< Back Don Morrison In 2013, the founder of ANAVET # 283 Pipe Band, Don Morrison received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal. This medal honours significant contributions and achievements by Canadians. Don Morrison is an exemplary Canadian citizen and a deserving recipient of this award. He served our city with the Winnipeg Police Department from 1947-1986, retiring with the rank of Inspector. He was a member of the City of Winnipeg Police Pipe Band for 50 years and was Pipe Major for 18 of those years, and a volunteer piper later on. From 1939 to 1945, between the ages of 12 to 19, Don was a Member of the Cameron Cadets, and Pipe Major of the Cadet Pipe Band. Don served our country from 1945 to 1950 by enlisting with the Canadian Army (Reserves). From 1965-1980 he was promoted to Lieutenant, Canadian Armed Forces, and instructed the Cadet Pipe Band and then retired as a Captain (Reserves). Prior to the days of youth travel, he took the Cadet Band to Austin Texas where they won all the prizes. He instilled his values of civic pride, public service, Scottish heritage and influenced a generation of Winnipeg youth. The Police Pipe band ranks were filled by former students and cadets, of whom all 3 Pipe Majors succeeding him have been former Cameron Cadets. Don was officer in charge of the reserve army pipe band to Hemisfair-San Antonio Texas (a minor world’s fair). He organized, along with President Hugh Kennedy, Unit 283 ANAVETS (Army Navy Airforce Veterans Association) Pipe Band and served as Pipe Major and is still serving (over 21 years). For 30 years Don has been the Volunteer Piper for the War Amputations of Canada. Don maintains involvement with the Royal Canadian Legion (30 years), Anavets (21 years), Cameron Highlander Association (60 years) and the Police Veterans Association of Winnipeg. As a Pipe Major he has represented our city, province, and country nationally and internationally for over 40 years. He was selected as Winnipeg’s piper for the Pine to Palm tour to New Orleans, raising awareness of Highway 75. This resulted in many US citizens making trips to Canada, including 26 members from the Minneapolis Concert Band at his retirement dinner in Winnipeg. He has piped for Mayors, Premiers, Prime Ministers, the Royal Family, President Jimmy Carter and was the solo piper for Queen Elizabeth II, just to name a few! He was the Pipe Major in charge of 250 pipers and drummers from Winnipeg to the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, USA. During these busy years he juggled shift work, raised four children and taught piping and drumming free of charge in his home. He has a wonderful family which includes wife Rose, children Colin, Cathy, Carolyn, Colleen and 12 grandchildren. Don’s family, friends and comrades are so proud of him! Awards: Canadian Forces Decoration Medal.. CD  Canadian Police Service Medal and Bar 39 1⁄2 years service. 1986 Awarded Tourism of Manitoba Good Citizen Award. 1986 Tourism Ambassador Certificate on behalf Canadian Government of Canada (nominated by US citizens). 1986 City of Winnipeg Community Service Award and Exemplary Citizen for excellent leadership in the field of community service by Mayor William Norris QC  1986 Certificate of appreciation by Minneapolis Police Dept in appreciation for the invaluable service and cooperation extended. 2005 Lord Strathcona Award presented by the St Andrews Society of Winnipeg for furthering Scottish culture in all aspects to whom he collaborated with and teaching bagpipes and drums to boys and girls for 40 years. Awards by the Royal Canadian Legion and Army Navy Air Force Veterans Canada for volunteer work on their behalf. Compiled by Don’s daughter Colleen and P.M. Barbie Sands, ANAVET #283

