lucky to know him.
So sad to hear of Professor Kandel’s passing. A proud member of the his brass choir in the mid 60’s, it is hard to put into words the impact he had on all of us. My love of classical music in all its formats is a direct result of having taken his music appreciation course my freshman year. It was such a special treat to co-host a lunch for Carl and his lovely family in Edmonds,WA in 2021. Rest in peace, dear sir.
Jim House
Mount Union Class of 1967
Carl H. Kandel was one of only four towering influences in my life. I am saddened beyond belief that his brilliant and energetic genius is gone from this world. I have lived my life in hopes that I can be in some small way as great human being and good influence as he was. Condolences to his immediate family and to all of his extended family – his former students.
I am a 1985 graduate of Mount Union College and a former student of Mr. Kandel. I was in the marching band and a percussionist and played the Tri-Tom’s for him. He was always bright, always in time and on time, and always showed interest in what we had an interest in. He was an inspiration to me and too many others as well. The world is a smaller place. May he rest in peace.
Isaiah 40:31. ‘But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…’
I am very sorry for your family at this time.
Rest assured that Carl has an everlasting influence all of us who were blessed to know him and work with him.
I was one of his hundreds of students that loved him.
Peter Stewart ’77 MUC
I want to thank Cynthia, Julie, Paul and Mark for always being on Carl’s team and caring for him so well. It is very difficult and sad to face the empty space. All my love to you at this time. I will hold onto Carl’s dear memory.
Dear Kandel Family,
Thinking of you and reliving fond memories. Love to you all.
Dear Cynthia, Julie, Mark, Paul and your extended Family,
Our hearts go out to all of you in this time of sorrow. Carl was an unimaginable presence in many peoples lives. He is fondly remembered by us and we mourn with you at his passing. We also rejoice that we were lucky enough to know him. May those that knew him continue to spread his kindness, humor and wisdom in his honor.
Sending condolences to the Kandel family. Hoping that your treasured memories of Carl will bring you peace. He simply was an amazing human and we are all so fortunate to have know him. Hugs to all.
Mr. Kandel was one of my favorite professors at Mount Union. He was a superb conducting teacher and brass instruments teacher. I fell in love with the trumpet and I played it in the marching band and second brass choir. Thirty-plus years later my daughter was living in Gainesville Florida, and I discovered he was there too. I was really happy to see him again, and he sent me a CD of lullabies when I became a grandmother. My life was enriched because of him.
Dear Kandel family,
I remember Carl from our family’s early days at Lake Duborne.
He had an upbeat greeting on the trail and made the Ernst family feel welcome as we settled in to a new community on the lake. As the weekly Sunday sing leader he also showed remarkable tolerance for those of us with less talented musical abilities.
We will miss him.
He was my Professor at Mount Union College/ University. I was honored to begin my band directing career in his hometown, Marysville Ohio. I had the privilege of having Mr Kandel return to his hometown and Direct one of my bands on the very same stage he performed on at Veterans Auditorium.
“Now Robert, you sure that’s a smart thing to do”?
I still have the MUC band flag in remembrance of him and the Trumpet he encouraged me to purchase. I drove by his childhood home yesterday to just say Thank You to a great Man, Musician and Mentor
Mr Kandel’s passion for music and determination in life lives on through his many Mount Union students. He set an example for all of us, and we are better people and musicians because of him. My condolences to his family and all of his students.
Linda Pinkava Silakoski MUC ‘74