POTSDAM -- Robert Washburn, retired Crane School of Music composer and honored teacher, has died at United Helpers Riverledge facility in Ogdensburg. He was 85.

Dr. Washburn died late Wednesday night.

In 1980 he was commissioned to compose music for the opening ceremonies of the Lake Placid Winter Olympics which were broadcast over ABC, CBC and BBC television.

Among other venues of note, he performed at the White House as the guest of President and Mrs. Kennedy. His works were performed at EXPO 67 in Montreal, Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center and Lincoln Center.

Washburn became Dean and Professor Emeritus and Senior Fellow in Music at the Crane School, and continued his composing studies with some of the foremost teachers and institutions of music.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly, a son, Brooks Washburn, and a daughter, Roberta Scharf, all of Potsdam, and four grandchildren, Lindsay Washburn, New York City, Blake Washburn, Albany, Wendy Corcione, Albany, and Eric Scharf, Seattle, WA.

Calling hours to celebrate the life Dr. Robert Washburn will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at the Seymour Funeral Home, 4 Cedar St., in Potsdam

Born July 11, 1928 in Bouckville, N.Y., he was a graduate of the Crane School for both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict as chief arranger for the Air Force Band of the West and the Air Force Sinfonietta. He spent a year as a member of the San Antonio Symphony, and met his future wife, Beverly J. Darnell, who was one of the founding members and assistant conductor of the Women's Air Force Band. They were married on July 10, 1952 in San Antonio.

Following his military service, Washburn returned to Potsdam where he joined the faculty of the Crane School at the invitation of Dean Helen Hosmer.