< Back Robert Fraser Mr. Robert Fraser In his book Pipers: a Guide to the Players and Music of the Highland Bagpipe, Dr. William Donaldson describes three archetypal teachers: the ferocious, the coolly clinical, and the kindly and gentle. Anyone who had the good fortune to meet Pipe Major Fraser would recognize him instantly as a man who fit perfectly within the author’s final category. Donaldson writes “The playing and teaching were mingled with hours of talk, and it became clear that there was more to piping than just music. It was a kind of initiation, an admission to membership- however junior- of an elite and fascinating company. Most obvious of all was his own utter commitment to and inexhaustible fascination with the art. He didn’t teach piping, he was piping. He was gentleness itself. He smiled frequently and praised much, and he refused to charge for instruction.” Bob Fraser was Pipe Major of the Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band, an organization for boys under the age of 18 from the time of its inception in 1957 until his passing in 2012. When Mr. Fraser immigrated to Canada in 1957, he was approached by representatives of The Boy Scouts of Canada to start a pipe band for young boys. Their beginnings were humble, but through dedication and perseverance and the unflagging support of his wife Frances, the band slowly began to grow and develop. In 2007 Mr. Fraser celebrated the 50th anniversary of the LSBSPB (*now known as the Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band) with his boys, both young and not so young. The LSBSPB spanned generations as well. Many fathers who learned to play the pipes or drums in the band returned with their sons’ years later to introduce them to Scottish culture and music. Some remained on as instructors and currently, the majority of the instructors are alumni. Mr. Fraser began playing the Great Highland Bagpipe at age 10, in the Arbroath Boys’ Brigade, Scotland’s version of the Boy Scouts, receiving free instruction from his tutors. His instructor challenged him to continue on this tradition and to this day, there are no fees charged for lessons, equipment or uniforms. He was first a drummer and also learned highland dancing while he was a piper. He continued to encourage the boys to learn the art of highland dance and incorporated it into their performances. Because of injuries sustained in a fire as an infant where both his hands and feet were badly burned, piping was at first, a difficult task for him. His troubles were solved by his Pipe Major who suggested reversing the position of his left and right hand on the chanter. It worked. Mr. Fraser served in the Royal Air Force during the Second World War in many locations in the east including Tripoli, Cairo, Iraq, Iran and Pakistan, and from India to Jordan. After the war, he and his wife, Frances, lived on the Isle of Lewis in Stornaway, where Mr. Fraser played with The Lewis Pipe Band. Following this, they moved with their young family to Alloa, where Mr. Fraser ran the Alloa Journal. Due to the health concerns of his children, it became necessary to leave the damp climate of Scotland for somewhere drier. He often remarked that the choice was Australia to become a Peach Farmer, or Canada where a position was available in the printing industry. Since he was already a trained and qualified printer, he chose the latter. In 1957, the family left Scotland and immigrated to Winnipeg. Mr. Fraser was very involved in the local Scottish community; the United Scottish Association, Scottish Days and Highland Pageants, as well as Mug Pub, a pavilion that was very popular at Folklorama for a number of years. He piped for the Scottish Country Dancers at the ceilidhs that were held at Minto Armouries, as well as for Highland Dancers. He also held informal Scottish Country dancing lessons in his basement for friends, including the parents of the band members prior to the first band trip to Scotland in 1981. Mr. Fraser opened his home for band chanter practices, individual lessons for band members and adult learners and meetings of the band executive. Every night of the week would see some activity or instruction taking place at his home. There was always a cup of tea to be had, and his meringues were legendary. He was also Pipe Major of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and, after leaving the Cameron Highlanders in 1972, he formed the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg Pipe Band; a band whose membership continues to have a strong contingent of alumni. He served as their pipe major until 2003. Mr. Fraser was a successful Printer by trade and ran Public Press on Ellice Avenue. He was also President of the Graphics Arts Board of Canada and was involved in the development of the printing industry. He retired in 1985. It is the view of many, however, that his greatest contribution has been to the youth and culture of Manitoba and Canada. His nomination in 2010 for the CBC’s Champions of Change and advancement to the final 50 attests to