1957
2017
John W. Stout, March 21, 1957 - April 4, 2017.
As we reflect on our lives, we often ask: "Did I make the lives of those I touched a little bit better? Did I help?" For John W. Stout (University of Michigan BM '79, MM '81), the answer is a resounding and unequivocal yes!
John was an artist, philanthropist, entrepreneur, and a consummate gentleman. His passion for music and the arts started early in life. By age 15, encouraged by his high school band director, he wrote large scale works for band and orchestra. At age 21, he began to publish his music with commercial publishers, composing and arranging more than 500 works for bands and orchestras as well as film and television scores. John was the recipient of a number of grants, awards, and commissions from performing groups that ranged from K-12 to university bands and orchestras as well as professional ensembles including the Boston Pops Orchestra. John's arrangements have been the cornerstone of the Michigan Marching Band's halftime performances for over 41 years. As a freshman at the University of Michigan in 1975, John began his composition studies with Leslie Bassett, William Bolcom, and William Albright. A bassoonist, and tenor saxophonist in the MMB, John also holds the distinction of being the Marching Band's first Donald R. Shepherd Scholarship recipient, awarded in 1978. This annual award is given to select junior and senior members of the MMB who have made exemplary contributions to the band throughout their time in the ensemble. There have now been more than 360 recipients of this honor. Inspired by this award John, and his wife Gail Ferguson Stout (BA '81), established the Stout Family Marching Band Scholarship in 2004, which honors musical excellence and a strong commitment to the MMB. Both John and Gail have served as members of the Michigan Marching Band's Elbel Club committee, co-chairs of the MMB's Victors for Michigan Development Committee, members of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance campaign advisory committee, and as supporters and members of the University Musical Society's Ambassadors and Board of Directors.
As an entrepreneur, John began his career in software development at the School of Music, Theatre and Dance as a student, first exploring the world of software using the school's PLATO system, and then interning with Ford Motor Company. He helped create the award winning Video Voice, an early '80s computer game that assisted deaf people to learn to speak more clearly. He worked for several years at the U-M Space Physics Research lab, helping create software for a weather satellite that eventually flew on the space shuttle. John founded Stout Systems in 1993; an award-winning corporation that provides expert level software, web and embedded systems development consulting and staffing services. During his years as an independent consultant, John established a track record of providing cutting-edge technology to clients. As a result, John was named the "Overall Winner" of Corp! Magazine's 2013 "Entrepreneurs of Distinction" award. Stout Systems expanded on John and Gail's philanthropy, sponsoring University Musical Society performances, downtown Detroit's Tech Town, and multiple other organizations helping young entrepreneurs and IT professionals.
John is survived by his beloved Gail (née Ferguson), his wife of 35 years; his children Michael (Amber) and Lauren; and his mother Mary Louise Stout (née Copley). He was the kind brother of Susan L. Hammer (Tony) and Steven C. Stout (Colleen) and sisters-in law Patricia E. F. de Castrejón (José) and Carol Radliff (Peter), and nieces and nephews Ana Washington (Marvin), Lori Castrejón (KC Knipple), Joshua Castrejón (Reneé), Nick Hammer, and nephew to Ruth Stout Hays and Dr. Paul B. Hays, as well as a wonderfully large extended family. John was preceeded in death by his father, William A. Stout.
John's devotion, care, and concern for the well-being of the University of Michigan Band Program has been inspirational and unforgettable. Through his many arrangements and compositions, we will be constantly reminded of John's belief in arts education and the importance of music in our culture. Through his philanthropy, we will always be reminded of his love and support. We have lost a valiant victor who will be forever missed by those who had the honor and privilege to know him. A celebration of life will be held Sunday, April 23, 2017, at the Jack Roth Stadium Club at Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Michigan. A short program will begin at 2 pm during what John wanted – a party! Members of the Michigan Bands will perform. Memorial contributions in John's honor may be made to: The Michigan Marching Band Elbel Club Fund #303403, providing valuable support for the most urgent funding priorities of the Michigan Marching Band (MMB), including support for MMB students. Revelli Hall, Att: Kimberly Baumgartner, 350 E. Hoover St. Ann Arbor, MI 48104-3707 The University Musical Society (UMS) Orchestral Residency Fund #925801, supporting UMS's significant commitment to orchestral residencies on the U-M campus, including a unique three-year partnership with the New York Philharmonic. The University of Michigan Cancer Care Center Bone Marrow Transplant Unit Fund # 363382 Gifts ensure that severely ill cancer patients, whose conditions require that they undergo this highly specialized treatment, receive the most compassionate care, the benefits of multidisciplinary collaboration, and the latest research innovations.
