From Jill Rasmusen, Egyptian Theatre Executive Director

For the many of you who came to our 50th Annual “Sounds of Christmas” on the Mighty Wurlitzer December 14th, you may have heard this.  We wanted to share with those that may have missed it and make an update.

The Mighty Wurlitzer and Paul Quarino

I wanted to share a few Facts about the Wurlitzer organ. It was specifically built and designed for The Egyptian Theatre and was here on opening night in 1925. Our Wurlitzer was used for silent movies and after the talkies came out it was then used for entrance or intermission music and special events. Our Wurlitzer is the only one in the State of Oregon known to be fully operational in its original factory installation.

Today we would like to take a moment to talk about a very special person who has dedicated more than you will ever know - his time and energy - to our mighty Wurlitzer organ, Mr. Paul Quarino. Paul, who unfortunately could not be here today has a very long history with the Egyptian Theatre.

In 1980 Paul lived in Hillsboro and decided to take a theatre organ tour that led him here to the Egyptian. After the tour was over, he asked and was allowed to play the organ. Once he played, he fell in love with it.

Fast forward a few months and the current owners of The Egyptian Théâtre contacted Paul and offered him full access to all the organ components.  He then started coming down regularly on weekends to maintain and repair the organ. During these times he and the McSwain’s became very close. They would have him stay at their home or a motel they owned. Paul became like family to them.
The Theatre was sold 4 different times with Coming Attractions being the owner before the City of Coos Bay bought the Egyptian and the ETPA was formed to manage its operation. Coming Attractions had different ideas about what they would offer, and the organ was not used as often.

In 2006 the ETPA took over and Lee Littlefield, who had been playing the organ annually at the Sounds of Christmas concert since 1974, brought Paul back. Paul again would come down every couple of months to maintain the organ - and before the Sounds of Christmas concert, he was here far more often.  

In 2010 Paul became a lifetime member of the Egyptian theatre and in 2014 moved down to our area.  Once he was here permanently, he became a full-time board member. He has served as a director and as our vice president for the last 6 years.

When Dr Wilbur Jensen’s brass band retired from playing in the Sounds of Christmas concert a few years ago, Paul stepped up to join Lee in playing the organ at the concert. He liked to call on his angels during this concert, who were normally the theatres executive director and Lee. I was fortunate enough to be one last year.

This is who Paul is to our theatre and today we want to recognize him for the more than 44 years of dedication to the theatre. Due to health issues Paul probably won’t be back to entertain us in the future.  I would like to add that we are recording this and will be sending it for Paul to see. With that being said, in the best theater tradition, I ask that we all give Paul Quarino a standing ovation and applause for what he has done for us and the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ at The Egyptian!

Update
It is with very heavy hearts that we let you all know, our beloved Paul left us in the morning of December 15th. He unfortunately never saw the video. Paul will always be remembered as the Mighty Wurlitzer Wizard.

We love you, Paul.