this. http://www.cbc.ca/change/2010/10/robert-fraser.html A humble, unassuming gentleman, Mr. Fraser will always be remembered for his life-time commitment and dedication to The Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band. He shaped and influenced the lives of thousands of young men and their parents with patience, compassion, and kindness through instruction and example. Many of the graduates of the LSBSPB have gone on to successful careers in every walk of life and become exceptional citizens. As well, alumni of the LSBSPB can be found in pipe bands all around the country, in every grade up to and including the grade 1 pipe bands, Peel Regional Police, Dowco Triumph Street, 78th Highlander (Halifax Citadel) and Simon Fraser University Pipe Band. Mr. Fraser passed away in 2012 and is survived by his children Sheila, Kevin and Rob, 7 grandchildren, and 16 great grandchildren, many of whom are accomplished pipers and highland dancers. *The Lord Selkirk Band’s name has recently been amended to honour their founder. Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band, which stands for the Lord Selkirk Robert Fraser Memorial Pipe Band. Respectfully submitted by Karen Bowman

< Back 407 Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders ( Cadets ) Youth Pipeband 407 Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps Thursday Evenings 18:15-21:00 ( September to June ) [Room # 26 ] Location: Minto Armouries Address: 969 St Matthews Avenue Winnipeg MB R3G0J7 Ph: 1-( 204)-786-1130 Email: 407army@cadets.gc.ca Previous Next

Instructors for Hire Instructors listed are members in good standing of PPBAM and are offering private lessons. Check our list of Active Bands, too. Most of our active bands also offer lessons, usually i.n a group setting Please contact instructors directly. Hiring an instructor is between you and the musician. Please ask the instructor for their rates as they can vary. Instructors! Please contact PPBAM to be added to the page. Email: General@ppbam.org . or use the form on the contact page . Ryan Hansen Beginner/Intermediate Youth and Adult Bass/Tenor Phone Number: 204-793-0388 Email: Ryanhansen1127@gmail.com Ian Aastrom Intermediate Youth and Adult Snare Drumming Phone Number: 204-894-0655 Email: ianaastrom@gmail.com Carl Heaman-Warne Bagpipes - beginner Youth and Adult learners email: carlhw@gmail.com Heather Purvis Bagpipes email: hpurvis50@gmail.com phone: (204) 298-9879 Wes Sheppard Bagpipes email: wessheppardbagpipes@gmail.com phone: 204-770-8100

< Back Robert McLeod Stankey ROBERT MCLEOD STANKEY August 24, 1955 - February 29, 2024 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Robert McLeod Stankey at Grace General Hospital in Winnipeg at age 68. Predeceased by his wife Carol (2019) and his father Harold (1997). Survived by his children, Cathie and Geordie Stankey, mother Helen Stankey, sister Pat (Mark) Owens, sister-in-law Debbie (Mike) McCaffrey, four nephews and their families. Robert lived in West Kildonan his whole life. After graduating from West Kildonan Collegiate he worked at Coca-Cola until his retirement at 50, working his way up to be part of the Quality Control team. Robert played with the Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe band as a youth, the Centennial Pipe band and eventually became the Pipe Major of the St. Andrews Society Pipe Band. He devoted many hours to teaching the next generation of pipers. He and Carol were active in the piping community, travelling to Scotland several times to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships with the Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band. A lover of birds, and animals in general, he spent lots of time outdoors. He enjoyed curling, a pint and many a crossword puzzle. He was proud of his children, loved to walk the family dog Arwen, and relaxing in the backyard. At his request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to the Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band. As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 09, 2024

