< 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. Previous Next

< 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 ”

< Back 177 Air Canada Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Youth Pipeband 177 Air Canada Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Friday Evenings 18:00-21:15 ( September to June ) Location: Minto Armouries Address: 969 St Matthews Avenue Winnipeg MB R3G0J7 Ph: 1-(204)-612-4697 Email: 177air@cadets.gc.ca Previous Next

< Back Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band Grade IV Pipe Band (youth) Pipe Major: Lead Drummer: www.lsrfmpb.ca In the 1950’s the Manitoba Scout Council wanted to start a Boy Scout Pipe Band. They approached Mr. Robert Fraser who had recently emigrated from Scotland. The Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band (LSBSPB) had its humble start the fall of 1957. In the beginning, instructors whittled dummy chanters out of wood and drew in the finger holes! Some other key instructors in the early days were Mr. Douglas Will, Harold Cooper and Jack Gunn, to name a few. The Cameron Highlanders loaned them a set of pipes in the 1960s, and a donation from the Kiwanis Club finally enabled the band to buy bagpipes. The band wears the Douglas tartan to honour Thomas Douglas, the Fifth Earl of Selkirk, who sent 23 Scottish settlers to the banks of the Red and Assiniboine rivers in 1812 to begin a new life. Over the past 20 years, when the band has made the trip to Scotland, they have always visited the present “Lord Selkirk” at the family estate at Lennoxlove. More recently that has been James Douglas-Hamilton, Baron Selkirk of Douglas, 11th Earl of Selkirk, and his wife Lady Susan Douglas that the boys have visited both in Scotland and in Winnipeg when the couple came to commemorate the Clearances and the statue honouring the Selkirk Settlers. Mr. Fraser came from Arbroath, Scotland. A professional printer by trade, Mr. Fraser also served in the Royal Air Force and studied and taught piping from an early age. He was involved with The Boys Brigade in Scotland and was a member of the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Mr. Fraser served in the Scottish Air Force in World War II, after which he married his wife, Frances. In addition to starting the Lord Selkirk band, Mr. Fraser was also Pipe Major of the St. Andrew’s Society Pipe Band and the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders here in Winnipeg. Many credit Mr. Fraser’s personal example of musicianship and excellence in teaching, as well as his generosity and kindness, with the band’s longevity and success. Mr. Fraser has always insisted that no boy should be left behind because their family couldn’t afford to pay their way. Mr. Fraser’s first piping instructor would not accept payment for teaching, Therefore, in kind, Mr. Fraser has given free instruction to thousands of Manitoba boys who now are accomplished pipers, piping teachers and judges the world over. There are many drummers who have reached those same levels. For more than 50 years Mr. Fraser was the Heart and Soul of the Pipe Band. He continued to dedicate his time, efforts, talent, kindness and patience to produce outstanding pipers and drummers until just a couple of months prior to his death. An equally dedicated staff of piping and drumming alumni continue to volunteer their time each week to teach and practice with the boys. All band members have their uniforms, kit and travel expenses provided. For thirty years Mrs. Francis Fraser was the organizational backbone of the band. The behind-the-scenes contributions Mrs. Fraser made to the Pipe Band are immeasurable. She kept all the records and minutes of the Ladies Auxiliary meetings, helped with fundraising, supervised and cared for the boys on all the trips, and opened her home for meetings and lessons on Monday nights. She was by Mr. Fraser's side at every Band trip and function. She was an accomplished artist, and would often donate one of her paintings to be raffled off as a contribution to the band. Each October the Ladies Auxiliary held a Tea under her direction at the Fransiscan Friar on Edmonton Street, which was a very successful fundraiser. Sporting a good sense of humour and wanting to prove that Bob Fraser wasn’t the only piper in the family, Francis organized a Ladies Pipe Band complete with kilts made of garbage bags covered in coloured tape in the Douglas tartan! In the early years, the pipe band was associated with the Ladies' Caledonian Society and the Sons of Scotland. The original band parents were divided into the Ladies Auxiliary and the Men's Club. The Ladies made mealy pudding in the basement of the hall to fundraise and made enough money to buy 5 sets of pipes. In the early 1980's the two groups joined and became the parent committee. The parent executive committee is now the primary fundraising force behind the Band. This executive, with the support of all the parents, is responsible for keeping the band outfitted in uniforms and instruments, planning and arranging all band trips and entrance into competitions, and maintaining the Saturday morning canteen. Most of the volunteer instructors are former band members or parents. These parents and volunteers are all dedicated to the goals of the band. Early in the 2000’s, because the band was focused entirely around instruction, performances and competitions, leaving little or no time for the boys to participate in more traditional Scouting activities, the band’s charter with the Scouting movement came to an end. In 2008, the band’s name officially changed to the Lord Selkirk Boys Pipe Band (LSBPB). Nothing has changed in the band’s policy, in that it still helps turn young boys in to fine musicians and outstanding citizens, who also develop a keen interest and love of the culture and music of Scotland. The band has traveled to Scotland a number of times for the boys to experience that culture first hand, and also to have the opportunity to perform at various venues and compete at the World’s Pipe Band Competition in Glasgow. Most recently were trips in 2000, 2004, 2009 and 2012. In keeping with Mr. Fraser’s philosophy, all participating boys had all their trip expenses paid for by the diligent fundraising efforts of the parent committee. What a gift! In 2009, the two-week trip saw the boys playing at Sterling Castle, Piping Live in George Square which was televised on the Internet, placing 8th in the World on Glasgow Green and taking first place at the Bute Highland Games! Many other great events happen on these trips like the Edinburgh Military Tattoo, strolling the fields of Culloden and seeing heather covering the moors like a purple blanket, while driving north to Inverness. In September 2007, a weekend of festivities took place to celebrate the band’s 50th anniversary and Mr. Fraser’s involvement all these years. A wonderful dinner was held at the Hotel Fort Garry and many alumni participated. As they reminisced about their time in the band, two major highlights were shared by almost everyone who spoke – their admiration for Mr. Fraser and their trips to Scotland. Sadly, Mr. Fraser passed away on March 13, 2012 at age 89, but his band proudly marches on! http://www.lsbpb.ca/index.html Previous Next

