Glenn DePue, who distinguished himself as a highly successful executive throughout his remarkable 30-year career with Yamaha Corporation of America, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 3, at his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was 84.
Glenn was best defined as a devoted husband to his wife, Marian, a wonderfully loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and by his enduring love for music.
Born February 24, 1940, to William R. DePue and Esther A. Brohavgh, Glenn grew up in Raymond, Minnesota, where he attended St. Louis Park High School and first found his passion for playing the trombone.
Beginning in 1958, Glenn served four years in the U.S. Navy, attending Radarman school at Treasure Island, California in 1959. After serving on the destroyer Earnest G. Small, he was transferred to the USS Rochester until she was decommissioned in 1961.
Glenn’s love for music only grew during his time in the Navy. While in boot camp in San Diego, he participated in the Drum and Bugle Corps. During Radarman school, he performed with the school’s Command Band, and on the USS Rochester, he played trombone and keyboards in the ship’s band, The Blue Notes.
Glenn later studied Business Management at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. In 1970, he partnered with future Yamaha colleague Dennis Van Vactor to open Stephenson’s Music, a full-line musical instrument store in Rapid City, South Dakota.
His three-decade career with Yamaha began in 1979 when, at 39, he joined the world’s largest musical instrument manufacturer as a District Manager. He later became the Assistant Manager in charge of Portable Keyboards and the General Manager of what was then known as the Audio, Guitar and Synthesizer Division. He was named Vice President of the company’s Emerging Markets Group in 1995 before retiring from Yamaha in 2000.
Early in his career with Yamaha, Glenn met Marian Johnson, who recalls the encounter as “the best thing that ever happened to me!” The couple were married on September 3, 1981.
“Glenn was a much-loved leader at Yamaha who translated his passion for music and musical instruments into a fulfilling career,” said Tom Sumner, president, Yamaha Corporation of America. “He always showed joy in meeting and working with Yamaha artists and mentored many young leaders who went on to have great careers of their own at Yamaha. The Yamaha family will miss him, and we send our condolences to his wife, Marian.”
During his retirement, Glenn enjoyed amateur radio and playing many rounds of golf.
Glenn is survived by his wife, Marian; three daughters, Tina DePue, Tiffany Hunt and Deborah Gobel; and four stepchildren, Jeffery Scott Bradford, Staci Dawn Padilla, Wendy Kay Coakley and Lori Lewis, as well as 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Glenn will be held in Arizona at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Lung Association in Glenn’s name.
The DePue family would like to thank their music industry colleagues for their support, love, and strong belief in Glenn. They would also like to thank the staff of Mountain Vista Hospital in Mesa for their kindness, help, and support in providing Glenn’s care and extend their deepest appreciation to all their friends for their outpouring of love and support.