< Back St. Andrew's Pipe Band Grade III Grade III Pipe Band Pipe Major: Alex Pedin Lead Drummer: Dave Chorney The band was founded in 1973 by alumni of the Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band with support from the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg. After years of performing at major local events, the band shifted toward competition in the late 1980s. Earning strong results at the North American Championships and placing 7th at the 2008 Gr4 World Championships. Under the current Pipe Major Alex Peden and Drum Sergeant Dave Chorney the band continues to compete successfully across Canada and the U.S., maintaining a strong competitive presence. With plans to travel to Scotland in 2027. Previous Next

< Back Doug Will One of Winnipeg’s pipers who, over the years, made outstanding contributions to the city and the province is Mr. Douglas Will. His leadership and knowledge has helped to ensure that the highland bagpipe and its music will continue long into the future. Mr. Will was skilled in leadership and was a gifted teacher. He was very patient and had a great aptitude in the art of passing on his knowledge to others. Doug was born to Alexander and Williamina Will in Aberdeen, Scotland. Alex Will was a police constable on the Shetland Islands prior to emigrating. When the family moved to Canada, they settled in Winnipeg, where Alex obtained employment with the CNR in the Transcona shops. They lived on Bertrand Street in St. Boniface and then moved to Ingersoll Street in the West end. Doug Will was the oldest of the Will family. He had two sisters, Mary and Ina, and a brother, James. The youngest brother, Daniel, was born in Winnipeg. Doug’s father was a piper and wanted his son to carry on the tradition and learn to play. His first teacher was John Duke, the Pipe Major of the Cameron Highlanders. Doug became a very talented piper. Apparently he practiced diligently and used to march around the family dining room table, much to the annoyance of his two sisters! Sister Ina tells the story of how the girls used to throw shoes at him in an effort to get him to stop playing, but to no avail! Doug became a champion piper and competed in all the local highland games, winning numerous gold medals. Doug married Margaret Mair and they had a son “Sandy” who became Colonel of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada. Doug joined the Camerons and was a member of the pipe band. He eventually took over the training of the Cadet Pipe band. Thus began an illustrious era of Doug’s teaching skills. The Cadet band grew in numbers and he produced numerous champion pipers. Many of his students went on to be very proficient, and organize pipe bands of their own. One example was Bill Merriman, who moved to California where he organized a number of bands. At one point, he ran three bands – two junior bands and a Grade One band. Eventually Doug left the Cadet band and due to poor health, didn’t pipe for about seven years. In time, he got back to teaching, and joined forces with Bob Fraser and Ron Lamb, which lead to the formation of the Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band. He stayed with the scout band for a number of years as Assistant Scoutmaster. There were also many adults who were interested in taking lessons and Doug willingly took them on. Some of these students became competent players and joined a band. Others just found a certain amount of satisfaction in working with Doug, and enjoyed the lessons and a cup of tea, brought out by Margaret Will at the end of the evening. Young students have fond memories of Mrs. Will’s Kool-Aid and gingersnap cookies! Jim Kidd persuaded Doug to join the St. John’s Pipe Band. A number of pipers and former students were attracted to the St. John’s Band because Doug Will was a member. Doug spent countless hours adding new tunes to the repertoire, and “hand-writing” complete music books to aid the players in learning the tunes. This was before the era of copy machines and computers. There a just a few of these books still in existence and they are a real collector’s item. His copies always had a hexagon drawn in the corner with his name and the date in it. One of his students, John Weston, who greatly admired Mr. Will and remembered him fondly, has put together a website in his honour, with as many hand-written sheets of Mr. Will’s music as he could find. See: http://www.jrweston.net/Doug_Will's_Pipe_Music/index.htm Doug piped in countless parades. He was always content to play wherever the Pipe Major placed him, though he preferred somewhere in the back, rather than in the front rank. Doug was never interested in being a pipe major. He was content to be in the background, ready to help someone