Cover photo for August John Huybrechts's Obituary
August

August John Huybrechts

d. April 19, 2020

August John Huybrechts, aged 99, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 19, 2020, at his home in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was born in Stabroek, Belgium on Sunday, October 31, 1920, the youngest of seven children of Arthur and Elisa Huybrechts. August was an organist, pianist, composer, and music professor, receiving his first music lessons at age 5 from his father, Arthur Huybrechts. At age 14, August was appointed organist at the Catholic church in Stabroek. He went on to study organ and graduated in 1941 with honors from the famed Lemmens Institute in Mechelen, Belgium. August married Louise Janssens in Stabroek in 1947. In 1952, August and Louise immigrated with their two small sons to the United States where he became organist and choirmaster, as well as piano and organ teacher in Petoskey, Michigan. After becoming an American citizen in 1963, August went on to win the J. Fischer & Brothers Centennial Prize for composition in 1964 for his Mass in Honor of St. Francis. He also taught organ for several years at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan. One of August’s proudest career accomplishments was performing the Mozart Piano Concerto no. 21 with the Grand Rapids Philharmonic Orchestra in 1979.

Over his 85+ year career, August educated hundreds of aspiring pianists and organists. At St. Francis Xavier Church in Petoskey he played the organ for countless masses, scores of weddings and other services until he “retired” in 1982, when he and Louise moved to Albuquerque. For many years after “retirement” he was organist and choir director at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Albuquerque. He continued to teach a few piano students into his 90s.

August was a loving, dedicated husband, father, and grandfather, talented musician and composer, and tireless and patient teacher. He spoke at least four languages and could write both right-and left-handed. He loved knowing how the weather was (everywhere) and, until shortly before his decline, he never had a day without a cookie or something sweet. His stories about life in Belgium during WWII are remarkable and have been transcribed.

August was preceded in death by his wife, Louise in 2010, at which time they had been married for 63 years. He is survived by his four sons, Dirk (Jeanne), Frank (Linda), Ralph (Gay Nell), Paul, and daughter, Miette (George). His son Paul was August’s dedicated, full-time caregiver for the past five years. August is also survived by six grandchildren, Chris (fiancée Robin), Catherine, Casey, Katie (Gavin), Jessa (Erik) and Amanda (fiancé Matt); and seven great-grandchildren, Dylan, Vivian, Lena, Zachary, MacKenzie, Braedon and Ayrton; as well as many nieces and nephews in the U.S. and Belgium. He is also survived by a special niece, Marie-Josee Huybrechts, whose many long visits to Albuquerque to be with Nonkel Gust brought both of them great joy.

The family would like to sincerely thank the nurses, aids, and volunteers of Heritage Home Hospice of Albuquerque who took great care of Dad for many months. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to your favorite charity, in August’s memory. It would be especially meaningful if it were a charity in the field of music education.

A Mass and Celebration of August’s Life will be held in Albuquerque after COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.

To send flowers to the family in memory of August John Huybrechts, please visit our flower store.

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