Condolences
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Melanie Holmden posted a condolence
Friday, December 8, 2023
This evening Laura was on my mind, and I went to her Facebook page to see if she posted any new pictures of her beautiful backyard. I realized I hadn’t seen anything online from her for quite a while. Time passes by so fast. Here it is December. I am shocked and saddened by her passing. To her loved ones, my deepest sympathies. She was a special part of my junior high and high school years. I loved being able to be part of her life via Facebook. She holds a very special place in my heart. I kept on meaning to go see her one day while travelling through Nova Scotia. It never transpired, and I regret that immensely. Rest in peace, dear Laura! Rest in peace, dear friend!
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Melanie Roy posted a condolence
Sunday, September 3, 2023
My sincere and deepest condolences to Debbie, Brendan, Hannah, Bette and Kathryn. I share your tears and pain.
My dear Laura: I will miss our long chats on your deck, on hot summer nights with a cold drink. I will miss you playing the saxophone beautifully during one of our splendid sunsets. I will miss so much about you... the list is too long.
You made such a nice, positive impact in my life. For this, I will forever be grateful.
You were an amazing friend and neighbour and I will carry your memory in my heart, forever.
Ranger is in good hands with lovely Thersa. Until you see him again, enjoy your time with Gideon ("Here, Giddy Giddy Giddy Giddyyyyyyy!!!"), your parents and Russell.
See you again someday, Laura. Now, rest easy and pain free.
Je t'aime fort,
Melanie
Your friend and neighbour who cherished your friendship from the 1st day we met. xoxoxoxo
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Pierrette Lang Roy posted a condolence
Sunday, September 3, 2023
So sorry to hear of Laura's passing. She was a friend, neighbour to my daughter. She was such a friendly person and she will be greatly missed.
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Mark Rawlines uploaded photo(s)
Friday, August 18, 2023
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Miss Huffaker leads the District 15/2 Jazz Band (comprised of LJHS and MHS band students) for the grand reopening: Capitol Theatre, Moncton 1993
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Mark Rawlines uploaded photo(s)
Friday, August 18, 2023
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Miss Huffaker leads the Lewisville Junior High School Jazz Band at the Greater Moncton Music Festival Concert of the Stars: Moncton High School Auditorium 1991/1992
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Mark Rawlines uploaded photo(s)
Friday, August 18, 2023
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Miss Huffaker conducts the Lewisville Junior High School Jazz Band: Moncton Coliseum 1992/1993
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Mark Rawlines uploaded photo(s)
Friday, August 18, 2023
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Miss Huffaker conducts the Lewisville Junior High School Concert Band: Moncton Coliseum - 1992/1993
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Mark Rawlines uploaded photo(s)
Friday, August 18, 2023
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Miss Huffaker with Mark Rawlines and family at his Senior BMus Recital: Brunton Auditorium, Marjorie Young Bell Conservatory of Music, Mount Allison University - 2000
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Mark Rawlines uploaded photo(s)
Friday, August 18, 2023
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Miss Huffaker with Mark Rawlines at his Senior BMus Recital: Brunton Auditorium, Marjorie Young Bell Conservatory of Music, Mount Allison University - 2000
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Mark Rawlines posted a condolence
Thursday, August 17, 2023
I owe my career in music and music education to Miss Huffaker, and was shocked and saddened at the news of her passing. Her knowledge, kindness, talent, and care impacted me deeply and instilled in me a lifelong love of music and a desire to share it with children, young people, and those of all ages.
