In Memoriam: Industry Veteran Lon Brannies Longtime Yamaha employee and audio industry veteran Lon Brannies passed away on April 18 after a long illness. Brannies spent 27 years with Yamaha and held two positions during his tenure. He was initially hired as a professional audio district manager covering the southern region of the U.S. In 2001, he was named Yamaha Commercial Audio Salesperson of the Year for the Yamaha pro audio and combo division. Continuing his role as district manager for the newly formed Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. in 2007, Brannies became a consultant marketing manager. In 2008, he went back to college and earned a bachelor's degree in business marketing. He penned numerous audio articles, spoke at and contributed to panel discussions, and attended most trade exhibitions including AES, NAB, NSCA, and InfoComm. "Our heartfelt sympathy is extended to Lon's wife Mary, son, daughter and two granddaughters," says Larry Italia, vice president/general manager, Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems, Inc. "Lon was extremely instrumental to our success and very dedicated to his customers within the commercial audio market. A true Texas gentleman, Lon had many friends within the industry who, along with all of his family here at Yamaha, will remember his deep, hearty Texas laugh. We will miss him." Born in the Pacific Northwest just after World War II, Brannies spent 15 years as a sound and electronic systems contractor prior to joining Yamaha. He began his earliest technology career in the Air Force, 761st Radar Squadron located in North Bend, Oregon. An avid reader and salt-water fisherman, Lon called Houston home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Lon Brannies to H.E.A.R. at www.hearnet.com. 
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