Steiger, Leigh D. Obituary

Steiger, Leigh D. attended Kenmore West High School in Town Of Tonawanda, NY. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Steiger, Leigh D..

Graduation Year	Class of 1964
Date of Passing	Apr 08, 2012
About	STEIGER - Leigh D. April 8, 2012, age 65, loving father of Andrea (Patrick) McKenney, Bradley, Leigh II (Sylvia), August and Joel Steiger; cherished grandfather of Shauna, Hannah, Royston, and Athea; dear son of Bradley and Shirley (nee VanDewark) Steiger; brother of Lissa (Sherwood) VanDewark and Lauren (Richard) Hess. (Ret.) Leigh Steiger was born in Buffalo, N.Y., and entered the U.S. Air Force in 1968 after graduating from Eastman School of Music in Rochester, N.Y., with a dual degree in clarinet and music education. In addition to his assigned duty as an arranger, he performed on bass clarinet, clarinet and saxophone with the Concert Band. He has also appeared with a diverse array of musical performers, such as Dizzy Gillespie, Chick Corea, Buck Owens, Chuck Mangione and the Lennon Sisters. 29 years later, Steiger retired from the Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant, his distinctive career culminating as the manager of the Air Force Band of the Pacific. Upon his retirement, he reflected on his primary principle that guided him over his career: taking care of people. “I've been trying to do that my entire career, especially since I made chief,” Steiger added, “It says it all on Gen. Rutherford's Order of the Sword coin; ‘Take care of your people.’ That's been my big focus.”
Events	The family will be present for a Memorial Visitation on Thursday from 3-4 PM at the Central Park United Methodist Church, 216 Beard Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214 where a Memorial Service will immediately follow at 4:00 PM. Flowers gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Leigh's name to the American Legion Band of the Tonawanda's, PO Box 122 Tonawanda, NY 14150. Share condolences at www.AMIGONE.com Published by Buffalo News from Apr. 11 to Apr. 12, 2012.