I first became aware of Miss Huffaker as an elementary student at Arnold H. McLeod School where her concert and jazz bands would come and perform annual concerts. To us youngsters, her musicians were rock stars and we lined up for autographs after their shows. In Grade 6 my friend Jeff Somers (an already accomplished vocalist and drummer) and I made a deal that we would “join the band” when we got to Lewisville Junior High School. Not coming from a musical background, I had no idea what I should be signing up for, but Jeff came through and made the decisions for us: “I’ll play the drums and you can play sax!”, he said. From 1990-1993, I was privileged to take part in Miss Huffaker’s band program at LJHS. She did indeed teach me “sax” (starting on alto, introducing tenor, adding in bari), and later encouraged dabbling in trumpet, trombone, drums, bass, and more. I always enjoyed school, and did well, but through her work with us, I learned so much more than just “sax” and music. I learned about commitment, patience, creativity, teamwork, problem-solving, self-improvement, community, humility, empathy…all the things that we now class as “Global Competencies”. She was truly ahead of her time. It should also be mentioned that she built a school music program that was the envy of the whole district, and she did it on a part-time, two days per week, pull-out basis. She came in on Tuesdays and Thursdays and ran graded band classes, with concert band running on one day through her lunch break, and jazz band running through her other. In addition to her duties as a classroom teacher, she gave her everything to extracurricular activities, and diplomatically supported her students while appeasing her colleagues whose students would be missing from their lessons and would have to catch up in their own time. An outstanding instrumentalist and teacher, she was an amazing role model as a player and conductor. Performance opportunities provided to her students during my time included regular school concerts, assemblies, dances/proms, prize-winning music festival competitions, and community appearances at most every new business grand opening, school tours, band residential trips, and performances at the Capitol Theatre, Coliseum, and on ATV’s televised “Christmas Daddies” campaigns. Personally, in junior high she made an impact on me by taking an interest in me. She worked on my tone (which I modelled on hers and still maintain). She taught me improvisation. She taught me musicianship. She taught me musicality. She negotiated with my school bus drivers who told me I wasn’t allowed to take instruments home because the bus was already full of kids and book bags. She drove me from school to my home in St-Anselme after we returned late from concerts and my bus had already left. I remember all of it.
She balanced all of this work with us with her private studio teaching in Bridgedale, as well as her performance and songwriting career with The Quigley Ensemble. She had a dedicated and devoted, if juvenile, following for her performances with Barbara Ann Quigley, with us kids going to her shows and buying cassette tapes, CD’s, and posters…all autographed, of course. She was always a private person (teachers often need to be), but she proudly shared the stories behind her composing of “Russell in the Wind” for her brother, and “Call of the Loon” for her mother (which I later arranged as part of a university course).
After moving on to the former Moncton High School, Miss Huffaker’s influence continued to be felt in the band program of Mrs. LeBlanc, with the majority of the members feeding through from LJHS, and many collaborations between the two teachers and schools, including her renewal of the School District 15/2 bands and local community bands.
Most students wouldn’t have a teacher angel looking over their shoulder after they’d left their classroom. Miss Huffaker never left me. She came to my high school concerts, for band and my first solos. She came to MHS after teaching all day in Lewisville to select repertoire and give me private lessons for my university auditions. After acceptance to Acadia, St. FX, and MtA, (who all commented on my tone and musical playing…all based on her playing), and after I enrolled at MtA, she drove all the way to Sackville with her new band kids for my participation in the annual Symphonic Band “Pops” concerts, then she invited me back to LJHS and MHS for graduation performances and special projects like the Liz Rigney tour. Then she came to my 3rd Year half-recital, then my 4th year full-recital at MtA for which I received a perfect score from the jury and where she shared that she couldn’t play the repertoire from my program AND that she was proud because in my first year of junior high, she was going to tell me that I should save the $30 annual fee for band and try something else, but that she hesitated because I was enjoying “making music” so much. I’m glad that she stuck with me, because in my second year of lessons with her things clicked and she ran with it. My family definitely appreciated it, because of all the music that I’ve made over the years, they remind me often, and fondly, of the early days with Miss Huffaker and “La Bamba” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”.
After earning my BMus, I moved to MUN and Miss Huffaker continued to support me as a regular case study for my conducting, music education, seminar, and performance coursework by telephone and email. After earning my BMusEd, I began my teaching and perfo /conducting career in the UK, and she maintained contact, coming to performances by some of my first students as a new teacher from Britain in a Maritime Canada tour we made to schools in 2002.
I have tried to emulate her in all that I do, and am proud that my students have gone on to music studies at institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and Harvard; film roles in Hollywood pictures; tours and recordings with Rock and Roll Hall of famers, the London Symphony, the City of London Sinfonia, the English Ballet, the Royal Ballet, Kasabian, the Drifters, Iron Maiden, the Kinks, the Animals, the Troggs, the Zombies, and more; performances at the Royal Albert Hall, Her Majesty’s Theatre, The Royal Opera House-Covent Garden, Wembley Stadium, Wembley Arena; performances on “The Tonight Show” and “Late Night”; and recording contracts with major labels such as Parlophone, Sony, and Universal. They achieved because Miss Huffaker helped me to.
My career overseas kept me away, and we lost touch over the years, but my experiences with her remain some of my most cherished memories. After returning to Canada, new colleagues in ASDE let me know that she had earned recognition for her work with exceptional students, and that she had retired happily to God’s country in Nova Scotia. That made me happy.
