Louis "Sandy" LaClair
August 18, 1944 - December 22, 2020
Obituary
Sandy's Livestream Service will begin at 12 Noon CST on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021.
There are two ways to join the Live Webcast:
1. Scroll down to the Events, under the Livestream Service click on "Watch Event"
2. Click on tribute wall (above) and click on "Live Webcast"
Monona - Louis W. "Sandy" LaClair Jr., age 76, of Monona, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 at his home. He was born on Aug. 18, 1944, in Hayes, Kan., the son of Louis and Ruth (Prather) LaClair.
Sandy grew up playing the trumpet from a very young age and has had an impressive musical career throughout his life. He graduated from Fort Pierce Central High School. On a scholarship, he received his Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of Miami. He continued his study to receive his Masters in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University. Some of Sandy's greatest achievements are playing with the Fort Lauderdale Symphony, Miami Opera Orchestra, Chicago Civic Orchestra, and the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Israel where he lived for a short time. Sandy was the founder and director of the Madison Brass Quintet, A Touch of Brass Trio, and The Impact of Brass and he wrote many of the arrangements they played. He also played for the Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears. They would perform in many churches, schools and other private events all around the Madison area and Midwest; including the Christmas show at the Capitol every year.
His other interests included trains of all kinds, especially model railroad trains, photography, outdoor activities and the Circus. He was very passionate about history and was even involved in Civil War Reenactments and the 1st Brigade band. His favorite joy of all was spending time with his grandchildren who he was very proud of.
Sandy is survived by four daughters, Rachel (Aaron), Becca, Violet, and Laurel; grandchildren, Taylor, Sage, Casper, Bodhi, Maya, Issac, Madison, Rowan and Aiden; two nephews, Chip (Audrey) and David and their families; and his brother, Charlie (Claudia). He was preceded in death by his parents.
A celebration of life will be held at Upward Call Calvary CHAPEL, 4702 E. Broadway, Madison, at 12 Noon on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. Family and friends who wish to view services live stream may visit http://calvarychapelmadison.com/ at 12 Noon on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021.
Memorials may be made to the Children’s Music Fund.
Events
Livestream
Sat Jan 16, 2021 @ 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT
Lake Accotink Park • 5660 Hemming Ave, Springfield, VA 22151
Photos
No photos of Louis have been shared yet.
Memories
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Suzanne Smith Ray
Other •
I knew Sandy both at Dan McCarty HS in Ft. Pierce, and later at FSU. He was a wonderful musician, and obviously shared his musical talents in many ways. Condolences to the family. He will be missed by many.
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Nancy Hansen
Other •
Such a great man and so talented! We re sorry for your loss and know that you have many fond memories. Nancy and Bill
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Joanna Grace
Other •
I had the pleasure of playing horn in Sandy's Madison Brass Quintet and the Impact of Brass Quintet from 2009-2011. I remember the super intense audition I was put through to earn my spot in the group- and it was awesome. I recall vividly, sight-reading and sweating my way though my audition which was a rehearsal with the regular guys. They called out pieces one after the other from the binders of music and I focused on playing as well as I could to keep up, because that was the expectation. I am thrilled to have played so many gigs with Sandy and really miss those great performances! I'm sending condolences to all the family. Sandy was a great musical mentor. - Joanna Grace, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Greg Davis
Other •
Sandy provided education and encouragement as I returned to playing trumpet after a thirteen year hiatus. We played together in Bethel Brass, Madison Municipal Band, 1st Brigade Band, and many small ensembles. I was included in a quintet that Sandy put together to play at a swanky Bach festival in Milwaukee many years ago. Dressed in tuxedos, we were waiting to perform when a woman approached and told us to bring additional silverware to her table. We were amused that she had mistaken us for waiters and, to celebrate, Sandy "procured" a bottle of champagne from the bar and we all drank to the experience. Cheers, Sandy!
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Mike Vivion
Other •
I had the pleasure of working with Sandy over several years to build his model railroad layout. I will remember him bringing his granddaughter to the SCWD Model Rail School in January at the Zor Shrine Temple. Sandy was an active member of the SCWD and will be missed. While I knew Sandy was an excellent musician, I never had the pleasure of hearing him play or seeing him perform. But I will always remember my last visit with Sandy enjoying his trains and our time together. You will be missed, my friend. Mike Vivion
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Dwight Roadman
Other •
Sandy was a legendary musician in the Dan McCarty High School Band in Ft. Pierce, Florida. No doubt , he is probably the greatest musician that program ever produced. He went on to a brilliant professional career as a top notch trumpet player. Although I was several years behind Sandy in the DMHS Band, I assure his legend remained strong. One correction from the obituary, He did not graduate from Ft. Pierce Central High School which did not even exist until 1970. Rather, he graduated from Dan McCarty High School.