< Back Bob Cooper Robert Harry “Bob” Cooper (1948- 2021 ) Police officer, highland drummer. Born at Winnipeg on 6 July 1948, son of Madeline Elizabeth Wallace (1919-1989) and Robert Harold Cooper (1917-2006), he worked for 30 years as an officer with the Winnipeg Police Service then spent six post-retirement years driving a school bus for the River East Transcona School Division . He was active in the Winnipeg Scottish pipe band community, first as a member of the Lord Selkirk District Boy Scout Pipe Band, and later as a drumming instructor with the Transcona and District Juvenile Pipe Band for 20 years and the Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band (2006-2021). He performed with the Cameron Cadet Pipe Band, Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada, St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg , and Winnipeg Police Band. He served as President of the Prairie Pipe Band Association (Saskatchewan and Manitoba) during its transition to the Prairie Pipe Band Association of Manitoba. In recognition of his community service, he received a Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal (2002). Source: https://www.mhs.mb.ca/docs/people/cooper_rh.shtml

< Back Glenaura Pipes and Drums Contact info coming soon The Glenaura Pipes and Drums The Glenaura Pipes & Drums were founded in October of 1990. Pipe Major Bill MacLeod and Pipe Major Tommy Thompson were the founders of the band. Pipe Major MacLeod had a long and distinguished career of piping and teaching in Manitoba. Pipe Major Thompson was a member of the storied Shotts & Dykehead Band in Scotland and also a leader of top flight bands in Canada. The band was comprised of many young pipers and drummers in the beginning, but under the leadership of the Pipe Majors the band moved from Grade 4 to Grade 3 and finally to Grade 2 in five years. Mr. MacLeod became Pipe Major Emeritus in 1994, with Pipe Major Thompson becoming the active leader and setting the musical direction of the band. Over the next number of years, the band competed in Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Minnesota. The band has won many awards at numerous competitions, including taking top honours in Grade 2 at The Calgary and Canmore Highland Games. In 2001, Pipe Major Leigh Ward stepped up to the leadership position as Pipe Major Thompson had become quite ill. Shortly thereafter, Pipe Major Thompson passed away. The band was most honoured to play at his funeral. Pipe Major Leigh Ward continues as our Pipe Major to this present day. The band currently plays in competitions, concerts, parades and performances. For more information about the band, check the website: www.glenaura.ca Information compiled from the Glenaura Band website. Previous Next

< Back George Lawrence George Lawrence was born in Airdrie, Scotland on May 30, 1922. He resided in Rothesay, Scotland for most of his early life. Enlisting in 1939, George served with the British Army through the Second World War. His army unit was transferred to Arbroath. He later served in Italy in Europe, Egypt and Libya in the Middle East and Britain. After the war, he returned to Rothesay (as he called it, the beautiful Isle of Bute), where he met the love of his life, Betty. In 1949, they married and resided in Glasgow. They were together for 44 years until Betty’s passing. In November 1951, George immigrated to Transcona, Manitoba to set up a new home for his family. Betty and his children followed four months later in February 1952. Upon arrival in Transcona, he worked at the CNR Shops and then later worked for Winnipeg Transit until his retirement in 1987. George was also an active member of the Masons Kilcona Lodge #183 . As a youth in Scotland, George had learned to play bagpipes with the Boys Brigade in Rothesay. He continued his love of piping after moving to Canada by being involved with organizations that promoted Scottish culture, and many pipe bands as pipe major and instructor. He joined the Canadian Reserves and became a member of the 402 Air Squadron, CFB Winnipeg as a Master Warrant Officer. The bands that George was involved with include 402 Air Reserve Squadron, Transcona Junior Pipe Band, Crusaders Pipe Band and the Transcona and District Pipe Band. George traveled to Scotland with the Transcona and District Pipe Band on four occasions. He retired from the Transcona and District Pipe Band as pipe major in 2002. George was instrumental in forming the Prairie Pipe Band Association of Manitoba, holding every executive position numerous times. He also participated as a piping judge. George always believed in the importance of starting bagpipes at a young age and over the years, is responsible for teaching many young Winnipeg pipers. He placed a lot of emphasis on technique. He made sure a student was well versed in the exercises before moving on to learning tunes. This love of teaching was strong and he continued to teach students until shortly before his death on May 13, 2011. George has been the recipient of many awards and honours related to his community service promoting Scottish Culture. He was not only an excellent, dedicated teacher, but respected within the community as a selfless citizen. One of his awards was from the St. Andrew’s Society of Winnipeg. George is survived by his daughters, Iris McKay and Jean (Barry) Stibbard, 3 grandsons and great grandchildren. Information compiled from Mr. Lawrence’s 2011 obituary, and excerpts from an exposé on one of his students and friend, Heather Wiens. http://www.bagpipepublishing.com/heatherwiens.html