How To Make A Gift:
Go to leadersandbest.umich.edu and click on the "Give Now" button. You can then enter the fund number directly into the search box.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Hosmer-Muehlig Funeral Chapel.
December 26, 2017
Martha Diamond
Dearest Gail-
I just now learned of John's passing. Please know that I carry you, the kids--and him--in my heart. Love, Martha
December 22, 2017
Cynthia Campbell Hoffman
Gail and family, I am just devastated to learn about John's passing. Amazing after all these years , ( John and I attended West Hills together) we always touched base at the Michigan games. You could spot John in an instant. I will cherish the memories of him coming to our home in Bloomfield Hills with a passion to learn, write and play music from my dear father. What an incredible life he had and passed the torch of his passions to so many. God Bless you Gail. What an immense loss for all.
October 5, 2017
Bill Braymer
John was an accomplished yet humble gentlemen. He always put his best foot forward and did indeed improve my life over the 10 years I knew him.
August 1, 2017
Mark Shecter
Did John go to Booth Elementary school?
June 29, 2017
I knew John primarily at Andover High School where his gifts were becoming evident. How wonderful to read how much since then he and Gail have shared all his and her fantastic gifts with others and with The MMB. I do believe his music and their gifts will live on at Michigan! May God bless you Gail and your children.
Lisa Benish Wadsworth
June 6, 2017
Our son Jonathan is just one of the thousands of musicians whose lives have been forever changed because of John Stout and his wife Gail. Their incredible generosity - whether to the music programs at Ann Arbor Public Schools or the music programs at the University of Michigan - knew (knows) no bounds. John, while on this earth far too little time, did more for more people that most of us could hope to accomplish in three lifetimes. The Bower Family is forever grateful and wishes the Stout family peace and love in knowing that John W Stout's influence is eternal. Jayne and Jeff Bower
May 13, 2017
Barbara Goodsitt
I am so sorry for your family's loss. I hope you are all comforted by the wonderful memories and love that you shared. His time was too short on this earth, but he did so much!
May 4, 2017
Friend
Kathleen Norton-Schock
John was truly a unique, creative, and inspiring colleague and friend. I met him through mutual friends (the Kellmanns) but kept in touch through mutual interests (information technology and entrepreneurship in the state of Michigan). John always had a pragmatic and realistic view of most topics we discussed. And he was caring and connected, always. I think The Mitten State benefited from his many gifts. I know that I benefited from our talks. Sending empathetic thoughts to his family and his "work family", too. May you, all, find peace in knowing that he reached many people, in many positive ways.
Kathleen
April 25, 2017
John Stout
It is with great sadness that I learned about the passing of John W. Stout. Unfortunately, I never had the pleasure of meeting John, but I did get his email, by mistake, on occasion. We share the same name and based on what I have read about John, I hope we share some DNA because he clearly touched so many people and was a wonderful person.
April 24, 2017
Lisa Pappas
The planet really is a better place with John Stout having lived on it. Here's wishing peace and comfort to his family and loved ones.
April 23, 2017
Tom Urich
Herzliches Beileid zum Alle
April 22, 2017
Bob and Carol Martin (Godt)
It was my privilege to play alongside John in the Tenor Sax section my freshman year, 1978. Even though he was a senior, it was his first time marching in the MMB. I had no idea then how special he was but I was impressed by his pursuit of excellence in everything. Thank you, John, for creating the music of our lives! Gail, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
April 19, 2017
Carol Radliff
Sending our love!
Pete & Carol
April 19, 2017
Lori Castrejon-knipple
We love you Uncle John! We will miss you tremendously! ❤❤❤
K.C., Lori, Juwan, Jalen, Isabel, Carlos, and Miguel
April 18, 2017
Adam Redstone
John's passion for music and the MMB will not be forgotten and his soul lives on through the music. Having him and Gail present at so many performances and rehearsals meant a lot to me and the other bandos and he will be missed. Much love goes out to the Stout family!
April 15, 2017
Roy Ramthun
John's music is the heart of the Michigan Marching Band and he will be remembered forever because of it. Thank you for the music! It has been written in our hearts.
April 15, 2017
Michael Conlin
Wow, what sad news. I knew the software side of John, and although I knew he had a music background, I never knew he was so active in that area. Also, given my own hearing loss, it's amazing that he developed a system to help deaf people to learn to speak more clearly. John was my inspiration to become a sponsor of The University Musical Society (UMS) beginning 2 years ago. He will be missed.
