Eric Andrew Rombach-Kendall

Eric Andrew Rombach-Kendall, 64, died on the night of January 24, 2022 from a major heart attack.  He lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico since the Fall of 1993.  He was preceded in death by his mother, Sue Ann Rombach and his uncle, Tom Tappan.  He is survived by his father: Jerry Kendall of South Carolina, wife: Julie Rombach-Kendall, daughter: Rebecca Kendall, son: Michael Kendall, and half-sisters: Karen Beagle, Christine White, Kathy Van Riper and Shelly Rombach.

          Eric was born in California and moved to Tacoma, Washington as a child.  He attended the University of Puget Sound for his Bachelor of Music, and later the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor for his Master of Music degrees.         

          Eric Rombach-Kendall was the Director of Bands at the University of New Mexico since 1993.  He served as College Band Directors National Association president from 2011-2013.  He was the Band Director at Boston University from 1989-1993.  Eric also served as the Band Director of Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota in 1988 and as a high school band director in Washington.

          Professor Eric Rombach-Kendall was a kind, honest teacher and conductor with fantastic musicianship, but even more importantly, he was an incredible human being.  As a husband, Eric regularly shared many outdoor adventures with his wife, Julie, often indulging her moose obsession.  He loved being in nature and camping with his family, especially Rebecca and Michael.  One of his proudest moments was when Rebecca married David Sorensen in 2019.  The above picture was taken on their wedding day by Seth Goodman.  He also loved watching Michael play football and basketball and run track.  He was very proud of Michael’s Personal Trainer certification and high grades at UNM. 

          Eric was many things to many different people: husband, father, son, brother, mentor, teacher, conductor and friend.  On this we can all agree, we loved him dearly.  His spirit lives on in our hearts and the music we make.  Rest in peace, our beloved Eric.

            Eric’s Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 20, 2022 at 1PM at the St. John’s UMC Prayer Garden in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  In lieu of flowers, please support the Eric Rombach-Kendall Memorial Band Scholarship at the UNM Dept. of Music.  Gifts may be mailed to UNM Foundation, 700 Lomas NE, Albuquerque, NM  87102, or made online at https://www.unmfund.org/fund/rombach-kendall