Clyde Simons Hiss
Dr Clyde Simons Hiss passed away January 28th after 13 months of homecare provided by his loving wife Patricia Hawkins Hiss and the extraordinary staff of Hospice. The cause of death was a non-repairable heart valve. He was 91 years of age.
Clyde was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Dorothy Simons Hiss and Edward A. Hiss. His brother was Edward “Ted” A. Hiss whose children, Michael and Cynthia live near Austin, Texas.
His love of music began in childhood but began to flourish when he was invited to participate in the young artist division at Tanglewood. He received his BM degree from Baldwin Wallace College (now BWU) and was inspired by a suggestion that he could develop a University Opera Theater. Fully motivated, he earned his MM degree at the University of Illinois where he was mentored by Ludwig Zirner.
A first teaching position was for two years at Mercer College (now MU) in Macon, Georgia where he directed his first two operas. Then he went back to the U of I to begin his teaching fellowship and acquire his Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Fate intervened when he met new graduate student Patricia Hawkins…they sang together and then “she chased him until he caught her”. They married in 1966-yes 58 years ago.
Greenville, North Carolina, became their new home. In his 32-year tenure at East Carolina University, he produced over 35 full length operas, and sang 35 full length recitals in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Czech, and Hebrew. His students learned discipline and joy in their endeavors and went on to sing, compose, and direct opera all over the world. Patricia became his wife partner as costumer for the opera productions, rehearsal accompanist, duet partner and hostess for many post-concert gatherings.
During his NC tenure, he was a District Director for the Metropolitan Opera Auditions, a guest Director for several productions at the National Opera Company, in Raleigh, NC, a guest conductor for the Greenville Choral Society and a frequent soloist in oratorio performances.
When vacations rolled around, Clyde and Patricia traveled in the USA and much of Central and Eastern Europe as well as Russia. Concerts, operas, and birthplaces of composers were highlights of every trip. Food, new friends and an occasional beer added to the adventures.
When retirement arrived, they chose Bellingham, WA where his wife’s family, including his gracious and loving Mother-in-law Shirley Patterson Hawkins welcomed them. It was a great move. Family gatherings were warm and welcoming. Clyde became Auditions Chairperson for the Bellingham Music Club and later served as President. He gave several lectures for the Western Washington University Lifelong Learning program. For 11 years he and Patricia were members of the Bellingham Festival of Music Chorus and the Vancouver Bach Choir (chorus for the Vancouver, BC Symphony). What a thrill. They also served on the Advisory Board for the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra summer festival held in Bellingham.
His Sudden Valley home “Tall Trees” became a peaceful haven and a place of many gatherings with friends and family enjoying food, drink, laughter and warmth. All treasured commodities. Special family members included, Judy and Bruce Johnson, Pamela and Frank Procella and nieces Zoe and Wynne and their families.
A concert celebrating Clyde’s life will be featured in next year's program of the Bellingham Music Club. You will be a welcome guest. Gifts to honor Clyde may be made to the bellinghammusicclub.org/.
Memories
From Gail Haines
WOW/AWESOME/BOWLED over to learn of all Clyde’s achievements. I enjoyed his sense of humor and incredible wardrobe!
Patti and Clyde did so much for Bellingham Music Club and our community through the years for which I give so many thanks. Clyde’s presence will be missed by many.
With appreciation and thanks to Patti and Clyde.
Gail Haines
From Janette Fishell
A much loved former ECU colleague and forever friend- big heart and huge brain matched with boundless sense of humor. Clyde was one of God’s originals. Love to Patti, his equal in every way.
From Pat & David Leeder
On behalf of ourselves and my mom Helene Minari we send you our deepest condolences on your loss! My mom was part of Clyde & Patti’s lives for many years and was part of the Bellingham Music Club as well! They shared many concerts together and were such good friends! Our hearts break for you
From Phillip Brown
As a freshman at ECU in 1980, I was fortunate the meet the legendary Dr. Hiss. The following spring I was cast as Dr. Blind in Die Fledemaus. What a marvelous experience that was! In subsequent semesters I was in a number of Opera Scenes performances . After a successful run, Dr. Hiss asked if anyone could host the Cast Party, when no one else volunteered, my roommate and I volunteered our dorm room. And Dr. Hiss and Patty both attended! It was quite the party! My last memory was taking his class called Opera History. The text book “A Short History of Opera” was the thickest book I have ever seen. Obviously there is a lot of Opera History. Rest in peace, Dr. Hiss.
