Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Douglas BODLE Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Douglas BODLE
8 Entries
Peggy
July 11, 2023
I had the great, good fortune to study organ with Doug at the university for 4 years; two at U of T and 2 in at M.U.
Doug enjoyed recalling our first meeting. I was student in Ottawa and happily accepted to U. of T. An Ottawa organist I respected told me to study with Doug Bodle. Being young, energetic and determined, I approached him myself before the organ teachers were assigned. Not knowing him or his gentle propriety, I saw him on the elevator in the music building and I put my arm out and stopped the doors from shutting. I said, `Are you Bodle?´ Anyone who knew Doug can imagine how this took him aback. And he seemed to have the same reaction with every telling. Despite my brashness, he agreed to work with me.
At his lessons, I began to know music in a considered, emotional and listening way. Eventually, I told him he had ruined me for the many ordinary performances in the world! If you couldn´t make every note count, he was not interested.
In Winnipeg I was his only student and, again, growing in my hearing and playing music `as it should be´. He also got to know my husband, Paul, and we had many happy hours listening to music with him.
Words can´t express the weight of my heart, learning of his loss so long after the fact. If there is a heaven, Doug will be there are watching everything going on with his `children´.
Rest in peace dear Doug and accept the gratitude of your many adoring students.
Peggy Palmer
Barbara Bolte
March 12, 2023
Douglas Bodle was one of my most influential teachers when I studied at the Faculty of Music, despite the fact that I was not a keyboard player! His sensitive and deeply committed approach to phrasing shaped my own playing and helped me towards a professional career as an oboist. Here is one of my favourite memories: when he accompanied a recital I did in Toronto in 1986. I will always remember him with great, great fondness. I regret that I only today stumbled upon his obituary. I would have so much liked to be at his Celebration of Life. May your soul rest in peace, Mr. Bodle, and thank you for all that you taught me.
Lori Ransom
December 16, 2022
With fondest memories of Douglas at St. Andrew´s and gratitude for the gift of his exceptional musicianship and leadership over so many years. Thankful for his kindness and encouragement. Sending condolences to his family and friends. Lori Ransom, Toronto
Lydia Adams
December 15, 2022
Douglas was a tremendously gifted and dedicated teacher, organist and conductor who always put the music first, but who remembered that his students possessed voices which were housed in human beings. I remember how kind he always was to me from the first time I came to Toronto and throughout all the years we were colleagues. He loved the voice above all, I think, and taught many generations of fine singers who became professional singers and conductors. He was one of a kind and was an inspiration to all. He will be remembered with gratitude by everyone who had the privilege to work with him. Rest well, Douglas, and thank you.
December 13, 2022
Lorna MacDonald
December 13, 2022
Douglas was a fine teacher and colleague at the Faculty of Music. I loved to tell him how "dapper" he looked, and I think he would blush just a little bit each time. He taught oratorio to several generations of students, in his own inimitable way, but always with the music first and foremost. His "silk scarf" example made its way into my studio over and over again. He was greeted with the same devotion that he gave to his students. Thank you, Douglas.
Suzanne Shulman
December 11, 2022
Remembering Douglas today and always with deep affection and gratitude for our many years of friendship and Bach sonatas.
Erica Goodman and I were always delighted to be his flute/harp `tinsel´ for Christmas concerts at St. Andrews.
Every hemiola continues to remind me of Douglas!
A musical treasure- thank you Douglas for sharing your many gifts, you are much missed.
Suzanne Shulman
John Kruspe
December 10, 2022
Douglas was one of, if not the most influential mentors and friends in my life. This picture is in my home following my performance of a concerto performance in my hometown of Brantford, Ontario, in 1969.
He visited our home several times; the first was the most memorable, because on entering our parlor and seeing a very old photograph of an elderly woman, he exclaimed: 'That's my great-grandmother!' And so I found out that we were second cousins!
My studies with him were always enlightening, provocative and full of life, and I shall always be thankful for his influence in my life. Rest in peace, dear Douglas.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results