The death has been announced of Illinois Brass Band co-founder William Homer.

The Honorable Judge William F. Homer, passed away on August 4th in Tampa, Florida. He was aged 89.

He is survived by his loving wife Ludwina of 45 years and sons Eric and John.

Service

An electronic engineering graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology he served in the United States Navy during the Korean War, before attending the John Marshall Law School where he earned his JD with honours.

He later became a law firm partner and was appointed Associate Judge in 1974 and served on the bench until retirement in 1992. In addition to being a respected judge, he had a great passion for music and the arts.

Judge Homer enjoyed playing with the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and Waukegan City Band and was recipient of the Jack Benny Arts & Humanities Award.

Illinois

He was the co-founder of the Illinois Brass Band in which he played for almost 20 years.

IBB Co- Founder, George Foste said that Judge Homerw was "a great friend and IBB would not have likely started without him. Bill had a great sense of humor and was fun to be with. I had breakfast with him about every week until they moved to Florida. Politics was always up for discussion."

It was at a gathering at the Homer's home attended by Neil Smith, then President of Boosey & Hawkes, USA, that financial assistance would be available if Homer and Foster started a brass band. After hearing the Desford Colliery Band in Milwaukee a few weeks later the wheels were put into.

George Foster recounted that the very first big cheque from Boosey & Hawkes for $3000 was lost and had to be reissued. It was later found after Homer's retirement in the judge's chambers as a book mark in one of his law books!4BR

30th anniversary

2021 will mark IBB's 30th anniversary. George Foster recounted that the very first big cheque from Boosey & Hawkes for $3000 was lost and had to be reissued.

It was later found after Homer's retirement in the judge's chambers as a book mark in one of his law books!

Honour

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "The Illinois Brass Band will always be indebted to Judge William Homer and George Foster for their vision and perseverance in founding Illinois Brass Band. May the music continue forever in your honour."