Courtenay Legion (Branch#17,RCL) Pipe Band
Canadian Scottish Regiment “C Coy” Pipe Band
The Courtenay Legion Pipe Band, which had its origins in “C” Company of the Canadian Scottish Regiment, is one of the few Vancouver Island Pipe Bands in continuous operation since it's founding in the mid 1950s.
While the band as an official entity had its start in 1955, a group of Courtenay pipers started getting together on an informal basis shortly after WW 11. Bill “Piper” Stewart and his two sons Donald and Sandy were joined by Bud Whyte, Bob “Mushy” Keenan and Joe McIntosh for home piping sessions.
Sandy Stewart was approached by the Courtenay based “C” Coy of the Canadian Scottish Regiment with the idea of forming a Pipe Band. A Campbell River piper, Gordon McRae, was brought in and became the first Pipe Major. Other good pipers including Alec and Sandy Morgan were also attracted. The Late Jim Sturgeon, who built the Fanny Bay Inn, tutored the pipers. Sturgeon was well qualified for this role having been a founding member of the world famous Shotts and Dykehead Pipe Band.
In 1955 the members began practicing at “C” Company headquarters in what is now known as the annex at Vanier Secondary School. Dressed in battle dress and Hunting Stewart kilts the band made its debut at the Cumberland Empire Day parade in May 1950.
The Band continued to develop and remained active in the Militia and community events until 1964 with the disbandment of the Courtenay militia unit in 1964.
With the Militia disbanded the need for a new sponsor was urgent which led to Branch # 17 Royal Canadian Legion stepping in. Instrumental in obtaining this support was Bud McNie, a Legion member and a long time band supporter, Glenn Clark ex Company Sergeant Major of “C” Coy and Bunt Ireland another keen band supporter. Sandy Stewart became the first Pipe Major and continued until 1977 when W.J. (Bill Quigg took over until his departure in 1985.From 1985 until present our Pipe Majors have been Dave Hilder, Bill Whyte, Debra Martin, Dave Alderson, Lorne Bailey and finishing with our current Pipe Major Ralph Burton.
The band was at its peak in the early and mid 90,s beginning with a first place at the prestigious B.C. Indoor Games. This was followed with another first place at the Victoria Games and a third at the PEI Games in Summerside P.E.I. These wins were followed up by numerous individual and band trophies won at various Legion Games.
Since the mid 90's there has been a massive turnover of close to %100 with people leaving and new members joining. The Branch 17 Pipes and Drums can be likened to an Army Regiment. The faces may change but the Band carries on. The Band has been part of the fabric of the Comox Valley for fifty years and God willing you should be able to see the Band in all its full regalia strutting down the street for another fifty.