Iron Mountain: Ron Caviani passed away Friday January 16, 2004 at home with members of his family present. Ron was born on March 12, 1931 to Frank and Delgisa Cavaiani in Iron Mountain. He is survived by his 4 children, Ronald Jr. (Lisa), Christine Caviani-Moore (Jim), Sandra Caviani, Susan Fleming (Dennis), a brother Francis Caviani (Maria) and Paula Spicuzzi a special friend. Five grandchildren, Aaron and Kristin Caviani, Christopher Larson, Joey and Raymond Fleming as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his Father, Frank in 1986 and his Mother Delgisa in 2000. Ron attended Iron Mountain High School where he graduated in 1949. Upon completion of high school he enlisted in the Marine Corp during the Korean conflict. Ron became a member of the elite Marine Corp Band which afforded him the opportunity to personally meet and play for then president of the United States Dwight D. Eisenhower. After being discharged from the Marines he attended Northern Michigan University and graduated in 1961. During his time at NMU his musical composition talents were recognized with the performance of his early pieces. This was a huge accomplishment since he was attending school full time while taking care of his family. In the fall of 1961, Ron and his family moved to South Bend, Indiana where he accepted a fellowship at Notre Dame to further his studies in music. Ron would go on to graduate with honors from Notre Dame in 1964. In 1964 Ron accepted a position with the Brandywine Schools where he was the orchestra director for 3 years. From there Ron and his family moved to Marquette Michigan where for 12 years he was a professor at Northern Michigan University. During this time he was the resident composer and arranger for the marching band. He was the conductor of the Jazz Band where his students referred to him as "Fearless Leader". While he was at NMU Ron established and conducted the Upper Peninsula Youth Orchestra, an organization that brought young musicians together from all over the Upper Peninsula. In 1979 Ron accepted a position as a professor of music composition and theory at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. Upon retirement Ron moved back to Iron Mountain, Michigan to help care for his mother. He continued to write music. He stayed musically active by offering his talents to area high schools, where he helped with the jazz programs. He also worked with the orchestra programs in the Marquette schools. He was also active at NMU and MTU, helping with their jazz program. He loved playing his bass and did so with the Keweenaw and Marquette Symphony Orchestras. The musical works of Ron Caviani can be found with several music publishers including, Southern Music, Shawnee Press, Really Good Music LLD, and Hinshaw Music Co. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the, "Ron Caviani Scholarship Fund" through the Iron Mountain High School or to the Dickenson County Cancer Unit. Visitation will be Tuesday January 20, 2004 from 4-6PM at the Jacobs Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be Tuesday 6PM at the Jacobs Funeral Home. Fr. Mark Hagan will officiate. Friends may leave condolences and tributes to Ron's family at www.jacobsfuneralhomes.com