Don Canedy, one of the founders of the Percussive Arts Society, died on July 1, 2015.

He began playing drums at age 10 and attended Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, where he received B.S. and MMEd. degrees. He started his professional career as a band director and professor at Southern Illinois University before being hired by the Rogers Drum Company in 1965 as Educational Director. He remained with the company after it was acquired by CBS Musical Instruments. He left the company in 1979 and began a career in real estate.

In 1964, he and Roy Burns co-authored a book, The Selection, Care, and Use of Cymbals, published by Henry Adler.

While still at Southern Illinois University, Don played a vital role in establishing the Percussive Arts Society. Canedy served as de facto president through 1964, when, at the December Percussive Arts Society meeting in Chicago, a constitution was adopted and officers were elected, and Canedy was named Executive Secretary.

Canedy also was in charge of publishing the PAS scholarly journal Percussionist. In 2011, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of PAS, Canedy recalled getting the first issue of Percussionist, which he refered to as the “little red book,” out to the members:

“In the fall of 1962 I called Remo Belli and said I needed four timpani heads and some other stuff. Two weeks later I got a package from Remo, and on top of the contents was an envelope with a check for $140 and a note from Remo that said, ‘Do whatever you can whenever you can.” We had been talking about PAS for months and had many hopes and dreams, so I knew what he intended for me to do and I did it.

“I called everyone I knew and asked for whatever help they might give in creating an official quarterly publication of the Percussive Arts Society. I contacted everyone I had met who was excited about percussion, teaching, manufacturing, retail, publishing, etc. I asked every question I could think of about starting a quarterly journal, and I spent time in the college library looking at professional journals of all kinds.

“I gave birth to Volume I, Number 1 of Percussionist in May 1963. Work had already begun on the next issue, and more and more help was being offered from all quarters of the PAS. It was an exciting time and there was much joy in the hearts of percussionists everywhere. To me it was like a great gift, a marvelous opportunity, and a huge challenge. I was so grateful to be associated with so many wonderful people of percussion. I am thankful that I was asked to do these things that had such great rewards for so many, and humbled by so much support.” According to PAS Executive Director Jeffrey Hartsough, “We are saddened to learn of the passing of Don Canedy, one of PAS’s founding members. Don was known as a class act and supporter of all percussive arts as well as a leader in the early years of our industry. PAS would not be here today without Don’s early leadership and long-term support. The PAS community extends our deepest sympathies to the Canedy family.”