BISON — Rodney D. Gisick, 67, died unexpectedly on Dec. 25, 2011. He was born the son of Clarence and Naomi (Reichel) Gisick, on April 28, 1944, in Bison. He was a 1962 graduate of Bison High School, and went on to study music at Bethany College in Lindsborg and the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Mass., where he earned a master’s degree in voice performance in 1968. He was an active vocal performer and voice teacher for many years in New England, New York City and elsewhere, teaching at the University of Massachusetts and Amherst College.

He was an organist and choir director at First Congregational Church in Amherst from 1997-2007, when he retired. He served as dean of the Springfield, Mass., chapter of the American Guild of Organists and was active with the National Association of Teachers of Singing. He was an avid gardener, landscape designer and writer.

He is survived by a son, Michael Gisick of Canberra, Australia; a daughter, Kathryn Ricker of Holden, Mass.; a sister, Donita Goosen of Ellinwood; two grandchildren and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Feb. 18 in Amherst, Mass. Local services in the Bison area will be announced later. Memorials are suggested to a scholarship fund for his grandchildren, in care of Kimple Funeral Home.