April 13, 2017
Susan McLain
My sympathy to you Gail and your family. All who had the good fortune to be in the MMB when you two were or the good fortune to have benefited from his talent and passion. John will be missed by all from many generations but everyone will continue to be blessed by his footprints.
April 13, 2017
Jim "Armstrong" Montgomery
I had the good fortune to know John as a member of the Michigan Marching Band from 1982-1986. So much more than our music arranger, John was a wonderful human being. The world is a better place for John being in it and would be a much better place if more of us were like John. Gail, my thoughts are with you and your family. My heart hurts for you all. I am smiling now as I think of John and the memories come flooding back. I think one of my all time favorite memories of John was in our MMB Ghostbuster show when he was one of the Ghostbusters running around with his proton pack fighting all the ghouls and goblins! Such a gentleman, such a giver, such an energetic and fun person. I'll say it again. John, you're a wonderful human being...
April 13, 2017
Paul Rakowicz
So sorry to hear of John's passing. He will be greatly missed.
April 13, 2017
Coworker
Erik Przekop
I worked with John several times in the early and mid 90's. He helped me grow professionally, and was always a kind and caring person. He will be missed.
April 12, 2017
Joann Green
So sorry to read of John's passing. I remember him as a kind young man when he would come into Revelli Hall during his lunch hour to work on arrangements for the Marching Band. He was such a devoted, hard working, considerate individual and it seems he accomplished a great deal during his short life. I am sure he will be greatly missed by so many.
Secretary of University Bands at Revelli Hall, 1984-1987
April 12, 2017
Elaine Owsley
Gail - this is more sadness than you should have in so short a time. Thinking of you in this new loss.
April 11, 2017
David E Thompson
Gail, I am very saddened to hear of John's passing. I know you will miss him a lot. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
April 11, 2017
Steve Cherba
Sorry to learn of John's passing, I always enjoyed listening to John's arrangements and compositions as played by the MMB. Steve Cherba MMB'69-'71
April 11, 2017
Madeleine and Philip Macy, MMB 1974-1978
John will be missed by so many, his impact on band music was unmatched. God bless the family and bring them peace.
April 11, 2017
Terence Martin
John was the personification of Yuba. Determination, excellence, creativity, compassion, cooperation, dedication, and the list could go on for pages. The Block M floats with a hole in the formation today, but it still sounds fantastic because it's playing his music. God-speed, John. You will be missed here, but the half-time shows in Football Valhalla just got a huge upgrade!
April 11, 2017
Duane Dewald
I can't listen to Earth Wind, and Fire without remembering those awesome arrangements.
April 11, 2017
Mike Filkins
So sorry to hear of John's passing. It was wonderful to play all those hockey band arrangements that John was producing as we performed! I enjoyed being in band with John.
Mike Filkins
April 9, 2017
Gail, Lauren and Michael,
So sorry to hear of John's passing. Keeping you all close in prayer during this very difficult time.
Anne and Larry Lawrence
April 8, 2017
John, you were one of the traditions of the Michigan Band. Your talent, passion and devotion were remarkable and appreciated by so many. Gail, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very sad time. Bob and Julie Libcke (Markovich)
April 7, 2017
Jim Allison
It was my privilege to play percussion on several of John's compositions in the Ann Arbor Concert Band, under his direction. His pieces were both challenging to play and wonderful to listen to. Thank you, John.
April 7, 2017
Mark Burnham
The entire Michigan Marching Band family has been graced by John's music and presence for decades. It is difficult to find the words to express the grief and the gratitude that we all share, as well as the outpouring of love that we all feel for John, Gail, Michael and Lauren. Gail, you have been a devoted and loving wife, caregiver and best friend for John. MMB loves you and shall continue to pray for you and your entire family. John - job well done my friend. You were one of a kind, and you have certainly left your mark on this world in more ways, and in more hearts than you can ever know. HAIL
April 6, 2017
Dan Meyers
Gail I can't know how this feels for you and your family. But please know that You and John are so much to my life. I pray and Thank God for you both and ask for comfort for you now!
April 6, 2017
Gail - thinking of you and the family during this difficult time. Christina Hicks
April 6, 2017
Rich Kifer
It has been our total privilege to know John W. Stout. In a brief amount of time, both Kathie and I grew to love this wonderful man. The Michigan Family has suffered a great loss, but his memory and his music will live on forever. He surely will live on in our hearts! Rich and Kathie Kifer
April 6, 2017
Suzanne Beadle
John was an 'amaizing' Michigan Man - true blue throughout his lifetime! His enthusiasm, hard work and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially the MMB family. He was absolutely one of the leaders and best. Thanks John, for living life as a valiant Wolverine and giving so much to so many .
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