George BOUCHARD Obituary
This obituary was originally published in the Buffalo News.
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Derek Bouchard
August 13, 2023
May he rest in peace.
John Hatcher
October 18, 2017
Great guy.Had a class with him at Aebetsold summer workshop.
Faith Lucchesi
September 4, 2017
I'm sorry that I never met you, but your music and life tells a beautiful story. For all you left behind, I am grateful.
Martin Kahl
December 18, 2015
I was lucky to have auditioned for George's Big Band at NCC...It was a mix of talented students and older musicians looking to play...I got the Drumming chair...I can not say how much i learned from him...I stayed with George and the band for a few years...he shared all with us...he had patience,a great sense of humor...he loved what he did...it showed...it rubbed off on us...I am inded a very lucky guy,having played with him privately and in many different settings...I got an education that you can not buy...George comes to mind often...Thank You George ! Long Live George Bouchard !
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Bryan Carrott
December 17, 2015
I am a former student from a jazz improv class that George taught @ William Paterson College in the '80's. Would ask that his loved ones please except my belated condolences, as I am only learning of his passing now, through an email invite to a memorial concert in his memory. Remembering the young, hungry & arrogant student of jazz in George's class that I was, I never imagined that years later I would not only be using & teaching techniques that George shared, but would also Get to meet & record with some of his heroes, like Michael Brecker. I believe the last time I recall seeing George was at a club/bar in Long Island where he was playing solo piano during earlier hours & I was setting up to play with a small combo. Though I was surprised & happy to see him, I only regret that I may not have had the chance to express my appreciation for what I Iesrned & retained, & especially for his encouragement. I certainly now do appreciate the love & intrigue that George had for the music, the genuine person he was & the life wisdom he shared freely. That quality lived out among friends & loved ones, students & colleagues, is a sure testament to his legacy. Hoping this upcoming tribute concert is a further comfort to many who surely miss him. Though it seems George is gone to soon, he certainly has touched countless lives for the better. Thanks George!
Bill Overton
September 28, 2015
George was a brother to me from the time I first met him when I was in high school. He helped me to expand my understanding of the beauty and power of music and he always gave me the feeling that he was there for me whenever I might need some support or encouragement. He was a generous giver at heart and that's part of what made him such a great teacher. You will always be remembered, my friend.
David Conrad
September 17, 2015
George was a friend and fellow musician from our Navy days. In recent years we saw each other annually at the Aebersold jazz camp and I was afraid he was ailing when I didn't see him this year. George was a good friend and a great musician and I will miss him.
Jay Dirnberger
September 13, 2015
You gave it a heck of a ride. Last night's tribute was the best. You would have been proud of your son. He came through a very tough time in fine shape. Don't worry about him.
By the way, I got to tell the piano moving story. I miss you terribly.
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Dave Stryker
September 10, 2015
George you were a great person and a wonderful musician. I know you're students will always remember you as I remember you bringing about 15 of them to a brunch gig I was doing at the Blue Note a couple years ago. It just shows the kind of person you were that you would want to expose your students to Jazz live - so they could really experience it. We will miss you at the Aebersold workshops, but your music lives on.
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Playing in the leaves :)
Keighan Chapman
September 8, 2015
When my parents told me that a very dear family friend passed away, I immediately had a flood of childhood memories. Uncle Finster was the funniest man a kid could play with...everything from his voices (hearing him tell a story would was the best)...silly walks (the ostrich was my favorite)...funny stories about making bacon (dirty glasses never seemed so funny)...the jokes about football players still make me laugh (how do you spell 'farm?' "eieio")...my favorite stories however were the ones about him and my dad when they were in the Navy together. They sure had some fun times. I will miss George a lot and I'm very sad for the loss my parents and his family feel. I know he impacted the lives of thousands...and I feel lucky to have been one person how had the joy of knowing him.
Rich Armandi
September 6, 2015
George, I cherish all our 'same time next year' time together... the music-making, the laughs, and all the lousy golf shots! Rest in peace, old friend. You made a difference to so many.
Jim Carroll
September 6, 2015
What I learned from Geoge!
How to walk though lifes most difficult time with humility, grace and dignity. You are my hero!
jamey aebersold
September 5, 2015
All the Summer Jazz Workshops faculty missed you this summer. My Soprano Sax asked 'why didn't George use me this year?' I recall the great times we had in London walking over the Thames and eating popcorn. All good memories of a great father, musician and human being. Your Intermediate Jazz Improv book has and will continue to help many musicians to better understand how to bring those melodies from their mind onto their instrument.
Sheila Lynn
September 5, 2015
Although I only met George once, I heard a lot about him from his son, Derek, and Derek's mother, Marianne. George was a loving and concerned father. My deepest condolences to Marianne, Derek and his family.
September 4, 2015
I didn't know George Bouchard well but I have an understanding of George through the many tributes shared about him. Also, I know George through his son, Derek, and Derek's mother, Marianne. The essence of him is reflected in the love and pride Derek has for his father and the closeness the three shared as a family unit.
Louanne Scripter (Haslett, Michigan)
September 3, 2015
Although I did not get to know George as well as I had hoped over the years, I do know he made a great impact as a music professor, jazz/musician, and especially to his loving son, Derek. My condolences to his family, Derek and Marianne. (Vivian Freeman and family, cousins living in Bend, Oregon.)
Marianne Summer Bouchard
September 3, 2015
Gregory VanBoven
August 27, 2015
George has been a long time friend and passionate teacher and performer of jazz saxophone. His kindness and passion will be sorely missed as will his sometime but always clever acerbic wit and fiercely loyal friendship!