Miss Huffaker, you were one of a kind, as a teacher and person, and I shall miss you immensely. My deepest sympathies and sincerest condolences to yours. Much love.
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Blair Lawrence posted a condolence
Sunday, August 13, 2023
So sorry to hear of Laura's passing. I had the great pleasure of working with Laura while Superviser of Fine Arts for the School District in Moncton. She served as a middle school mentor and we had great times planning curriculum and support for teachers. I so remember Laura's slightly mischievous grin...somewhat akin to the Cheshire Cat...as much productive work took place but always with an over-arching sense of play. A musician of great talent but no hubris. Condolences to all her family and close friends.
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karen Power posted a condolence
Sunday, August 13, 2023
Laura was the music teacher at LMS when I became principal. Through her, I watched young budding musicians struggle and then succeed at their instruments. She was an amazing teacher, wonderful musician and a wonderful person.
I remember going kayaking at Fundy National Park and talking her in to doing a school musical with me. I waited until we were out on the water so she couldn't run away from the idea! As much as she didn't love it at first, she was in 100% and we had so much fun with it!
Laura played sax at my wedding and came to my house to help my family all learn the piano.
I have missed her since she went to NS and I will always love her.
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Linda Leighton posted a condolence
Sunday, August 13, 2023
My sympathy to her family and friends . She was a very talented musician.
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Brenda Geneau posted a condolence
Sunday, August 13, 2023
I’m so sorry to hear that we have lost an amazing person, far too young. I taught with Laura at LMS and she was an inspiration. I loved the work she did with her band students; she always believed in them and brought out the best of them.
Sending hugs to her family and friends.
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Steve Booth posted a condolence
Saturday, August 12, 2023
The world has lost a great teacher and musician. I enjoyed working with Laura in the schools and I was always impressed with her work ethic and talent.
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Charlene Vienneau & Gerry Caron posted a condolence
Friday, August 11, 2023
Our sincere condolences to the family. We have fond memories of working with Laura in the school system. She was a very talented musician and teacher. What you saw was definitely what you got. She had a heart of gold.
Charlene & Gerry
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Cyndi Hall posted a condolence
Friday, August 11, 2023
My friendship with Laura has spanned over 40 years. We had great fun at her place on a lake in New Germany so many years ago. While life events separated us for a time we reconnected when she moved to Halifax after retirement. She started teaching me how to play the piano, we had some nice paddles in her canoe and enjoyed single malt scotch on her deck by the lake.
Laura was brave, adventurous, fun loving and creative with her music and painting. We shared a love of nature and animals, and Ranger was truly her trusty sidekick! She found great peace in her canoe and could paddle solo in most waters. Paddle on Laura and Rest In Peace my friend.
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Thersa Stevens uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, August 10, 2023
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One of my favorite pictures of Laura and I. We had so much fun that day. So many memories, I'll cherish everyone. Love you Laura
Tee
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Lindsay and Chad Dominie posted a condolence
Thursday, August 10, 2023
We loved working with Laura and making music in Moncton. She was so very talented and her passion for music and education was shared with hundreds of students over her teaching years. You will be sadly missed. Rest easy.
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Peter Browne posted a condolence
Thursday, August 10, 2023
We miss you at Tuesday Night Band, Laura. Rest in Peace. You can play perfectly again in the celestial band.
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Hanna Little uploaded photo(s)
Thursday, August 10, 2023
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Auntie Laura was always the family member that I knew was going to be a good time. I knew her as an amazing musician, emotionally intelligent woman and such an incredible sibling to her brother Russ and my mother Debra.
I am grateful for the time I had spent with her lately as she had come to my home in the Rocky Mountains and see who I've become as an adult. We also the pleasure of seeing her beautiful lakeside home and meeting her unique and supportive group of friends out in Nova Scotia this Spring.
Thank you to all of those folks who were there for her along the ride, through the highs and the lows. We love you Laura ❤️
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Karen Tanner posted a condolence
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Laura and I worked together and knew eachothet all her years in Moncton. She was a true spirit and always shared her love of music with us all. I remember when she retired to the lake and how truly happy and content she was in that place- her piece of heaven. I will miss her posts and her easy humour. Rest well Laura.
