REMI G. BOUCHARD

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REMI G. BOUCHARD

Rémi Bouchard, composer and music teacher of Neepawa, MB, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019 at the age of 83 years.
Rémi was born on March 15, 1936 in Laurier, MB to Ernest and Alma Bouchard (nee Fradette). Rémi received his education in Laurier and began taking music lessons in the second grade, but it was not until age 11 and the arrival of a new music teacher that Rémi developed a passion for music. Rémi began to learn service music for the church and he played his first wedding at the age of 13 years.
In the 1950, Rémi began to take on his first students teaching them the basic of piano. It would be the beginning of a career of more than 60 years in music education. He had a passion for helping his students excel and be better. Over his distinguished career, Rémi taught 760 private piano students.
Rémi was a man of many musical accomplishments. Music composition was what Rémi considered to be his hobby on the side of his primary career as a music teacher. It was his ability to create original music that led to his recognition in the circles of music teachers and music appreciators worldwide. In the USA and Europe, Rémi's works for piano students were published by Boston Music Company, Black Cat Productions, Mayfair Music Publishers, Debra Wanless Music, Russell Publishing, and he even had one book published by Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation which is the largest print music company in the world. Rémi's works for choir have been performed locally, also by the Winnipeg Singers, and as far as Finland where Tampere University Choir performed Choral Fantasy on Haiku in 1985.
Rémi was always generous with his time. He loved to share his experiences and was always excited about developments, whether personal or business, in the lives of those he loved and had a gentle way of expressing his appreciation. Rémi always sought to include and connect to others. He sought to uplift the lives of those around him and music was his tool to do just that. Rémi loved Neepawa and was deeply grateful for the opportunities that he had there. Whether hosting his "House Concerts" for the family and friends of his music students or helping community organizations in Neepawa to reach their fundraising goals, Rémi was always thankful that he was able to build his career here and always sought to give back.
In his later years, Rémi continued to give his time and abilities through music, providing uplifting entertainment for seniors at East View Lodge and Country Meadows Personal Care Home. There are so many things that Rémi did for others as individuals and for the community that showed a selfless attitude.
Our dear brother, uncle and friend, Rémi Bouchard, belongs to history now, but those qualities he displayed enriched all of our lives, and those qualities will never die.

"We walked together for some days,
and now we go our separate ways,
But with each goes something more,
than each possessed in days before".

Rémi leaves to mourn his passing and cherish many fond memories, his sister Arlette and husband Dave Todd, his nephews, Chris and wife Carolee, Scott and wife Puspa, and his great-nephews, Edwin and Efrem, along with numerous extended family members and friends.
Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, September 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. from St. Dominic's Roman Catholic Church, Neepawa, MB. Fr. Mark Filips celebrated the mass. Interment took place in the Laurier Parish Cemetery.
Should friends so desire, donations may be made in memory of Rémi to Missionnaires d'Afrique, 402-151 Rue Despins, Winnipeg, MB R2H 0L7.

Sneath-Strilchuk -Ste. Rose Chapel
204-447-2444
www.sneathstrilchuk.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 28, 2019