DUSCHENES, MARIO - 1923 - 2009 - Flautist, conductor, music educator, beloved husband, father and grandfather, Mario Duschenes died peacefully in his sleep in hospital on Saturday, January 31, 2009. He is survived by his five children, his twelve grandchildren; and his brother, Rolf Duschenes. He was predeceased by his wife, Ellyn Simons, and two brothers, Herbert and Lutz. Born in Hamburg, Germany in 1923, he escaped to Switzerland before the Second World War. He attended boarding school in Gland and then studied flute and conducting at the Geneva Conservatory of Music under Andre Pepin, Frank Martin and Dinu Lupatti. After receiving his Prix de Virtuosite, he won first prize in the Geneva International Music Competition, and toured Europe as soloist with the Arts Antiqua Ensemble. He immigrated to Canada in 1948 and enthusiastically embraced his adoptive country, quickly becoming part of the burgeoning music scene in Montreal. He was principal flute of the CBC Radio Orchestra and a member of the Baroque Trio with Kelsey Jones and Melvin Berman, which toured extensively. He made over thirty recordings, including several with his friend Jean-Pierre Rampal and the Orchestre de Chambre, Jean-Francois Paillard. His true calling came as a music educator. He wrote a recorder method used by thousands of children and adults around the world, and then turned his talents to conducting symphony concerts for young people. He regularly conducted every major orchestra in Canada and was recognized as a leading figure in this field. He was music director of the Newfoundland Symphony from 1985 to 1992, an orchestra and province he adored. He made several cherished trips to New Zealand for engagements with the New Zealand Symphony. He also performed as soloist with the New Brunswick Symphony. Mario received the Order of Canada in 1985, and held honorary doctorates from Concordia, the University of Montreal, and Memorial University in Newfoundland. His funeral was held in the Mount Royal Funeral Complex of Montreal on Saturday, February 7th.