Mr. Bouzane was my music teacher at Matthew Elementary School, in Bonavista. I was just ten years old and in grade four then, I'm now 47. Over the years I've thought about him often with fondness. I'm not musical at all myself, but It's because of him I love all types of music! I'll always remember seeing my first musical, 'The Sound of Music'! While he was my teacher, he took our choir on a school trip to St. John's to see it performed live at the Arts and Culture Center. It was thrilling for me to say the least. It's still to this day my favorite. And the song 'The Sound of Silence', and it's beautiful, haunting lyrics still ring in my head as I remember singing this with him leading us in a school concert. Another favorite! He was a great teacher wanting us as young people to absorb as much music into our lives as possible. I'm sure he did this for many more young people over the years.

To his Husband, Juan and all his family, my deepest sympathies. My heart sings a song everyday because of people like Mr. Bouzane.

Juan and Family: I am saddened to learn of Mike's passing. Knew him as the director of Rainbow Voices of Toronto. Such an outpouring of energy, passion and with my musical skills, occasionally patients. But more than anytbing such fun!

Alas the glitter seems less bright today. Yet some how "The music, the magic, the song! Look at us now!" keeps ringing in my ears.

My thoughts are with you all.

Losing a spouse is a painful emotional experience. Sometimes, when one person is absent, the whole world seem depopulated. The life of those who have passed are placed in the memory of the living. I am so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing, funny, gentle, talented, loving soul, and he will be missed.

Bouzane Family,

We knew Mike when he lived in downtown Toronto. We are shocked and saddened to learn of his passing. Our deepest condolences.

Greg Windsor & Key Tse
Toronto

Juan and family,

We are so saddened to hear of Mike’s sudden passing.

Mike was so special to us and was especially loved by Abigail.

Mike took Abigail under his wing at the age of six and helped her with her love if music! She speaks of him regularly and he will truly be missed.

May God bless you all and Mike.

Ann marie, Rod, Abigail and Cooper

Dear Juan and Michael's Family,
I am so very sad to receive this news of Michael’s passing.
My deep condolences go out to you Juan and Michael’s family.

I appreciate you contacting me Juan.
Thank you very much. I was always so happy that you and Michael found each other.

I would like to share my thoughts at this time....
I am a retired music teacher. I knew Michael back in the 80’s and 90’s. We were music itinerant teachers together with the Toronto Catholic School Board. Not only was Michael a dedicated high school teacher, he was a passionate, musician, singer, conductor of many delightful and successful high school choirs and community choirs such as Singing Out and his own original Rainbow Voices here in Toronto!
His gatherings whether it be with his choirs or his annual festive Christmas party or just a casual Friday evening home cooked supper with friends always celebrated his deep love for his friends, his love for cooking, his passion for sing-a-longs as he played the piano AND his uplifting unbridled sense of humour filling the room with joy and his sweet laughter louder than everyone!
I have many loving, fond memories of my friend Michael. SOAR ON MY DEAR BROTHER! SOAR ON!

With love and blessings,
Philomene

Dear Juan and Bouzane family.
We heard from Mike when he was in hospital and were absolutely devastated to hear from Juan that he had passed away. Unbelievable really as we thought he would spring back so full of life as he had always done.
We are going to share our memories of Michael however irreverent!
Our memories of Michael go back a ways to his directorship of Singing Out in Toronto, Then to Rainbow Voices and all the fabulous musical stories we have of him. The fabulous CDs of Rainbow Voices that Mike paid for, the outrageous Calendar of the choir in poses similar to Calendar Girls ( we still have the calendar!) with me as Miss May out in Michael's back yard with not much on in May! Only Michael could get you to do something like that with his why not attitude, and sense of fun. His Christmas get togethers with gifts having to be less than $2.00. That was a real challenge. And the laughter as each gift was unwrapped to see what unusual things we had managed to find.
Then The Murder mystery night we had where we all had to dress up as characters and Michael fell into the mashed potatoes, face first, dressed up in a nuns habit and then much later when the taxi arrived to take him home, the Italian driver thought he was a real Nun and genuflected as he helped him into the back seat.
Michael was a "One off" he loved life and lived it in his own inimitable way, not always easy, but with no apologies to anyone, he did what he wanted, he travelled, he welcomed friends to stay, he encouraged the songs of others and he shared his life with a wonderful man, Juan in beautiful Newfoundland where his heart lay. What more could one ask for? A life well lived!
We will miss him so much, but are left with so many memories that only Mike and Juan could have created. For that we are thankful that we knew him as there is no one that will ever replace his infectious laughter and large personality and generosity (and sometimes impatience) with those around him that made him who he was, and one who we will never forget. I don't think we ever told him how much we loved him and that is something we must always do. So now...for the record..we love you Mike!
And finally, we know he is up there looking down on us and definitely making things a lot livelier! Jill and Lee xx

Juan and the Bouzane family,

Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all.

Mike was loved by us all and especially by my daughter Abigail.

Abigail was only 6 when I asked Mike to teach her voice. Although hesitant, Mike agreed to give her an opportunity which proved to be an inseparable combo!

She loved him and always felt better if he was there when she performed.

Mike was so patient and kind and can never be replaced.

Last year Mike asked Abigail to sing, In the Arms of Harbour Grace. Abigail sang the song at the Music Festival, unfortunately, Mike was teaching up north and missed it.

I have attached a rehearsal clip of the song.

God Bless Mike.

Ann-marie, Abigail, Cooper and Rod.