In Memory

Pierre Toucheque

Pierre Jean Toucheque, age 85, died suddenly on June 9, 2015 at McLaren Macomb Hospital in Mount Clemens. Pierre was born on August 17, 1929 in Ganshoren, Belgium. He was educated in Belgium and graduated with his doctorate degree in 1957 from the Lemmens Institute of Music. 

In August 1957, Pierre with his first wife, Christiane Toucheque-Stein, moved to St. Clair Shores, MI as the music director at the St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church. In 1964, Pierre designed the magnificent pipe organ for the new church to meet his specifications. This was the beginning of his long and storied career in music. Professor Toucheque was a natural-born, gifted teacher. He taught music at St. Joan of Arc School and also had many private students who he mentored through the years. 

Pierre also studied under the famous pipe organ composer, Flor Peeters. Professor Toucheque's organized a musical tour of Belgium for his protégé, Dr. Ronald Prowse. 

His musical career as a church organist also took him to St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Harper Woods, St. Athanasius Catholic Church in Roseville and St. Isidore Catholic Church in Macomb Township, his last church before retiring in 1993. 

Pierre loved people and was a keen conversationalist. He was a former member of the Fraser Rotary Club, enjoyed classic cars, loved to travel–particularly to his native Belgium and was a judge for musical competition. He liked to watch tennis, soccer, and the Tour de France on television. He read the Belgian newspaper online and attended many concerts.

Pierre is survived by his wife Gail; his five daughters, Chantal Haddad (James), Brigitte Toucheque (Rock Sobolik), Annette Bogan, Colette McLogan (Jerry) and Nadine Toucheque; his step-son, David Taylor (Crystal Hazelett); seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.