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Kim Piccott posted a condolence
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Laura was such a wonderful person, and an exceptional musician. I thoroughly enjoyed playing alongside her in the Dartmouth Concert Band. I always loved her funky glasses and whitey sense of humour. She always knew how to make us smile, and had the best punchlines/jokes. I'm so grateful to have met her; she will be dearly missed.
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Janice Evans posted a condolence
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Laura was a musician through and through. She got her music degree at Western in London and taught for years. She was an amazing teacher though teaching stressed her. She was also an incredible athlete, especially basketball- a terror on the court! I have so many memories of Laura as we knew each other since the late 70’s. We dated way back when and even though we didn’t see each other much over the years we always had a soft spot for each other. Rest in peace Laura. You faced your illness with dignity and grace. And you enjoyed the beauty of your home and the water til the end.
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Maddi Adams posted a condolence
Thursday, August 10, 2023
It feels like just yesterday that Laura invited me over to help me upcycle wood from a dresser into washer toss boxes. This is the kind of person she was. Always caring and giving with so much passion and joy for life. A true teacher. I miss her posts of the sunset and her paintings already. She will be truly missed.
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Joanne Bond posted a condolence
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Rest in Peace dear friend. My condolences to Laura’s family. I loved Laura very much and treasure the many times she played her saxophone and clarinet with the 3 Helens. Her beautiful spirit and talent will be so missed
Joanne
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Susan Robinson uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
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Laura during her time at Western
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Susan Robinson Posted Aug 9, 2023 at 11:11 PM
I was fortunate to have been one of Laura's roommates while we studied music at Western. She became one of my dearest friends and her loss has been very deeply felt. Despite the years and miles apart, it was as if we'd never been apart when we would get together again. Through time and space my friend...love you.
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Kathleen Robson posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
I met Laura in Dartmouth Concert Band, where her talent and humour were much appreciated by everyone. I asked her for clarinet lessons, and she happily obliged. I so enjoyed my visits to Laura’s happy, peaceful retreat on the lake, and it was clear that she absolutely loved living there! She was a very kind, skillful teacher, always encouraging. She loved teaching and often thanked *me* for making her work, when I was the one who owed her so much gratitude. We became friends during those sessions and shared many laughs, as one always did when in Laura’s company. I miss her very much.
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Bob Bauer posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
I will miss Laura so very much!! She was always a ray of sunshine, with her impish grin. We first met when Laura joined the Dartmouth Concert Band. I had no idea of her talent, but I picked up on it quickly and invited her to join the Tuesday Night Jazz Band and the Bedford Leisure Club Orchestra. So I got to enjoy her talents in three different groups. Once her sickness took hold we visited a few times and I got to know of her painting talent as well. Laura also left me with an unfinished task. She had composed a Christmas song which she asked me to arrange for a large ensemble. I started working on it, but there is still lots to be done. Once complete I will be sure that it gets featured as a memorial to this wonderful musician and dear friend!
My condolences to her family and all of her many friends near and far.
RIP dear Laura
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Rob & Ellie Bethune posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
We will remember and admire Laura for her sense of humor, kindness, inclusiveness, and hospitality. So many laughs and tasty barbeques. She also expressed very explicit appreciation for our chili!! She was a talented artist and musician. Her presence will be missed in Mineville and every other places she ventured to. Rest in Peace now!
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Linda Rix posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
We will miss Laura especially in our Dartmouth concert band. She played a beautiful sax and clarinet which I could also hear at my house across the river. She never missed stopping for a chat whenever I was walking. Laura will be missed by so many. Rest on in peace Laura
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Margo Grant posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
The Dartmouth Community Band is where I met Laura. She was friendly & fun, and a great sax player. She was much missed during her illness, which she weathered bravely and with positivity. We still miss her. Sincere condolences to her family and many friends.
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Eric and Betty carberry posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
Laura will always be a part of candy mountain road.
You are missed. Very much.
We miss seeing your pretty lights lit up in the backyard, hearing you playing sax at night while we sat outside and most of all our many meals, drinks and conversations we had with your smiling face.
You made a big impact on our lives.
Love Eric and Betty
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The family of Laura Lee Huffaker uploaded a photo
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
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Please wait
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Denise Stewart posted a condolence
Wednesday, August 9, 2023
To Laura's Family, I am so heartbroken to read of Laura's passing. Condolences to all who loved her. I taught music with Laura in Moncton for many years and she was a friend as well. The last time I saw Laura she was counting down the days until her retirement. I hope she got to enjoy some good years after that. She was a very talented, yet humble, person and I am privileged to have known her.
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