30-Year Yamaha Exec Glenn DePue Passes Away

Glenn DePue, who had a 30-year career as an executive with Yamaha Corp. of America, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 3 at his home in Mesa, Arizona. He was 84.

Born Feb. 24, 1940, DePue 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.

DePue’s love for music 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.

DePue later studied business management at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and 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 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.

Early in his career with Yamaha, DePue 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 Corp. 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.”

DePue was best defined as a devoted husband to his wife, Marian, a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and by his enduring love for music.

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