March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Al Lavigne
Corps: Western Tech, Toronto Optimists
Al joined the Optimist in the fall of 1957 from the Western Tech Bugle Band, making him a charter member of the “Green”. He was a staunch member of the baritone section until the fall of 1965.
He was known as a quiet, thoughtful member of the Corps and as dependable as the day was long. Al was very, very proud of helping the Green Machine win eight straight National Championships during his tenure with the Corps.
He loved sporty, and/or powerful cars that included a big block Chevy, a Triumph TR4 and a original Mini-Cooper S, in which he liked impersonating Juan Fangio.
Al passed away in December of 2000 and those who knew him lost a generous, committed and truly decent “Champion”.
Al . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!