Obituary: Hyde, George Winslow
Age 92
He was best known for his work as a studio musician in Hollywood.
His professional career started on live radio which led to a contracted position with Warner Brothers.
His horn can be heard on numerous movies including “Dr. Zhivago”, “Blazing Saddles”, “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid” and “Dances with Wolves”.
He also worked extensively for television and played on such signature shows as “Bonanza”, “Little House on the Prairie”, “Rockford Files”, “Happy Days” and “Matlock”.
George played in “Mash” the television series, his horn can be heard as David Ogden Stires plays the French horn and then again when the horn gets run over.
Many popular music artist utilized his horn talents along with Looney Tunes and Saturday morning cartoons.
In addition, George was a member of the Glendale Symphony, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Civic Light Opera, a 50 year member of the Pasadena Symphony and a charter member of the Los Angeles Horn Club.
George was born November 21, 1921 in New York, moved to Santa Ana, California at the age of four and learned to play the French horn in school.
Excelling, he went on to study music at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, during that time his roommate was the renowned jazz pianist, Dave Brubeck.
After graduation, he enlisted into the Army Air Corps, the 238th Base Unit, in Roswell, NM., as a Bandsman and was a conductor of a swing band.
The war being over, he went to the Thornton School of Music at the University of Southern California for his Master’s Degree.
Even while very busy with his musical career, he found time to become a professional dog trainer and judge, at which he also excelled.
George loved his USC football team and golf.
After his retirement, George moved to Spokane, Washington in 2003.
He soon became friends with the horn community of Spokane, playing for the Gonzaga Orchestra and Project Joy.
Also, he composed and produced three CD’s.
He lived in his own home until he was in declining health, then moved to Orchard Crest in the Spokane Valley, Washington.
George lived a wonderful life and met many interesting people along the way.
He will be missed by his family and friends, plus his wonderful friends of the horn community.
George is survived by his step-son Burt; wife, Priscilla; step-grandsons, Sean and Cary Shepherd; Pamela Popplewell; and great-grandson, Christian Shepherd.
He was preceded in death by, Henri Rae Hyde, Jane Hyde; and his two loving dogs, Dennis and Finchley.
We would like to thank Orchard Crest and especiall Horizon Hospice of Spokane for their care.
At George’s request, there will not be a service, but there will be a celebration of life by the horn community at a later date.
Donations can be made to: Spokane Symphony, Horizon Hospice, and the Humane Society.