Tribute Wall
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Ron Wilbanks uploaded photo(s)
Friday, October 11, 2024
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Long before I had the pleasure of meeting Alicia Draper Upton in 7th grade in Saline, I first met her grandmother Gertrude, who lived a few doors down from my aunt on North Street in Milan, Michigan. I would always stop by and chat with her when she was outside doing yard work, and helped her a few times. She was one of the most pleasant personalities I ever met, like a ray of sunshine and had a passion for life. I also loved Gertrude’s dry sense of humor that Alicia apparently inherited from her.
Then in 1978, I moved to Saline and I first met Alicia in the 7th grade. Even back then she had a real passion for instrumental music, especially jazz and easy listening standards that once ruled the airwaves on radio stations across North America for decades, but faded in the 1970s as the “Top 40” format took over. Conversely, Alicia also loved Bruce Springsteen, and loved the Bert Kaempfert version of Sweet Caroline that I found at a record store in Ann Arbor while in high school. Likewise, Alicia loved marching bands, and the University of Michigan was her favorite back in those days.
When my mother was at Milan High School in early 2008, she struck up a conversation with Alicia and they both agreed it would be nice to bring the great swing music orchestras from the 1940s to the new high school auditorium, especially for the senior citizens in the community. My mother was active in the Milan High School band program for all four years when she was in high school, and loved being a majorette in the marching band. As you can imagine they both really struck a chord together, and truly loved the Glenn Miller sound. So a plan was formulated with the help of local sponsors in the community, and a year later on May 6, 2009, the “World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra” made an appearance on stage in the newly built high school.
In the years that passed since our graduation from Saline High School in 1984, Alicia went on to become a beloved band director at Milan Area Schools, and her passing is truly tragic as they lost an incredible human being, great teacher and mentor who was a true pillar in the community. For all of us from the Saline Class of 1984, we also lost great friend, classmate, and more
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R.I.P. Alicia, we’ll always love and miss you.
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Loren Rosenthal posted a condolence
Friday, October 4, 2024
I had the pleasure of being one of Mrs. Upton students along side my brother for 7 years in middle school all up until I graduated. She was truly a beautiful soul who always brought joy and smiles to whoever she encountered. Her love and passion for music not to mention Bruce Springsteen was what kept the band alive. She always believed in all of her students. She will be forever missed and never forgotten.
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Sam lit a candle
Friday, October 4, 2024
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I was taught by Mrs. Upton from middle school throughout high school. The impact that she had upon my life is unmatched. She will be deeply missed by the entire community. She leaves behind a incredible legacy.
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Scarlett Miko uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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Mrs. Upton was truly one of the best band teachers I could have hoped for, she inspired my love for music especially percussion. She was my favorite class to go to due to her personality, humor and teaching, we will miss her ❤️
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Tania Miko lit a candle
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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Mrs. Upton was an amazing band teacher & role model to many students including my daughter,She will be missed by many.
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Mark Reddock posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
I was fortunate enough to have Mrs. Upton as a teacher for 5 years. Throughout the years, her constant support and belief never wavered. She was a truly remarkable person and I will forever be thankful for all that she did for me and all her other students. We will miss you Mrs. Upton.
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Amos Trout posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
The loss of Mrs. Upton is truly tragic as we've lost an incredible and inspiring educator and community pillar. Being one of her students was an absolute honor, and I still hold her among the best of best. She had amazingly unique ways of reaching and inspiring her students to reach higher, work harder, and be better as musicians and individuals. I'm very grateful I had the opportunity to learn from her and her influence has pushed me to continuously practice patience, kindness, and to embrace creativity. She will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. I only wish I could have had one last conversation with her after graduating, even if only to thank her for her immense dedication and contributions to our community and families.
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Michael Withers posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Thank you Alicia for inspiring so many Milan musicians. Your impact on the Milan community will not be forgotten.
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Christian Wilson posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
You always believed the best in me and always encouraged me to do great things. You saw me for who I am even when it was not prevalent, pushing me, to be my best self. You have an impact on me that I still feel to this day. I will continue to make you proud and further push myself as you wanted me to do. You watched me grow up and through the years you were always there for me, there is not enough words in the world that I can say to tell you how much I appreciate you. Thank you everything. Rest easy Mrs. Upton.
Christian Wilson
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Shayla Powell uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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We laughed over this picture many times through the years. We were in Saginaw for an orchestra gig that both John and Gregg were playing. I can’t remember exactly how it happened but we were drafted to sing with the local Rotary choir and quickly given official T shirts. The only time I recall singing with you, dear friend. We sure did make a lot of music together over the years but this one time we sang side by side. “Because I knew you, I have been changed for good.”
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Elizabeth Satterley uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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You loved our children fiercely, nurtured their creativity and showed us parents parts of their personalities that we may not have met otherwise. I have been a fangirl of yours for 9 years and I don't expect that to stop anytime soon. I hope you know how loved you are. Thank you for everything. Rest in power, rest in peace. The Satterley Family.
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Laurie uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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Thank you for sharing your love of music with my children. They both loved you for treating them with kindness and sharing your love of music with them. Music will remain an important part of their lives forever. Rest in Peace. The Englehart Family
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Helen Bas posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
John, I am so sorry you have lost the love of your life. My condolences to you and your family. May she rest in peace.
Helen Bas (Tom Glasscock's wife)
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Tom Faro posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
We are forever thankful/blessed that our two children had Alicia as a music educator and life cheerleader. She consistently demonstrated genuine love and care for her students. We love and miss you, Alicia. God bless you all.
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Bill Brown posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Your legacy is so commendable. Your passion for your students was so admirable and I was very proud to call you my colleague.
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Kathy Falkner posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Music people are the brightest lights in public schools! She will be missed. Kathy Falkner
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Mary Kerkes posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
While your gifts were many, perhaps your most important gift was the way you made others feel seen. Thank you for seeing my daughter. Thank you for seeing each child who was entrusted to your care.
Milan is less bright in your absence.
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John Upton uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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I miss you terribly Alicia, but I'm so happy you're done fighting cancer. I guess I always got in on an intellectual level, but now I know deeply and with great surety why the New Orleans funeral bands have always played happy music on the way back from the cemetery. You fought the good fight, and your work here is done. You've earned your rest. You left this world so much better than you found it! I love you forever and a day.
John Upton
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The family of Alicia Upton uploaded a photo
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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Please wait
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Kayla Saneholtz uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
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John, so sorry for your loss. The love you two shared was evident. If pictures could talk, this one says 1000 words.
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MaryBeth Minnis posted a condolence
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Oh I am so sad to hear of Alicia's passing. She was a wonderful music educator, so good to her students. She would often be my room chair at Solo & Ensemble Festival and we would have a terrific time! She will be missed!
