Peter Loran Spurbeck, 75, Memphis resident for 44 years, passed away on May 22, 2012. Peter was born in Potsdam, NY on July 13, 1937. A loving husband and father, Peter spent many years educating young musicians and richly contributing to the classical music community in Memphis. He was Professor of Cello at the University of Memphis for 35 years, and the principal cellist with the Memphis Symphony for 30. A highlight of Peter's career was his performance with Yo-Yo Ma at the dedication of the new Germantown Performing Arts Building. Before Peter became "Papa Cello", he was a son and brother, whose sisters, through his tireless and exuberant practicing, learned to sing the opening phrases of the audition concerto he performed. Peter was an encourager, a teacher of great perseverance, and was utterly devoted to his family and the many people whose lives he touched in the musical community. Peter was preceded in death by his father, Samuel, his mother, Ruth, and his son, Robert. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Ann, his son Sam (Jenny), his grandchildren Rebecca and David, his sisters Susan Webb and Meg Weston (Jim), his nieces and nephews, Nadia, Adam (Janelle), David, Mark, and Katherine (Zachary), his cousins Adeline and Andrew (Barbara) and a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Sunday, May 27, 2012 from 3-5 p.m. at Forest Hill Funeral Home, and the service will be Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church. Graveside service immediately follows the funeral at Forest Hill.