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CLARENCE ROLAND KOSS
Born: Nov 22, 1930
Date of Passing: Oct 29, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCLARENCE ROLAND KOSS
Peacefully, with family by his side at Kelowna General Hospital, Clarence Roland Koss was called home to be with the Lord in the early hours of Sunday, October 29.
Left to treasure his memory are his wife of 69 years, Doris, his five children: Dana (Richard), Rick (Ingrid), Wayne, Kathy (Glenn), Heather (Tom), his 10 grandchildren (and one granddaughter who is waiting for him in heaven), eight great-grandchildren as well as his brothers, Ron and Richard and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and friends.
Clarence was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. As he grew up during the Great Depression, finances were in short supply but his mother made it a priority to find the money for him to take violin lessons. He was a talented and hard working musician and not only achieved his Associates Degree from the London College of Music as a teen, but played with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra after high school.
In 1951, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and served his country for three years as a Telecommunications Mechanic. It was during this time that he met Doris and they married on May 8, 1954 in Syracuse, New York. They made New York state their home for the next nine years where they started their family and welcomed Dana, Rick and Wayne. During that time, Clarence was proud to establish Koss Music Company Inc; his own music studio and store.
In 1963, the family moved back to Canada so that Clarence could continue his education, achieve his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees from the University of Manitoba and become the high school teacher who would go on to touch so many lives. While going to school, and working numerous side jobs, Clarence and Doris also welcomed Kathy and Heather to the family. Clarence taught at high schools in Winnipeg, Steinbach and Dauphin before settling in Beausejour where he led the music program and founded the Edward Schreyer School orchestra. So many students were given the opportunity to experience music through his orchestra program and many still remember the various orchestra trips Mr. Koss took them on; especially their performance at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.
Upon full retirement in 1994, Clarence enjoyed hobbies like beekeeping, reading, wine making, wood working, golfing and fishing. He and Doris enjoyed several European trips as well as travelling with their camper to the Canadian Maritimes and Texas and destinations closer to home like Grand Forks and Fargo, ND. He was a devout Christian and was involved in many churches as a choir director and committee member both in the Beausejour area and later at the Transcona Christian Reformed Church.
Clarence believed in justice and making a difference in his community. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and also the Fraternal Order of Eagles and held leadership positions in both organizations. In his later years, he served as a Magistrate, Justice of the Peace and Marriage Commissioner for the province of Manitoba.
Clarence worked hard all through the years to provide for his family. He loved them dearly and instilled in his children ethics like hard work, respect and service to the community. His humour and words of wisdom will be greatly missed.
There will be no formal service of remembrance but family and friends are invited to help his legacy live on by donating to the Clarence Koss Memorial Scholarship at Edward Schreyer School. Donations can be sent to crkossmemorialfund@gmail.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2023
Condolences & Memories (9 entries)
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I would like to send my condolences to you all at this sad time. - Posted by: Pat Stadelmeier (Cousin) on: Jan 11, 2024
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Mrs. Koss and Family, Mr. Koss was an amazing teacher who saw a lot of potential in students who would have never thought of participating in the orchestra program. He taught me clarinet and I played with some great musicians. He allowed me to see the International Peace Gardens music program because he saw potential in my talents when I doubted them. He was kind and always asked the best of us! I have always enjoyed listening to classical music and often think of my high school days. After high school when ever I saw both of you in the community you both always had a moment to talk. I think the talents he developed have created many fine musicians that now teach with his kind of passion. God bless you all as you keep his memories close. - Posted by: Shelley Trapp-Armstrong (Former Student) on: Dec 21, 2023
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I am so very sorry to hear of Mr. Koss’ passing. He taught me so much about music and I enjoyed his class. I was involved in the choir which I thoroughly enjoyed! He taught us so many native dancing songs that we got to participate in. Music class was somewhere I could be myself and let things go. Music is a big part of my life. On another note, I enjoyed spending time with your family as Kathy and I were great friends. I got to spend time with your family at your cabin in Gimli as well as many sleepovers/ parties that were always fun! So many great memories. My condolences to you all and hope that your pictures and your memories will help with your loss. Take Care❤️ - Posted by: Sue (Student/ daughters friend) on: Nov 11, 2023
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Doris, my condolences to you and your family. Fondly remember being your neighbour on Pine Ave. in the late '70's. You were a godsend with our two young boys, David and Douglas. They still talk about all the wonderful after school things they did with Mrs. Koss. It was Dave, in fact, who learned of Clarence's passing and let me know. - Posted by: Marymae Johnson (former neighbour) on: Nov 04, 2023
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Mr. Koss invited me to play piano with the orchestra in grade 7. He took special interest in my musical progress and provided an opportunity for me to play a mini piano concerto with the ESS orchestra. I was invited into the Koss home to practice when I accompanied Mr. Koss’s private violin students. He was very serious about his passion for classical music and gifted me some vinyl recordings of piano recordings, always published by Deutshe Grammophon. I offer my sincere condolences to his entire family. He made a huge difference in my life. - Posted by: Lesley (Fehr) Ratzlaff (Former student) on: Nov 04, 2023
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I recall Clarence and his lovely wife Doris with the greatest affection as treasured members of my extended family in Manitoba. Doris's wonderful kindness and generous home cooked meals, matched with Clarence's witty warmth will always remain amongst my happiest recollections of family life in years gone by. Clarence's musical gifts as well as his many contributions to public education and community service are well known. But it was his homemade sauerkraut that he shared fresh from the barrel that really won the five-star Michelin award in my memory. This was a dish never to be forgotten from a true artist in every sense, whose beautiful wife and family are his greatest masterwork of all! Well done Clarence. With love. - Posted by: Laura Leah Steiman (Family friend) on: Nov 04, 2023
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Dear Dave, Stacey and family....Our sincere sympathies on the loss of your grandfather ...I was in Mr. Koss's history class in high school and remember him as an effective, dynamic and engaging teacher - just one of his many talents. He clearly left behind a great legacy and a lot of love. Denise, Steve and Giselle McNally - Posted by: Denise McNally (Cousin ) on: Nov 04, 2023
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I will always remember Mr. Koss as a great music teacher who instilled his love of music in so many of us former students in Beausejour and challenged us to reach our full potential. His family was also our neighbors for a few years on Pine Ave in Beausejour and were so warm and welcoming when we moved there. Many fond memories of Mr. Koss. - Posted by: C Legrand (Former Student) on: Nov 04, 2023
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Clarence was an extraordinary man who touched many people. I remember him visiting my mother when I was little and he would play his violin for her. Later in life Clarence and I became good friends and he and Doris would visit me at my office once a year. He will be missed and fondly remembered. - Posted by: Rodney Steiman (Cousin) on: Nov 04, 2023