March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bob Cook (1970s)
Corps: Midlanders, Toronto Optimists, De La Salle, Oakland Crusaders, Optimists Alumni
1954 – September 2025
Bob started his drum corps career when he joined the Midlanders from London, Ontario, in 1968. He marched with Midlanders from 1969 to 1971. After the 1971 season, Bob and a few other friends from the Midlanders came to Toronto to join the Optimists. Bob’s brother, Dave, also joined the Optimists, playing cymbals.
Bob was a member of the Optimists’ snare line during 1972 and part of 1973. After the 1973 season, he left Optimists to join De La Salle, marching with Del’s drumline in 1974. During Bob’s age-out year, 1975, he played with the Oakland Crusaders (the merger between De La Salle and the Etobicoke Crusaders).
After aging out, Bob spent two years with the Oakland Crusaders as part of their instruction staff. He was the Bass Drum Tech for Oakie’s excellent 1977 drumline.
When the Optimists Alumni Corps was formed in 2002, Bob joined their snare line. He played with the Optimists Alumni Corps until 2005.
Bob . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!