August 27, 2015
Chelsea Miyazaki
August 26, 2015
George was a loving, concerned, and caring father to Derek, and a great lifetime friend to my mother. Great sense of humor, one of the best ever. He was a brilliant musician and I loved his concerts at NCC and other places. Sorry I did not make it to the last concert, George. Musically, you have been and will always be an inspiration to me. Your solos were so effortless and genius. My favorite song of yours is "Christmas in the City," and I will learn how to play it and keep it alive. I wish we had more time to work on music together and write songs together. The world lost someone special when you left us! Thank you for being so special to my mother. She has never had a friend like you! Thank you for blessing my life with your presence since I was 10 or 11. Will never forget the first time we met, the 4 of us sitting on a blanket and listening to a free concert at Eisenhower Park! Rest peacefully in heaven, watch over everybody, keep Derek out of trouble, and hang out with me when I play! You are missed and we will always cherish your legacy. Love, Chelsea.
August 25, 2015
Our deepest sympathy to Marianne, Derek and family. Too soon to lose such an instrumental person in their lives. With love and devotion they braved the unknown journey together with courage and support for each other. May they find comfort and strength in family and loved ones that George has left behind as they keep his spirit alive. Janice, Ron and Garrett... Friends and neighbors... Farmingdale
August 24, 2015
You were a loving father and a wonderful music teacher.May G-d be with you.
Helene Baril
Carolyn Harding
August 24, 2015
It has been an honor to know you...Your gift has made an amazing impact on my life and the lives of so many. As my professor, producer, friend and fellow musician you knew how to find just the right balance and make music the common denominator. Thank you for all that you have so unselfishly given, you will live on in the midst of the music... My deepest condolences to the family...
Napoleon Revels-Bey
August 24, 2015
Thank you for your love and commitment to music.
Brian Burke
August 23, 2015
I feel fortunate to have met you and hung with you.
Thanks
Trish Gapik
August 23, 2015
August 23, 2015
George, It is in the void of the silence that we hear your music the loudest.
To the many people who knew you your song will live forever.
Deidra Novellino
Charmaine
August 23, 2015
My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. ( 2 Cori. 1:3)
August 23, 2015
August 23, 2015
Red Sox @ Yankees
August 23, 2015
1985 visit from Finster and Marianne
August 22, 2015
George: climbing Gore Mt @ BLue Mt Lake Museum, 1985
Tom n Chris Chapman
August 22, 2015
George at Mirells
Trish Gapik
August 21, 2015
Trish Gapik
August 21, 2015
They say good things happen to those who wait. We waited 50 years to re-connect at our High School Reunion....and you changed my life forever. What an honor to know and love you these past 4 years. I miss you so much George. I know you are close to my heart whenever I think of you. Until we meet again in heaven. All my Love, Trish
Tom n Chris Chapman
August 21, 2015
Friendship and love; music and poetry; Finster and Cheeks (and the Silent Scream); writing music to soothe the heart in the camper; visiting Bob The Parakeet; and missing Spike-boy; piling leaves on Uncle Finster's head; Uncle Finster playing the playskool Sax
Michael Talavera
August 19, 2015
May George rest in peace. My prayers go out to the family. Thanks for all of the great memories at NCC!!
August 18, 2015
My prayers to all the family.
Anita Anderson(class mate)
Elaine Duvall
August 17, 2015
RIP George.
A kind man with so much talent.
You will be missed.
Eric DelOrfano
August 17, 2015
It was an honor knowing you and playing under your direction for so many years. Rest in peace.
Sandy Schwartz
August 16, 2015
May you rest in peace, George, knowing that you touched so many lives in such profound ways. The love lives on forever.
Claire Henry
August 15, 2015
Dear George, you were the most inspirational and caring musician I've met in my professional life. You changesd my path, and I will remember and cherish your big heart and beautiful smile for the rest of my days. Shanti, shanti, shanti
xxxxxxx
alicia lynn
August 15, 2015
Mi Amiiiigo! The void you left behind is huge. You were my friend, my hang out pal, confidante, my bother. What is left behind are the many wonderful, filled with humor and sweetness, memories of lunches, and times we spent together through the years. There will never be another you.
I know you are there watching over us:) One day we will all be together again. Im sure by then you will have put together quite an amazing jazz band to greet all the people you left behind who love you, which are many.
Rest in peace, Amigo. Thank you for all you the beautiful things you left behind.
Forever the jazzman...
Marianne Summer Bouchard
August 15, 2015
Marianne Summer Bouchard
August 15, 2015
Rest in peace my dearest friend and most loving and devoted father. You will remain in our thoughts and hearts, forever.
Pat Hunter
August 15, 2015
i'll always remember the good times! Rest easy my friend...
Marianne Summer Bouchard
August 15, 2015
Rest is peace my dearest friend and loving father. You will remain in our thoughts and hearts forever...
Jason Apostoleris
August 14, 2015
George, you were the first music teacher that really took me under your wing, believed in me, encouraged me and made me feel like a professional. I have learned so much from you and owe you so much. Your inspiration kept me going, I will miss you and never forget all the great times we had together on the bandstand. RIP my friend.
Jerry Tolson
August 14, 2015
George, Your light and talent will be missed greatly. It was a pleasure to work with you all of those summers at SJW.
Terry Turner
August 14, 2015
George may you Rest in Peace, God Bless you.
Lynn Seaton
August 13, 2015
George, Your wonderful playing, articulate teaching and delightful company are missed. I am grateful to have had you in my life.
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