having trouble with a tune or their pipes. Doug enjoyed socializing after the parade but was never a drinker. He didn’t agree with getting drunk after a performance. Doug felt the band could use a new name. For a while it was known as “Caber Feidh”, but eventually became the ANAVETS 60 Pipes and Drums. He seemed to have a gift of getting new people to join the band. The respect they all felt for him was a testament to him as a person. Doug was also involved with the old Transcona Pipe Band. Jack Reay was the band director of the ladies band, the Heather Belles. He asked Doug to assist him, and that was the beginning of a long association with the Heather Belle Ladies Pipe Band. When Jack retired, Doug took over as the director and spent many years guiding them to numerous competitions where they won many trophies throughout Western Canada. He accompanied the band on many trips. They even went to Scotland to compete at the World’s and Cowal. Mrs. Will traveled with him and was an avid supporter of the band. When she could no longer attend all the functions, he retired from the band so he could always be with her. Doug and Margaret also participated in Folklorama for many years. He held the position of “Mayor” of the pavilion for several years. On a number of occasions, Doug participated as an instructor at the Saskatchewan School of the Arts at Fort Qu’Appelle, and at the Peace Gardens Summer Music Camp. He also assisted in the planning and running of many highland games throughout the province. Later in life, even once he was no longer associated with a band, Doug was always available to help or advise pipers. When his wife passed away, he did his best to continue the traditions that had existed for decades – tea and cookies in the evening after a night of lessons. Even in his early 80’s he continued to play for Mrs. Ena Sutton and her dancers. He was a very competent dance piper for decades. Doug passed away at the age of 84. Mr. Douglas Will spent a lifetime being a teacher, mentor and friend to hundreds of bagpipe players. His knowledge and patience were his legacy to all those who spent countless hours in his presence. Thank you to William Ramsay, Doug Will’s nephew, for sharing his knowledge of his uncle’s life.

< Back Clandeboye Pipe Band Grade V Pipe Band Pipe Major: Lead Drummer: Previous Next

< Back 303 ANAVETS Adult Learning Band Pipe Major: Diane Kotelko Lead Drummer: Erwin Schiller Practices Monday nights 1900-2100 Location: Rockwood ANAVETS Address: 341 Wilton St, Winnipeg, MB R3M 1X3 Previous Next

< Back Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders Grade III Pipe Band Pipe Major: MWO Daniel Locke, CD Lead Drummer: Sgt Ryan Summerton, CD www.cameronsofcanada.ca Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada ‐the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders was formed in 1794. ‐Winnipeg’s regiment formed in 1910, hard on the heels of the Boer War. Winnipeg was the city of their regimental birth. The Headquarters were at 202 Main St. ‐one year after the formation of the Winnipeg Regiment, we affiliated with the Scottish Camerons, in 1911. (There were no pipe bands in Winnipeg prior to 1900. Then Clan Stewart No. 92, Order of Scottish Clans, formed a band, and John Duke became their Pipe Major in 1907. After that, the pipe band for the Regiment was organized in 1910 by PM John Duke. He continued with them all through the First World War.) WW1 – Camerons were part of 16th Battalion Canadian Scottish, 27th City of Winnipeg Battalion ‐formed 43rd and 79th Battalions, Cameron Highlanders of Canada – served France & Flanders. ‐179th and 174th Battalions were also Camerons. After the war, QOCH of Canada again became Canadian Militia. ‐referred to as “bare‐kneed barbarians”. They are Manitoba’s only kilted Highland Regiment. ‐25th anniversary was in 1935 ‐Pipe Major Donald McLeod – duty piper – his job was to raise you out of bed and then retreat at sundown. ‐played at 4 formal church parades each year – First Pres. Church/Annual Inspection/Decoration Day parade/Armistice Day ‐wore kilts and scarlets WW2 – on Sept. 1, 1939, orders given to mobilize for active service. ‐went to England at Christmas 1940. ‐Queen Elizabeth and King George V1 were very interested in pipe band. ‐throughout the war, the pipe band was in much demand. They helped to keep up morale. ‐The Dieppe Raid – Aug. 19, 1942 – “Operation