Final Salute

THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED TO YORK MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES THAT ARE NO LONGER WITH US , IF YOU KNOW OF A PAST MEMBER OR ASSOCIATE PLEASE EMAIL US WITH A TRIBUTE .

I remember Ed in the York Lions days as an easy to talk to guy, full of fun
and a dam good drummer. He was one of the cornerstones of the reunion. Ready
to not only donate food for the BBQ but also his time, energy and business
sense from day one. I also met with him as a potential customer and he was
the ultimate professional, extremely knowledgeable about his business and a
straight forward guy to deal with. His love of drumming was life long and
his deep love for his family was always apparent in any conversation. I'll
miss him as both an old friend from my youth and for the renewed friendship
that the reunion provided to us. To Ed Shaw!!

Mr. Robert Nelson , Bob passed away June 16, 2002 after a long battle with heart related problems; this was one year after he lost his beloved wife Kathy, He is survived by his daughters Denise (Mrs. Jay Cubit) his daughter Jaclyn and his sister Linda.

Bob spent many years in the drum corps scene as a member of York Lions, the Ambassadors and the Royalaires. He later went on to teach colour guard instructing at junior level. Bob also coached the Black Bulls hockey team, which played in the industrial leagues in Brampton.

His friend ...Dave Kirton

Douglas F. Saunders 1935 - 1979

Director - Founder

York Lions Drum and Bugle Corps 1961 - 1966

In truth , the York Lions Drum and Bugle Corps , would never have existed but for the York Lions Club and its' dedication to youth activities. However, it is with thanks to one particular young , dynamic Lions Club member, filled with boundless energy , an inspired vision and an unswerving determination to build a high calibre drum corps , that the York Lions Drum Corps was formed. I am , of course, referring to the founder and director of the Corps , the late Mr. Douglas F. Saunders better known to us all affectionately and quite simply as Doug.

In his youth , Doug played with the 180th. Mosquito Squadron under the direction of his father, the late Harry Saunders. Some time later after becoming an accomplished musician and a talented soprano horn player, Doug made the move to competitive drum corps circles as the leader of the Leaside Lions Drum Corps. When Doug made the decision to move again, he decided to approach the members of his home club, the York Lions Club , and was able to convince them that drum and bugle corps was a youth activity worthy of their support .And so the York Lions Drum and Bugle Corps was born.

Doug worked tirelessly with an initial membership of approximately 45 young men to build a corps which eventually had over 80 marching members. Under Doug's leadership, the corps achieved the distinction of becoming the Canadian National Junior "B" Champions after only 2 short years of competing. Doug was also instrumental in seeing the corps travel to such destinations as Miami Beach , Florida; Los Angeles, California and New York City each time bringing home the Lions International Parade Champion trophy.

Ultimately, it was Doug's decision to move the corps into Junior "A" competition in 1964. Despite concerted efforts to build a bigger corps and a more competitive program and managing to displace such well known corps as Preston Scout House, Sarnia Sertomanaires, Hamiltons "Conqueror" and St. John's Girls of Brantford to name a few, the corps would go on to place a consistent 4th in National Competition.

Despite the demands placed on him to direct the drum corps , Doug also managed to maintain his insurance business, serve as an Alderman in what was then York Township and with much help from his lovely wife Pat, raise 2 children , Debbie and David ( both of whom graciously accepted an invitation to attend the Reunion Dinner , Sept 20,'03 , as head table guests ).

Doug , could he bare witness today , I know would be extremely impressed with the legacy of fine men he left behind who were all once proud members of the York Lions "White Knights" Drum and Bugle Corps.

You were an inspiration to me and I suspect to many others

Rest in Peace Doug

Dave Kirton

Clifford Billington April 7, 2009 in his 91st year

Head of Band committee

Very well said. Your description of gentle and unassuming sticks in my mind too, as Cliff's most dominant character. He never really 'stuck is nose' in any one else's business, but was always there for an educated and calm opinion if asked. And his contribution to the organization was certainly a lot larger than most folks knew.

Mr. Billington, and even at my age I would still call him Mr. Billington was a very well respected man. He had a lot of behind the scenes input to York Lions and as indicated by my other brothers was quiet, calm and collected at all times, a very gentle person. My condolences to the family. You should be proud that he had so much influence and respect. God bless him.

At their new home in Port Rowan, on Monday March 22nd, 2010. David G. Parker formerly of Sweaburg. Loving husband and best friend of Margaret. Irreplaceable father of Sheri Wheldon and her husband Steve of Simcoe, and David Parker and his wife Marisa of Woodstock. Special grandfather of Evan, Quinn, Ava, and Naren. Also survived by his sister Jane and her husband Jon of Ottawa. David and Margaret have owned and operated Pet Valu in Woodstock for many years. He was a proud member of the Canadian Drum Corps Judges Association as a respected Judge and Instructor to many drum corps and winter guards.