Gary W. Lakes

After extended illnesses, Gary Lakes, the highly famed American operatic tenor, passed away at his home in the Pittsburgh area on November 11, 2025. He was 75 years old.

Born in Woodward, Oklahoma and raised in Irving, TX, he was the devoted son of his late loving parents, Russell Lakes, and Etta Louise (Faulkner) Lakes. He was the caring brother of the late Gayle Ellis (late Norman) and of Larry Lakes (Joyce). He was the nephew of his cherished uncle, the late Fred Lakes (late Lou).

He is survived by many dear relatives including nephews, Erik Lakes (Anne), Ian Lakes (Cheryl), a great-niece Rachel Lakes, great-nephews Jonah Lakes and Alex Carlson, two remarkable maternal aunts, Bennie Mae Blackwell (late Milton), and Maxine Stufflebeam (late Gene), and several wonderful cousins, with his closest being Sandy Moore (Steve) who was steadfastly like a true sister to him. He is additionally survived by a vast network of very devoted and amazing friends whom he treasured.

He is also survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Arnoldine (Dee) Lawson Lakes. Throughout that time he was her dearly beloved, and she his. He reciprocated her love with the entirety of his beautiful and immensely giving heart and soul. Theirs was a true love story which began with a “meet-cute” by a poolside at a home in Montecito, California. Their subsequent devotion to one another continued unfalteringly throughout their exceptionally happy years together and throughout their many extraordinary travels together through the United States, Europe, South America, and Asia.

Mr. Lakes was a high school football defensive tackle, but a back injury altered his career aspirations from sports to singing, the latter of which for him was a natural talent which he often displayed at church and at school during his youth. He thus pursued a degree in vocal performance at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, and continued his studies at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA. His teachers respectively included Thomas Hayward, Martial Singher, and William Eddy. He often attributed his sensitive phrasing to Mr. Hayward, his captivating stage presence to Mr. Singher, and his exquisite high notes to his very dear mentor and most trusted and cherished friend, Mr. Eddy.

In 1981, Gary Lakes made his professional debut with Seattle Opera as Froh in “Das Rheingold”. Soon thereafter heralded as a magnificent heldentenor, he went on to sing major roles at the most prestigious opera houses and symphonic halls in the world, among them, the Metropolitan Opera, San Francisco Opera, Paris Opera, and La Scala, under the baton of the foremost conductors of his time, among them, Maestros Conlon, Levine, Maazel, Mehta, Muti, Ozawa, Previn, and Solti.

He was also a much sought-after recitalist and a prolific recording artist. Three of his recordings, “Ariadne auf Naxos”, “Die Walkure”, and “Les Troyens” earned him Grammy Awards for Best Opera Recording, Principal Soloist.

A talk show favorite, he often appeared on television, including interviews and performances on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson, and later with Jay Leno.

Following his passing, many who personally knew Mr. Lakes shared their reflections of him. A sampling follows:

“He was a friend, a colleague, and a singer of the highest magnitude.”

“A radiant, generous spirit. He brought smiles to faces and warmth to hearts.”

“His big personality could fill up a room with his voice and his humor.”

“A most gracious and gentle manner. He made others feel welcome immediately.”

“His presence brought love into one’s life.”

“Whose laughter was more joyous? Whose voice richer? Whose kindness deeper?”

“He was a great guy who loved making everyone happy. My heart hurts every day knowing that he’s no longer with us.”

“He always made others feel seen, heard, and valued.”

“A most generous and highly esteemed colleague.”

“Who will be saddened by his passing? Those who heard that beautiful voice. Those who shared the stage with him. Those who were taught by him.”

“Once he embraced you, there was no doubt that his was a towering and invincible love that would never let you go.”

We collectively will never let our love for him go. His passing is tremendously mourned and he will forever live in the memory of the many who deeply and dearly loved him. Our prayer is that he sing gloriously and joyfully with the heavenly angels and that he rest in eternal peace.

Arrangements were entrusted to Laughlin Funeral Home in Mount Lebanon, PA. According to Mr. Lakes’ wishes, no service was to be held. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

The family invites memorial contributions in honor of Gary Lakes to help aspiring young tenors in their pursuit of a musical career at: Music Academy of the West, 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93108 (by mail), or at 805.695.7904 (by phone), or at www.musicacademy.org/donate (online).

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