Louis "Sandy" LaClair

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.

Such a great man and so talented! We re sorry for your loss and know that you have many fond memories. Nancy and Bill

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

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!

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