Walter Parazaider obit

Walter Parazaider Dies: Sax Player & Founding Member Of Rock Band Chicago Was 81

 He was not on the list.

Walter Parazaider, a founding member of the jazz-rock band Chicago whose saxophone provided the punch of “Just You ‘n’ Me” while his flute solo on “Colour My World” lent that song its romantic poignance, died of complications from Alzheimers disease died this morning, June 17, while in hospice care. He was 81.

His death was announced by his daughter Felicia Helen Parazaider on Facebook. “I love you poppy, my Pal,” she wrote, in part. “You coloured our world.” Parazaider resided in recent years in the Las Vegas area but his place of death was not disclosed.

Formed in 1967 in the city that would share its name, Chicago was a major hit-maker for decades, recording nearly 40 albums and selling, according to some sources, more than 100 million records. Combining a big horn and woodwind sound with more conventional rock instrumentation, Chicago had numerous radio hits over the years, particularly in the 1970s, including “25 or 6 to 4,” “Saturday in the Park,” “Feelin’ Stronger Every Day”, “Wishing You Were Here”, “Old Days,” “If You Leave Me Now” and “You’re the Inspiration.”

Born March 14, 1945, in Maywood, Illinois, Parazaider studied classical clarinet before deciding, with friends from his teenage years, to start the rock band that would become Chicago.

Along with Parazaider, founding members of the band — initially called The Big Thing, then Chicago Transit Authority and, finally, in 1969 simply Chicago — included Peter Cetera on bass, Terry Kath on guitar, Robert Lamm on keyboards, Lee Loughnane on trumpet, James Pankow on trombone and Danny Seraphine on drums.

The line-up would change numerous times of the years, but Parazaider remained one of its constants until his retirement, due to health issues, in 2018.

In a message posted on the band’s website in April 2021, Parazaider wrote, “Five months ago, I was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Needless to say, my wife, daughters and myself were shocked and devastated. It has taken awhile to process this news and the fact is, we still are. The good news is we have a wonderful medical facility here and I have a very good doctor. I am working hard and not going to give up. With new treatments and therapy, along with my family’s love and support, I feel very positive about the future. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. I wish you and your families all the best in 2021 and always.”

Parazaider is survived by wife JacLynn, who was at his side when he died, and daughters Laura and Felicia.

Parazaider was a multi-instrumentalist. He played a wide variety of wind instruments, including saxophone, flute, and clarinet. He also occasionally played guitar.