Springs Boys High School held a funeral service on May 22 to honour and celebrate the life of bandmaster Shawn Gary Boucher, who was considered a lover of music.

Shawn, who passed on May 17, served in the school’s band for eight years after the passing of his brother Brian Jr Boucher in 2018.

His family, friends, school staff, and old boys’ band members gathered at the school’s hall for the service to remember Boucher.

The band’s director of music and friend, Johannes Ratsela, worked closely with Shawn, and the band spoke about their time together and shared memories of them.

He reminisced about how Shawn would wake him in the late hours of the night to discuss the band’s ideas.

“When Shawn came in to join the school band, he came in with all these crazy ideas for the band, and I used to call him the band scientist.”

“Who thinks of putting a stage on a marching field? Who thinks of putting curtains in the backdrop of a marching field?” he said.

According to Ratsela, Shawn’s passion extended far beyond performances. He cared deeply for the boys in the band and made sure they felt supported and encouraged.

“The love he had for our boys, that every time they had to practise on holidays, he’d bribe them enough, buying rolls, boerewors and cool drinks, and it’s because of the love he had for these children,” he said.

“Shawn would fight for these boys to a point where he and I would actually fight because of the boys, but it shows passion and love for these boys,” said Ratsela.

Beyond the band, Ratsela spoke warmly about their friendship and the many late-night conversations they shared.

“He would call me sometimes and forget what he wanted to say, and then we would start having a conversation that would just last hours,” he said.

Ratsela said he was grateful to have had Shawn in his life and believes his legacy will continue through the many young lives he touched.

“I’m really grateful for having Shawn be part of my life. Shawn will forever be blessed and forever loved. His legacy will live on,” he said.

One of the current band members, Musa Zwane, told the publication that Shawn cared deeply about the band.

He shared that the number of things he did for him and for all of us will never be forgotten.

“He organised gigs for me, bought me stationery, and even fought for me to stay in the band after the mistakes I made.

“No matter what happened, Mr Boucher never gave up on us. He saw greatness in every single band member, from the weakest player to the strongest,” expressed Zwane.

Zwane explained that Shawn believed music could change their lives and make things better for them.

He concluded by saying he will forever appreciate Shawn for believing in him, standing by him, and helping him become a better person and musician and that his impact on his life will never be forgotten.