March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Mike Tierney
Corps: Toronto Optimists
January 28, 1952 — December 8, 2008
Mike joined the Toronto Optimists when he was about 14, so probably around 1966. Sadly, he passed away from lung, liver and kidney cancer only 2 weeks after being diagnosed.
Mike played in rock bands for about 20 years, from ages 16 – 36 (which
is probably why he left the drum corps). He was also a soundman as he toured with
these bands on the road, all across Ontario. Mike's friends were mostly musicians
and he loved to get together and jam with them whenever the opportunity arose.
At his funeral several band members visited and played his flute, which was his
passion. Musician friends played keyboard, organ and his flute at the service
and then at the gravesite, one musician played Somewhere Over the Rainbow and
another friend, Carlos played taps on his bugle as the procession was leaving
the cemetery. Mike is interred in Memorial Gardens in Hamilton. (from Denise Tierney)
Mike. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!