Jubilee” ‐Cameron’s pipers played from a mile out at sea and on to the beach at Dieppe (River Scie) ‐all members of the pipe band who took part in the operation were casualties. Piper Gunn was killed and PM Alex Graham was taken prisoner. This was the last time in the history of the Canadian Highland regiments that pipers actually piped the troops into action. ‐only through the excellent co‐operation of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force was it possible to bring back as many as they did. It was, indeed, a ‘Combined Operation’. ‐Pipers: L/Cpl Graham, Gunn, Young, Smith. Decimated; cut to pieces, yet it still functioned as a disciplined group. ‐505 Camerons set off in the morning of August 19/42. Next day, only 159 able‐bodied men could be assembled. ‐Back in Winnipeg, businesses and well‐wishers and the City of Wpg found funds to reequip the famous Cameron pipe band. Wounded pipers trained new ones. By November 1942, new pipes etc were being made. A ceremonial presentation was made on March 29, 1944. ‐former Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band, QOCH and Centennial Band member, Alec Young’s father, Bill Young, had his pipes shot out from under his arm at Dieppe. Bill received 3 bullet wounds from which he recovered. The City of Winnipeg presented him with a new set of pipes which he used from D‐Day through to Germany, that his son Alec still owns. These were restored by Mark O’Rourke and are presently being played by a member of the McCombe family. ‐after the band was restored to their former splendor, they went to London, Dec. 1942 to make a recording for rebroadcast to Canada. ‐they returned to Dieppe on Sept. 3, 1944. Pipers paraded to the Canadian Cemetery for church service of Remembrance. The French had been caring for the graves. Ten Boer – April 17, 1945. The band, under PM McLeod, put on a fine show for the local inhabitants. The pipers hadn’t done much piping lately as they had their hands full as stretcher bearers – a risky business requiring coolness and courage. ‐pipers played in Oldenburg for the Victory Parade on May 9, 1945. In June the battalion moved to ex‐German naval quarters in Aurich. PM W. McLeod began teaching highland dancing to officers and men who wished to acquire this noble art. ‐On Sept. 15/45, a dance competition was held! ‐end of September, they travelled across Europe and left England Nov. 13th for home. ‐the 2nd Battalion (Reserve) was formed in 1940 – a constant reminder to Winnipeggers of the overseas unit. They carried on the traditions of the Regiment. They were also formed to take care of matters at home. The Ladies Auxiliary of the QOCH and Camerons Rehabilitation Association were formed. Women knit +++ socks. ‐after being a P.O.W., Alex Graham became Pipe Major in 1947. ‐There is a stained glass window in the First Presbyterian Church, honouring the Camerons. On Feb. 6, 1966, the Rev. Bruce Miles officiated over this. ‐ the #2 Militia helped during the 1950 flood. ‐March 1951, the Camerons and Pipe Band supplied the Honour Guard for the opening of the Provincial Legislature. Then on Oct. 18, Princess Elizabeth and Prince Phillip visited. PM Graham and PS Roy Springett piped them to the Royal Alexander Hotel and Legislative Building. ‐Lt Col Rutherford was in command from 1951‐53 and was responsible for the Pipes and Drums being dressed as Camerons. ‐headquarters moved to Minto Armouries in 1955. ‐in 1959 the Pipes and Drums went to BC for the Centennial celebrations. ‐there was a special ceremony in June 1960 to celebrate 50 years. The massed band was lead by former PM Bill McLeod. 700 Camerons came to celebrate and remember. ‐on March 9, 1963 at Minto, the First Highland Pageant was held, co‐sponsored by the Regiment and the St. Andrew’s Society. This continued successfully until 1966. The Manitoba Highland Dancers Association (MHDA) participated as well. ‐on May 27, 1967 there was a celebration of Canada’s 100th birthday. “Trooping the Colour” – they paraded in their new green highland coatee, replacing the scarlet doublets which had been worn since 1910. ‐on July 1st, 1967, the Queen appointed Prince Phillip to be Colonel‐in‐Chief of the Regiment. That July he came for the Pan Am Games. The band was kept very busy for these celebrations. (Many of us remember standing in uniform in the stadium in the pouring rain with Prince Phillip!) ‐ in 1970 the pipes and drums