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March On! ...the history of the

Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Hans Boehnke

Corps: St Mary's Band, Toronto Optimists

February 5, 1944 – October 1, 2025

Hans began his drum corps career with St Mary's Band, in Toronto. I'm not sure when he began that career but I do know that he marched with Optimists, playing Soprano, in both 1962 and 1963.

After leaving the Optimists, Hans attended the University of Toronto, before attending the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, where he earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree. He later achieved his Diplomate in Applied Kinesiology, a field in which he both taught and served on the Board of Examiners for many years.

He had a deep passion for helping others and consistently went above and beyond to support those in his care. Known as a strong, kind, ethical, and compassionate man, Hans left a lasting positive impact on all who knew him.

Hans . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!


The Toronto Optimists troop the stands at the 1963 Preview of Champions. That's Hans in front, on the right.

Those who have passed