From Colette Millard
Patti and Clyde were good friends of Bob and I when we lived in Bellingham. I enjoyed going to the opera with them in Vancouver. I learned so much from Clyde during the performance...specially when he did not agree with the interpretation. My hart goes out to you Pattie.
From Michael Jay
Both Clyde and Patti were such good friends of my parents, Susan and Burton Jay. When my father passed, nearly every week, Clyde and Patti visited with my mother where they shared knowledge and memories of all things opera and sparred on obscure knowledge about music. I know my mother’s ability to manage the loss of her husband and emerge as a strong individual was in part due to the support and friendship with Clyde Hiss. Thank you to both Clyde and Patti for making my mother’s life so much better than it might have been.
From Mary McFarland
How fortunate I was to have Dr. Hiss (then) and Clyde (now) as my voice instructor/opera theatre director when I was in grad school at ECU! He and Patti are a part of my best memories! Over the years the friendship has led to numerous phone calls. I have been blessed!
Mary McFarland
From Ann Chaikin
I got to know Patti and Clyde singing together in local choirs. What great friends. One of the things I’ll always remember about Clyde, and Patti too, is their sartorial style. Clyde in bright colors. Patti in amazing outfits mostly designed and made by her. You two always looked like something very unique and special. Sending love to you Patti. May all your memories be good ones.
From Michelle Fiore
I am so sad to learn of Dr. Hiss’ passing. In 1990, I made my operatic debut as I was cast in scenes from “The Tenderland”, “The Cunning Little Vixen”, & then cast as Béatriz in “Christopher Columbus”. Dr. Hiss was one of those amazing directors who not only inspired, but also taught incredible discipline. While I have, unfortunately lost touch with him, there has not been a day that I haven’t thought about him & smiled. His memory will always be a blessing, & I am forever grateful that I was his student. Rest well, Maestro! I’m so very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Hiss. Much love to you. 💗
From Cara Waters
Dr. Hiss changed not only how I viewed music, but my entire work ethic. His instruction and demand for nothing less than my best pushed me to be a better singer, and more importantly musician. Later, those influences carry forward with me as I progress through life and my career. I have only fond memories of him. He was by far my favorite professor and teacher, ever.
From Bonnie Walker
I will forever be grateful to Dr. Hiss for taking me on as a voice student. He is the reason I stayed in music and received my BME. This year I retire after 53 of teaching. Dr. Hiss was the Best and a great inspiration to me. God grant his family peace in their loss.
From Helen Purdon
I remember thinking, "How does he keep all this opera stuff in his brain?" His smile is on my heart, and his full bellied, head thrown back laugh is in my ears as I fondly think of Dr. Hiss. Die Fledermaus and MacBeth were the productions I enjoyed the most with our interchangeable skirts and safety pinned sleeves (all thanks to Patty who was a magician with material!). God's comfort to the close community and family.
From Barb DeFreytas
Clyde was definitely one of a kind. My late husband and he were part of a Friday lunch bunch which focused its discussion around music of all things. I loved getting a hug from Clyde at Bellingham Music Club concerts. His wit, style and talents will surely be missed. We need more of his kind.
From Jacqueline Eli…
My deepest condolences. I was very surprised to hear about your loss. Clyde led an impressive life. He was a great talent. My mom would be heartbroken, if she understood the news. She always felt Clyde was like a brother. Apparently, their relationship included some fuss and bother but it was always underscored with great love and warmth. He will be remembered with fondly.
From Bobby Sullivan
It was a privilege to be rehearsal accompanist (and upon performances be in the supporting cast because of a passable tenor voice) for Dr. Hiss's Opera Theater in the early 1970's. His musicianship and opera knowledge was vast and he shared it with all of ECU's music students. We who were invited to his home were in awe of his vinyl music library! My heartfelt condolences to Patti and family.
From Eva und Rainer
We met Clyde with Patti in Eastern Europe, later in East Germany in the 80s.
Our hearts played the same melody.
Humor, music, opera, family, humanity. That's what connected us.
And that remains.
We're talking about our friend Clyde.
We don't forget the hours together, the laughter, the discussion about politics.
We don’t forget about empathy.
Your German friends Eva and Rainer
From Alta & Bill Stauffer
What a privilege to know Patti and Clyde, two remarkably talented friends. Meeting them at any music event was one of the highlights of the evening, not only to be in their company, but also to admire their clothes, all designed and made by Patti!
We will treasure those memories, and more. We’ll miss Clyde, but are also looking forward to sharing more fun times with Patti.
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