Lawrence Weiner, composer, professor, husband, father, friend and mentor to many young musicians, died on June 26, 2009 in Austin, Texas with his wife Laura by his side. He was a brilliant man of extraordinary talent and boundless energy who devoted his life to music, teaching, family and friends. He will long be remembered for his passion, creativity, quick wit, force of personality and engaging smile. Neither Alzheimer?s disease nor death will quiet the voice of this gifted man, whose musical legacy will endure.Larry is survived by his beloved wife Laura Sherman and daughters Leah and Aria Sherman-Weiner of Austin, TX; son David Weiner of NYC; brother Alan (Phyllis) Weiner of Boca Raton, FL; brother Henry (Esther) Weiner of West Lafayette, IN; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his former wife Carmen Gonzalez Weiner. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael Weiner. Dr. Weiner was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Hilda Dapeer and Philip Weiner on June 22, 1932. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in 1954 and a Master of Music degree in 1956 from The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied with Kent Kennan, Janet McGaughey and J. Clifton Williams, who became a mentor and friend. During those years, he also forged a close friendship with fellow student and noted composer John Barnes Chance. After graduation, Larry joined the 4th U.S. Army Band at Ft. Sam Houston, where he was the principal pianist. In 1959 Larry began a teaching career that would span more than four decades, first serving as a choir director in San Antonio Northside ISD. He taught music theory and composition at Texas A&I University in Kingsville from 1968-74. Larry pursued doctoral studies at Indiana University and the University of Miami, studying with Juan Orrego-Salas, Alfred Reed and Clifton Williams. He was awarded a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition in 1972. It was at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi where Dr. Weiner?s musical career flourished. He actively composed and taught from 1974 until his retirement in 2003, when he was designated Professor and Composer-In-Residence Emeritus. During his tenure in Corpus Christi, Dr. Weiner also established and directed a highly acclaimed concert series, The Distinguished Visitors in the Arts. He moved to Austin in 2004, where he was residing at the time of his death. Dr. Weiner composed more than 160 compositions for a wide range of musical solos and ensembles, more than 50 of which are published. They include compositions for symphonic band, choral and chamber ensembles, percussion ensembles, four concerti, an oratorio and the opera-ballet ?Chipita Rodriguez,? for which he received a Creativity Award from the Texas Commission on the Arts in 1983. During his prolific career, Dr. Weiner received many commissions and awards, including the ABA Ostwald Award for ?Daedalic Symphony? and Pulitzer Prize nominations for ?Dialogues for Piano Trio? (1981) and ?Concerto for Piano and Orchestra? (1984). The close relationships he developed with musicians in conjunction with performances of his works were some of Larry?s greatest joys. Dr. Weiner?s musical legacy will be housed in the Lawrence Weiner Collection at the Dolph Briscoe Center for American History, The University of Texas at Austin. A catalog of his music may be found at www.lawrenceweiner.net. A memorial service honoring his life and music will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 2 p.m. at Oak Hill United Methodist Church in Austin. The family wishes to thank the many friends and caregivers who comforted Larry during his illness and request that any memorials in Larry?s honor be made to the Center for American History to support the Weiner Collection, the Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church Alzheimer?s Ministries, Wonders and Worries or a charity of the donor?s choice.