March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Fred Shearer
Corps: Toronto Optimists
October 26, 1908 — October 24, 1997
Fred was associated with the Optimists both as a parent and as Equipment Manager in 1964 and 1965. He had three sons, John, Doug and Rick who marched in the Corps.
Together with his wife they became affectionately known as Ma and Pop” Shearer and took great delight in having many of the Corps members congregate at their home on Bain Avenue in Toronto’s Cabbagetown district.
He often reminisced about the New Year’s Eve when a large number of members showed up at his home and held an impromptu midnight parade on the street. It certainly ended up as one of the most memorable New Years Eves on Bain Avenue.
Fred. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!