March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Pat Irvine
Corps: Optimist Cadets, Toronto Optimists, Seneca Optimists, Optimists Alumni
– January 3, 2021
Pat began his drum corps career as a drummer in the Optimist Cadets. He graduated to the Junior Corps around 1970 and stayed until he aged out. He played double-tenor and, later, Quads. After aging out in 1975, Pat was an instructor for the Seneca Optimists.
Here are a few comments from some of those who knew Pat.
"Pat grew up at Kingston Road and McCowan in a difficult family situation, and despite all the challenges he faced in life, was the example of a true OPTIMIST. It didn’t matter where you came from, you were dedicated to excellence, precision execution and caring for the guys on your line." (Ray Skyvington)
"He was gentle and kind soul.." (Calvin Johansson)
"He was an important part of my life. He taught me a whole lot more than banging a drum." (Ron Restoroff)
"There was something very special involving Pat…Late in Ron Kaiser’s tenure with the Optimists… In either 1974 Or 1975…Pat was given the task of writing the drum parts of the exit number for that year. Maybe guys you can help me out with the details of that…ie …whether it was a Tympani melody or a Bells thing I can’t remember…I only remember it was approved by Kaiser …who as we all know was a Perfectionist." (Ken Bain)
"That was Pat. Dedicated, very tough because of his early life and almost unapproachable on the outside but a sweetheart if he liked you. I was one of the luck ones. Pat after drum Corp took that same dedication to life, cooking, and work. I am sad to here of his passing and like may of my friends and Corp members from the early 70”s PAT was a one of a kind. Knowing Pat, he never changed, impossible to put in a category, Jim, Ken, Larry and Paul; Coffee will attest he was a very special person, we are all blessed to have marched with him." (Ray Skyvington)
"I liked Pat. I didn't know him well but he was a cool guy and a drum wizard. He helped our line big time." (Chris Mabey)
"One of the classiest gentlemen I have ever known, this is heartbreaking news." (Thom Sacco)
"I remember marching with him the early '70s with the Optimist Cadets. He was a very quiet guy, serious about his craft, and was an excellent drummer.. We think in our youth that we are totally unstoppable and will live forever." (Bob Moore)
"Marched with him for a few years. Great to see his progress every year. Such a cool dude." (Larry Blandford)
Pat . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!
