March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Clare Reid
Corps: Western Tech, Toronto Optimists, Optimists Alumni
July 14, 1935 – January 16, 2016
Clare made many friends through his lifelong love of music, serving as a bugle player and instructor with the Western Tech Trumpet Band, executive of the Toronto Optimists and Optimists Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps, and President of the Canadian Drum Corps Association. Clare was also a faithful member and executive of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 344.
Here are a few comments from some of those who knew him.
"Always made me feel at home and a valued member of the Optimist Alumni Corps"
"A real 'gentle-man'."
"Here's my favourite memory of Clare: In 1968 the corps was losing regularly to De La Salle. We worked and worked and worked some more and finally at the CNE show the week before nationals we were back on top. The next weekend in Kingston, we were nervous but worked hard and felt fully prepared. As I was standing at the Drum Major's retreat, I was still apprehensive about the upcoming results. Clare was right in front of me either presenting a trophy or perhaps as a judge, I can't remember. But before the scores were announced, I looked at Clare and he gave me a quick wink and I knew we would be ok. "
"Blessed with a great sense of humor and awesome personality he will be greatly missed and forever remembered."
Clare. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!