Dennis Van Vactor, 27-Year Yamaha Exec, Passes Away

Dennis Van Vactor, who served Yamaha Corporation of America with distinction for 27 years, passed away on Saturday, August 16, at the age of 79.

Van Vactor joined Yamaha in 1980 as a district manager for the company’s DMI Division, bringing years of experience as a performer, retailer, and advocate for music education. Over nearly three decades with Yamaha, he also served as District Manager in the company’s Keyboard Division. He retired in 2007.

“I have so many fond memories of Dennis,” said Dan Rodowicz, senior director, Piano Sales, Yamaha Corporation of America. “I first met him when I was a Product Specialist for the former Yamaha piano division, later serving as a District Manager. Over the years, we logged countless miles and shared plenty of laughs together. Dennis was the consummate Yamaha District Manager—dedicated, professional, and deeply respected. But to me, he was much more than a colleague; he was also a trusted friend and mentor.”

Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and raised in Wyoming and Spearfish, South Dakota, Van Vactor was a talented pianist from a young age, performing professionally by age 12 and touring across the U.S. and Canada before starting his business career. In 1970, he co-founded Stephenson’s Music in Rapid City, South Dakota, with Glenn DePue before beginning his long career at Yamaha.

Following his retirement, Van Vactor returned to his roots as a pianist and arranger, performing with ensembles in Tucson, Arizona, while continuing to champion music education, particularly jazz and musical theatre at the middle school through college levels. He shared this lifelong passion with his daughter, Melissa, with whom he also worked during his Yamaha years.

Van Vactor is survived by his wife of 55 years, Martha; daughter Melissa; cousin Norva Kay; brother-in-law Lionel; and sister Connie. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal service. His ashes will be spread at Maroon Bells in Aspen, Colorado, a place of special significance to him and home to the Aspen Music Festival he cherished.