John Baye

Corps: Toronto Optimists

April 10, 1953 — April 23, 2022

John marched with the Toronto Optimists, first playing triple bass and, later, tympani. He was a graduate of the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with a degree in percussion. He was a member of the Toronto Scottish Regiment Drum and Bugle Corp performing in competitions and shows in Canada and the United States. He furthered his career in music being the drummer for the show band "The Great Rufus Road Machine" touring across Canada for several years and later with the "Mondo Combo Band." He moved to Southern Illinois in 2005, to be near his wife's family from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. While living in Marion, he was a drum instructor for nearly 14 years, at Byassee Music and Sound Company of Marion, and was instrumental in the musical development of countless percussionist in the Southern Illinois area. He also served as the "Pipe Drummer" who escorted the veterans off the planes returning home from many of the "Veteran's Honor Flights" in Marion. .

Here are a few comments from some of those who knew John:

Doug Harrison, John Baye, Randy Cochrane
and Ray Skyvington (Wearing of the Green, 1971)

"I knew John Baye in his Great Rufus Road Machine days! The record company I worked for promoted and distributed their album. John was a great drummer and a truly decent Man. "

"I will always remember and cherish the memories we shared while touring with our band and the great times we had whenever we crossed paths on the road, may his music always play on, great drummer, wonderful gentleman and a lot of laughs, our sincere condolences to the family n friends, we'll meet again! "

"He had taught 100's of young people in the last 14 years of his life his passion for drumming. Many of whom earned music scholarships to the university here in the United States. He was dearly loved by many and we still miss him immensely. "

John. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!

John Baye

Those who have passed