played at Manitoba’s centennial at Lower Fort Garry and for the Royal Family two weeks later. ‐That August, 16 bandsmen went to Scotland to be in Edinburgh’s Military Tattoo. During the five weeks they were away, LSBSPB’s PM, Robert Fraser lead the band members who were still in Winnipeg. As a result, Senior Piper, Robyn McCombe was the first person to act as Pipe Major of the LSBSPB in Mr. Fraser’s absence and took the band to Churchill to pipe for the Queen. ‐in 1974 the band joined with other Winnipeg bands to form the Winnipeg Massed Pipe and Drum band to lead the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena. ‐they played again for Prince Phillip in 1978. ‐in the spring of 1979 the Regiment once again helping with the flooding in Winnipeg. And again for the 1997 “Flood of the Century”. ‐there was a 70th anniversary celebration in 1980. ‐in 1981 the band played at the Calgary Stampede. ‐in 2000 a petition was started by members of the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg to save the QOCH militia regiment. Thankfully they are still in existence and were able to celebrate 100 years in 2010. ‐check out their website at http://thequeensowncameronhighlandersofcanada.net/index.html PIPE MAJORS ‐John Duke from 1910 to 1919 when he returned to Winnipeg. ‐John Coghill was PM in 1920 but moved to the Police Band in 1921. ‐Lachlan Collie was from 1921‐1929. He taught many of the men who formed the Police Band. ‐Donald McLeod took over Sept. 1, 1929 ‐Alex Graham was PM from 1947 to 1967. In Oct. 1962, he was promoted to the rank of Pipe Major Warrant Officer, Class 1 – making him only the 2nd man to ever receive this distinction in the Canadian Army. Bibliography “Whatever Men Dare” by R.W. Queen‐Hughes, 1960. The history of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, 1935 – 1960 “The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada – 25th Anniversary Souvenir”. By Lt. Col. J.D. Sinclair, 1935. “The Lion Rampant – A Pictoral History of the QOCH of Canada 1910‐1985” by Grant C.A. Taylor, 1985. 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< Back Ian Conn Ian Conn was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1931 and was raised in Galashiels, Selkirkshire. He started to learn the bagpipes at age 14 through the local Boys Brigade Pipe Band, 2nd Battalion in Galashiels. His Pipe Major and tutor William Bruce, and his uncle William Bertram were instrumental in guiding him through his early days of piping tuition. Within seven months he had mastered the instrument and had eight tunes memorized. At his first competition, he placed first in all categories. He was quickly upgraded to the Senior Section and continued to win at that level. When he aged out of the Boys Brigade, he moved on to the local Ex-Service/Legion Pipe Band. In 1951, Ian was called up for the 2-year compulsory military national service enlistment. Basic army training was with the K.O.S.B. Regiment in Edinburgh. (King’s Own Scottish Borderers) He was assessed by P/M George Stoddard, who assigned him to the Lowland Brigade Band where all the top players were transferred. There were 16 of them stationed in Dreghorn Castle Barracks, Edinburgh, where they underwent intensive practice everyday plus all their other duties. During this time Ian became friends with Tom McAllister Jr. of Shotts & Dykehead Pipe Band (his father was the P/M) and Harry McNulty who was the nephew of William Sinclair of the Wm Sinclair Bagpipe Company. This was how Ian was invited to play with Shotts & Dykehead, where he gained great insight as to how a Grade One band practiced, was set up, tuned and competed. While in Edinburgh, he was chosen to be the Lone Piper at the Edinburgh Tattoo and made almost weekly visits to the Sinclair shop, learning a lot about bagpipes and reeds. This knowledge would be of great future benefit to his pipe band. The Shotts & Dykehead Caledonia Pipe Band, with Ian, won the World Pipe Band Championship in 1952. Qualifying to become a pipe major was no small task. First there was a three- month course run by P/M Stoddard. From here he took the full pipe major’s four- month course with P/M Willie Ross, which was quite grueling but gratifying. After his army service was completed, he moved back to Galashiels, but continued his piping career with Shotts, until moving with his wife Betty and daughter Linda, to Winnipeg, from 1957 until 