Obituary of Thomas Lawrence Mapson

With love, prayers, and his family surrounding him, Thomas Lawrence Mapson passed away the evening of July 20, 2015 at his home in Colorado Springs, completing the last segment of his nearly two-year cancer odyssey. Tom was recognized far and wide for his professional and personal contributions to the piano industry and music education. Tom was 70.Having developed a passion for music as a young boy working in the music store his parents owned in Minnesota, Tom dedicated 50 years to the music products industry. Tom joined Yamaha Corporation of America in 1984. At the time of his retirement in July 2014, Tom had been serving as District Manager for the Rocky Mountain/Mid-West Region for several years. Yamaha recognized Tom's outstanding work by honoring him with the most prestigious President's Club status three times. In addition to his long service to Yamaha, Tom had an equally profound impact on the arts community in Colorado Springs. He coached many music teachers, assisting them in achieving optimum success with their students. Working alongside his wife, Jane, Tom was a staunch supporter of the Colorado Springs Conservatory, which provides performing arts immersion studies for students ages 3 though high school, including youth with disabilities. Additionally, Tom lent his personal and professional expertise to young musicians through the Vail Jazz Foundation, supporting the scholarship program for merit and financial needs- based youth in Colorado and throughout the US. VJF students are mentored by world-renown jazz greats, ensuring continuation of the legacy and growth of jazz. Tom loved ballroom dancing, and for a period of over ten years competed and placed in national competitions. Tom is survived by his wife, Jane; sons, Chris, Nathan, and Eric; daughters, Heidi Oldani and Gwen Regenwether; grandchildren, Catalina, Emily and Davis; and sons-in-law, Steve Oldani and Justin Regenwether. A family burial service has been held and a "Celebration of Life" gathering for family and friends is planned for August 16 in the Colorado Springs area. The family requests that emails for further details be sent to celebratetom.m@gmail.com.Friends may wish to contribute to their favorite charity in honor of Tom or to: Vail Jazz Foundation (christin@vailjazz.org), Colorado Springs Conservatory Foundation, (sautry@csconservatory.org), Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care, (Pikespeakhospice.org).Funeral Home:The Springs Funeral Services3115 East Platte AvenueColorado Springs, , COUS 80909 Events Service Tuesday, July 28, 2015 12:00AM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855