Byron Peebles, a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic's trombone section from 1963 until 1999, passed away on January 16 in Glendale. He would have been 86 on January 30.

Peebles was hired by Los Angeles Philharmonic Music Director Zubin Mehta in 1963. He would go on to serve as principal and associate principal trombone until his retirement in 1999.

Born in Granum, Alberta, Canada in 1931, Peebles attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he received a bachelor's degree. He later earned a master's degree from the University of Southern California, where he was a student of Robert Marsteller.

After beginning his career in 1959 with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Peebles was invited by Fritz Reiner to join the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, where he would play trombone until moving back to Los Angeles.

Even after retiring, Peebles and his wife Louise remained huge supporters of the LA Phil and were very active in the Affiliates program.

In addition to his symphony activities, Peebles also taught privately and served on the faculties of USC, Cal-Arts, and Pomona College.

A memorial is planned for Sunday, January 29, 12 noon, at the Sheraton Universal Hotel - Starview Room.

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Sophie Jefferies, sjefferies@laphil.org, 213.972.3422