Obituary for Oscar William Van Auken III
Oscar William Van Auken “Wil”, of Port Washington, NY, died unexpectedly Monday, August 14, 2023, leaving behind a legacy rooted in music.
At a very young age, music touched Wil’s soul. Growing up in San Antonio, TX, he realized his passion by listening and playing music. He first learned to read music, play the piano and trombone. Wil’s first guitar changed his life forever igniting his lifelong dream to perform. Joining local musicians regularly, Wil was considered a consummate professional approaching every performance well-prepared and grateful for the opportunity. Wil’s music endeavors and friendships led him to Telluride, CO, Los Angeles, CA, and ultimately New York City.
Wil was outgoing and valued his close network of friends inside and outside the music industry. Loved ones fondly remember Wil as an extraordinarily talented guitar player who was gracious, generous, gentle, caring, humble, and determined. His warm, welcoming smile was his signature. Most importantly, Wil was a spiritual man whose life was guided by a strong belief in a greater power.
Wil leaves behind his parents, Bill and Jane Van Auken of San Antonio, TX, his sister, Celeste of Florida, his partner for the past decade, Ellen Weidenburner of Port Washington, NY, and a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Serl (2004).
A celebration of Wil’s life will be held in the near future in the Port Washington, NY area. In lieu of flowers, Wil’s family requests that you take time to pick up your instrument or go listen to music with someone you love and think of Wil. Or, you can make a donation to the John Philip Sousa Memorial Bandshell Sunset Park Home of Port Washington's Community Concerts. https://www.sousamemorialbandshell.org/
“If you play music with passion and love and honesty, then it will nourish your soul, heal your wounds, and make your life worth living. Music is its own reward.” Sting
At a very young age, music touched Wil’s soul. Growing up in San Antonio, TX, he realized his passion by listening and playing music. He first learned to read music, play the piano and trombone. Wil’s first guitar changed his life forever igniting his lifelong dream to perform. Joining local musicians regularly, Wil was considered a consummate professional approaching every performance well-prepared and grateful for the opportunity. Wil’s music endeavors and friendships led him to Telluride, CO, Los Angeles, CA, and ultimately New York City.
Wil was outgoing and valued his close network of friends inside and outside the music industry. Loved ones fondly remember Wil as an extraordinarily talented guitar player who was gracious, generous, gentle, caring, humble, and determined. His warm, welcoming smile was his signature. Most importantly, Wil was a spiritual man whose life was guided by a strong belief in a greater power.
Wil leaves behind his parents, Bill and Jane Van Auken of San Antonio, TX, his sister, Celeste of Florida, his partner for the past decade, Ellen Weidenburner of Port Washington, NY, and a multitude of friends. He was preceded in death by his brother, Serl (2004).
A celebration of Wil’s life will be held in the near future in the Port Washington, NY area. In lieu of flowers, Wil’s family requests that you take time to pick up your instrument or go listen to music with someone you love and think of Wil. Or, you can make a donation to the John Philip Sousa Memorial Bandshell Sunset Park Home of Port Washington's Community Concerts. https://www.sousamemorialbandshell.org/
“If you play music with passion and love and honesty, then it will nourish your soul, heal your wounds, and make your life worth living. Music is its own reward.” Sting