March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Richard Boehnke
– September 6, 2025
Richard began his drum corps career around 1958, when he carried a flag with St Mary's Band in Toronto. In later years, he played Baritone. While Richard decided to move to the Optimists in 1962 for his age-out year, he decided to stay a bit longer, giving back and helping out with the corps. In addition to writing for Green Capsule Comments, my recollection is that Richard was involved in both both fund-raising and promoting the corps. In 1963, the corps still used one bus plus a few station wagons. I seem to recall Richard driving one of the wagons.
After leaving the corps, he continued giving back. One of his loves was the Toronto Bruce Trail Club. For a time, he served as president and he was an important and inspiring leader during a critical stage of building awareness about the Bruce Trail. In addition, Richard dedicated over 30 years to representing and advocating for the community of Markland Wood and the surrounding neighbourhoods. His tireless efforts, thoughtful wisdom, and gentle nature helped guide essential public policy discussions, always aiming to balance growth with the safety and well-being of the residents in the community.
Richard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!
L-R: Dave Watt, Ron Cottrell, Mel Dey, Glen Durish, Richard Boehnke, Robin Weatherstone, Dick Ward, Al Lavigne and Bill Thorne