Former teacher and well-known community figure April Sampson passed away on March 12, just a month shy of her 83rd birthday.

A passion for music and children, April was a neighbour and strong supporter of Souris School over the years, chairing the school's centennial committee in 2010. A teacher for 35 years, she continued to be a substitute music teacher at Souris well beyond her retirement and stayed involved in the lives of the children there, allowing several science classes to release butterflies into her garden after students watched the cocoons grow in the classroom.

Now retired, Colleen Weimer would eventually fill the role of passionate music teacher in the city, teaching in Weyburn for 35 years. Weimer said April was an inspiration.

"She taught music at lots of schools for many years I know and I was able to see what she had done with the kids. She loved music, she had a passion for it, she shared that with so many kids. She believed that every child should experience music so she did classroom music for years and years and there's so many kids that benefitted over the years from her, her love of music and her expertise," shared Weimer. 

A community builder, April helped bring many organizations to Weyburn. She was a founding member of the Weyburn Humane Society, the Weyburn Committee Against Family Violence (now Envision Counselling), and the Weyburn and Area Council on Child Abuse (now The Family Place). She was even instrumental in saving the old hospital and turning it into the Signal Hill Arts Centre.

April could be seen at many events over the years, volunteering her time to play the piano and organ at several events and churches. She also directed and accompanied the Weyburn Men's Choir for many years.

"She played the organ and piano in several churches besides our own. She was just that kind of person," explained April's long-time friend and fellow Grace United Church member Laura Chapman. "Hymn Sings from the United Church, she was the one who organized and started that just because she liked old-time music."

April was recognized for her efforts by the province in 2009 when she received the Saskatchewan Volunteer Medal. She has also been awarded for her volunteer efforts by various other organizations over the years, even being honoured with a local April Sampson Appreciation Night.

April is survived by her husband Stan, children, and grandchildren. A service of remembrance will be held Tuesday, March 19 at 2 p.m. at Grace United Church. Charitable donations in memory of April may be made to the Weyburn Humane Society.