1961. He became friends with P/M Neil Sutherland of the City of Winnipeg Police Pipe Band, and played with them occasionally as a guest. He joined the RCAF 402 Squadron Pipe Band under P/M Jack Reay Sr. Ian returned to Scotland for five years and played with various bands. During this time he met P/M Alex Cupples who eventually immigrated to Brandon, Manitoba. Ian and the family immigrated back to Winnipeg in 1966 as a partner with Winnipeg Building and Decorating. Eventually he formed his own company, River Valley Construction, which flourished for many years. He then spent the remainder of his working career as the Project Manager for Bison Trucking and as a building consultant. In conjunction with his very successful business career, he and his wife Betty ran Clan Scotia, a Scottish import business supplying piping and drumming equipment to local customers. When Ian returned to Manitoba, he chose just to compete solo, winning numerous local and provincial titles. However, it was only a matter of time before he felt moved to start up a pipe band. The year was 1967 – thus the name The Centennial Pipe Band. This was the beginning of a whole different style of playing and sound control. Their Grade One Drum Sargent was Jim Barrie who completely changed the drumming technique, creating a major advance in styles. With the complement of such a strong drum section, the band continued to win prizes wherever they competed. When P/M Neil Sutherland passed away, Ian took over the Selkirk Kiwanis Pipe Band where Neil had been teaching. During Ian’s tenure, the band moved from Juvenile through to Grade One and won many prizes over the years. When Ian started to encounter some health issues, he handed the reins to Tom Thompson, an ex Shotts and Centennial player and a local Selkirk resident. Ian stayed in pipe band circles by being on the Adjudicating Panel of PPBAM as a Grade One principal judge. He travelled throughout Canada and the States in this role. It took almost ten years before he would get back into piping himself. Alf Mather of the ANAVETS 60 Pipe Band (now ANAVETS #303 ) invited Ian to their practice sessions where he found comfort in playing again and enjoyed the camaraderie of some great band mates. Bill Ramsay was the Pipe Major at the time and Ian assisted him. Together they enhanced the band’s overall quality of sound, tone and playing execution. When Bill Ramsay retired as Pipe Major, Ian was ready to take over the leadership. When his health deteriorated again, he asked Robyn McCombe, his student from years ago and the Centennial Pipe Band, to take over as Pipe Major of the band. Robyn was very appreciative to be asked to be Pipe Major and it was a pleasure to be playing with Ian again. Robyn has many fond memories of being taught by Ian and playing with him in the Centennial Pipe Band. Ian had very high, but not unobtainable standards. Robyn remembers playing about twenty D throws and on the 21st try, Ian said in his understated way, ”That one was good.” At that point Robyn realized he was being taught by a superb teacher, and he always respected Ian’s patience and piping knowledge. One of his memories of playing with the Centennial Band was at the Moose Jaw Competition. On the morning of the competition a number of senior pipers were feeling unwell, and Robyn thought the band would definitely not have a good performance that day. However, Ian had other ideas, and as he was tuning Robyn’s pipes he looked him right in the eye and gave him a great big wink. With this act Robyn’s worries disappeared, and after more rigorous tuning and remedies to cure the sick contingent, the band went on to win the day and Ian’s legacy as a masterful Pipe Major was confirmed. Ian’s wife Betty passed away in 2005. He found companionship once again and married Shirley in 2006. His life was complete with the birth of his grandson Alan. Ian Conn’s impact on the piping scene in the prairies was enormous. His gifted ear for tuning and setting up pipes was exceptional, and he was a good teacher as he shared his knowledge with others. His groundbreaking work with the Centennial Pipe Band set the stage for many bands to follow. Ian passed away on June 14, 2011. -contributions from Iain MacDonald, Regina, Saskatchewan; Robyn McCombe, Winnipeg, Manitoba; and from Ian’s own words in “ Through the Mists of Time ”

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