John William Boshard
April 22, 1948 ~ March 24, 2015
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
John William Boshard, longtime resident of Pueblo, Colo., quietly passed away on March 24, 2015, at his home from natural causes. He was ten days from his 67th Birthday and had been a resident of Pueblo since 1967. He left his childhood home of Provo, Utah to accept a tennis scholarship with Pueblo Community College where he raised himself to second and first singles positions on that tennis team in the late sixties. He graduated from that college with a BA degree in history. He successfully coached boys and girls high school tennis teams for many years with the public school system in Pueblo. During his many years in this community, John coached and nurtured a number of state and nationally ranked tennis players and was recognized by those who knew him as a tennis sage and one of the best teaching professionals in Colorado. He lived a quiet and unassuming life caring for many stray animals and was always an advocate for those down on their luck. He was a voracious reader of science fiction and sports novels and his love of classic movies made him an 'armchair film historian' along with his brother Nick. However, his love of tennis trumped all of his other interests. he once told his best friend in high school 'if there is the slightest chance in the world that you might become the best person in the world at some one thing (tennis), then you have to go all out for it.' John is survived by his mother, Cleone; brother, Nick and his wife, Barbara; niece, Nicole and her husband, Mark; nephew, Sean all from or living in Hartsburg, Mo.; and his best friend, Eddie Francis, who was like another brother to John. Cremation, Montgomery & Steward Crematorium. Memorial service, 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at the City Park Tennis Courts. Memorials may be made to the Pueblo Tennis Club through Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. John William Boshard will be missed by all of those who loved this kind of mystic with a big heart and a good word for all. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
During the time we lived in Pueblo (1986-89), I had several lessons from John. I always enjoyed seeing him at City Park courts and, of course, he always seemed to be there. He was a unique individual, loved by everyone who knew him, and a great tennis player.
John was probably the most selfless, humble man I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. His knowledge of the game of tennis and of so many varied subjects, never ceased to amaze me. As one of my college tennis coaches, we would “pick his brain” on long road trips, whether it was Trivial Pursuit, cards, or homework, John had a knowledge base and patience that never ceased to amaze us. He would spend endless hours drilling, or feeding balls, expecting nothing in return, while educating me about the game and teaching me to keep my emotions in check while on the court. When our children were born, we decided if tennis was in their future, John would be the only one to instruct them. And he lovingly and patiently did just that through nearly 18 years. John we will miss you dearly, but we know that you’re finally running around pain free and debating all the great mysteries of life up in heaven! Rest in peace.
John took our kids, as well as many other Pueblo kids, under his wing. His obvious goal was to instill a love for, and knowledge of, the game of tennis. He taught our kids at the Pleasant View courts in the summer. I asked him if he knew someone who would teach Janelle how to score a game/set/match so she could play in a junior tournament. His reply was, basically, “When can she meet me at the PCC courts?” He worked with her for two hours, at no charge. He later taught Janelle, Kellie and Nathan how to teach tennis as they taught with/for him at PV, and Janelle coached at County and East.
John, along with Ed, Norm and many others, instilled the love and knowledge of tennis in so many Pueblo kids. He accomplished this with patience, kindness, encouragement and humility….and that ever-present smile.
Our condolences to his family and friends. John will be sorely missed.
I wish I could say I was John’s best friend in high school, but I can’t, because he was everyone’s best friend.
An insightful student, a top athlete, someone everyone enjoyed being around, and a true philosopher. I have written more about him on our high school website.
I am not worried about John — he will soon find himself on the right hand of God because God will enjoy his company so much!
John was my tennis coach entering high school, and up through my junior year. He was a great tennis coach and mentor, and he was always there to encourage me to do my best. He was an awesome person and always had a positive outlook on everything. Thank you for everything coach and you will be missed very much. My family and I express our deepest sympathies, Rest In Peace John.
-Chase Williams and the Williams Family
When John first came to Pueblo for college, I was a promising young junior tennis player. Although only in junior high, John would often hit with me, and was always very kind. He and the other guys on the team were very nice in also letting me “hang out” with them, despite my youth. After leaving Pueblo for college and the professional circuit, I always enjoyed visiting with John at the courts, during my occasional trips back to Pueblo. My deepest sympathies and thoughts are with all of you. Rest in peace, old friend.
John was such a good person. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP
Roland Dent
John was such a good person. Proving once again that only the good die young. My deepest sympathy to the family and John’s closest buddies. I am traveling for work and cannot make the service which I truly regret but my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Randy Dent
Coach Bosh was a great guy. I had the pleasure of knowing him for a lot of years. Tennis was his world & teaching tennis was his destiny! I will always remember that smile of his, after an accomplishment. RIP Coach Bosh
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. I had the pleasure to play under John’s coaching at Centennial High School for all four years. He was a tremendous man with a tremendous heart. I learned so much from him, about life just as much as sports. I will sincerely miss you, John. The tennis community will not be the same, but will always be forever grateful and touched by your memory. Rest in Peace.
John loved to teach tennis, but he could talk any sport and talk he did. Our condolences to How’s family for their loss. We will miss you John. RIP
My two boys liked John and learned a lot from him. Our condolences to his family.
My daughter Aubre had the pleasure of playing for Coach at Centennial. She was rewarded with many lasting experiences during that time. Such a sad, sad loss. Such a well liked and knowledgable individual. Coach Brockman
John was a tremendous asset the tennis community. He was liked by all, especially those he taught. I had not met a more gentle person than John. Always a kind remark and available to answer any questions.
My deepest condolences to John’s family and may he rest in peace. He is surely in heaven and probably giving God tennis lessons. God Bless you John and family.
When my dad moved to Pueblo he would often come to City Park to watch tennis matches and invariably would end up talking to John about baseball, especially the old timers my dad had seen play over his lifetime. Any time I saw John he would tell me how much he enjoyed those conservations. II know dad did too. Thanks, John.
Dear grieving family,
My wife and I are truly sorry for your tremendous loss and would like to express our condolences to the entire family. We cannot imagine the great pain and sorrow you are experiencing during this very difficult time. It is our sincere hope you find comfort in knowing that God has promised to “swallow up death forever” (Isaiah 25:8), and that he will resurrect our dear loved ones who have passed away. John 5:28. http://www.jw.org