March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Keith Buckingham
Corps: Richmond Hill Hilltoppers, Toronto Optimists, Ambassadors
– March 16, 2026
Before joining the Optimists, Keith was a member of the Richmond Hill Hilltoppers (I believe). He joined the Optimists after the 1964 season and played soprano with us from 1965 until he aged out in 1967. After aging out, Keith joined the Ambassadors and stayed with them until they disbanded.
After leaving drum corps, Keith entered the ministry. He was a graduate of Emmanuel and St. Chad College, Saskatoon, and ministered in the Diocese of Qu’Appelle, Saskatchewan as well as several parishes of Niagara, especially Holy Trinity Church in Chippawa. With further training in Chaplaincy and counselling, Keith ministered for 10 years as Chaplain at the Ontario Correctional Institute, Thorold, Ontario. The highlight of Keith’s ministry was as a Chaplain at the Toronto courts. Keith also spent time as a volunteer Chaplain to the Niagara Police Service, a ministry that meant much to him.
Keith . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!