Blue Knights mourns passing of Lynn Lindstrom

George & Lynn Lindstrom
George & Lynn Lindstrom

DENVER, CO – The Blue Knights family is saddened by the loss of the long-time staff member, Lynn Lindstrom. She passed after prolonged battle with cancer on Wednesday, January 27, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. Lynn is survived by husband George and children, Ryan and Shelley.

Lynn became involved with the Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps with her husband George (who was a past Blue Knights Drum & Bugle Corps executive director) in 1983 and has been one of our most ardent supporters and dedicated staff members ever since. Lynn and George headed up Ascend Events for over 30 years, planning and managing the Drums Along the Rockies, Corps Encore and the Friendship Cup Scholastic Marching Band Competition shows. She had been the Drums Along the Rockies chairperson since 1985.

“This is such a loss all of us,” stated Mark Arnold, Executive Director of Ascend Performing Arts. “Lynn’s contributions positively impacted so many.  Her focus was always upon the young people we serve. She was the silent titan who made it all happen. Our hearts go out to her husband George, the entire Lindstrom family and all who were touched by her life as we mourn together, and reflect upon all she did to make this world a better place.”

Lynn was also one of the founders of Winter Guard International, and the Executive Director from 1978 to 2001. As Executive Director, Lynn was instrumental in nurturing the explosive growth of color guard from 34 guards in 1978 to over 300 participating at the point when she retired in 2001. She led WGI’s expansion into percussion ensemble and marching band competitions.

In 1992, thanks to the efforts of George and Lynn, WGI expanded to include percussion as a part of the “Sport of the Arts” which enabled the creation of the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble; the longest-running Percussion Independent World group in WGI with 4-WGI Championships and 21 Rocky Mountain State Championship titles. BKPE was also the first WGI group affiliated with a DCI drum corps.

At the first WGI with Lynn & George Lindstrom and Don Angelica.
At the first WGI in 1978 with Lynn & George Lindstrom and Don Angelica (photo courtesy WGI).

Lynn was an inaugural WGI Hall of Fame inductee in 1992 and a Dayton Community Ambassador award winner. Not one for the spotlight, she shied away from personal recognition, opting always to ensure those around her received the same life-changing experience she did as a performer. Her dedication was unwavering as Lynn even hand-sewed the very first WGI championship flag herself.

Ascend Performing Arts and the Blue Knights programs have been made possible largely because of Lynn’s leadership, passion for the activity and vision of the future. Our organization is stronger and serves more youth than ever before thanks to her efforts and dedication.

George has asked us to share with you the Lindstrom family’s deep appreciation for all of the positive thoughts and wells wishes sent their way during this very difficult time.

Services are are being arranged. We will post as more information becomes available. Please keep Lynn’s family in your thoughts during this difficult time.


UPDATE: The Lindstrom family has decided on Saturday, April 30, 2016 as the day we will celebrate Lynn’s life in Denver.  To get more information about the location and RSVP, please visit Facebook. 


Share This Post

BKX25 staff annc guard wp

Jessica Glasgow & Brandy DuBose Join Staff

The Blue Knights is excited to announce Jessica Glasgow as Visual Coordinator & Guard Designer and thrilled to welcome back Brandy DuBose in the role ...
Read More →
BKPE staff annc wp

BKPE Welcomes Shane Gwaltney & Tanner Leonardo

The Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble is thrilled to announce the addition of Shane Gwaltney and Tanner Leonardo to the 2025 Design Team! Shane Gwaltney joins ...
Read More →
BKPE staff annc wp

Sean McElroy Returns to BKPE

Sean McElroy returns to the Blue Knights Percussion Ensemble as Visual Designer for the 2025 season. Sean McElroy grew up in southwest Denver, Colorado in ...
Read More →
BKX25 PERC staff annc wp

Welcome 2025 BKDBC Percussion Staff

                                   The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps is ...
Read More →
BKX25 staff annc wp

Felix Cruz III and Ronnie Pruitt Join 2025 BK Staff

The Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps is excited to announce two additions to the 2025 staff. “We are very excited to bring on board ...
Read More →
Scholarship Winners

BKDBC 2024 Scholarship Winners

Ascend Performing Arts is proud to announce 2024’s Scholarship Recipients Ascend Performing Arts is committed to making life-changing performing arts experiences available to all. While ...
Read More →
Scroll to Top

Subscribe

* indicates required
/( mm / dd )
Country Code
Ascend Performing Arts - By providing your phone number, you agree to receive promotional and marketing messages, notifications, and customer service communications from Ascend Performing Arts. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Text HELP for help. Text STOP to cancel.See terms.
Events & Happenings
Fundraisers
Alumni
Newsletter
Volunteering

Intuit Mailchimp

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.