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 .

Dennis Player, Horn Line

Dennis Player passed away Monday May 21,2007 after a long battle with cancer.

 

Ed Shaw, Drum Line

 Ed Shaw passed away Monday January 16 ,2006  of a heart attack.

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!!

by Patrick Maloney

 

 

Bob Nelson, Colour Guard

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.

All who knew and loved him sadly misses him.

by John Dickinson 

Jerry Magdy -Soprano Horn Line
 
 
Tragically, without warning on Dec.19,1993 ,Jerry suffered a massive heart attack and died.  His wife Mariann , twin sons Luke and Lance ( now 21) ,daughter Rachel ( 25 ) , his mother and sisters Valma and Valerie , were deeply shocked by his sudden passing.
Jerry was a powerful soprano horn player for a number of years in York Lions. He always had a smile on his face accompanied by an infectious laugh and a quick wit. He was your all round solid guy and good friend.
After York Lions folded , Jerry , like so many others , left the drum corps scene to begin a new life. That life would eventually lead him to marriage and fatherhood and new surroundings in Calgary , Alberta.  Ever mindful of the great times he experienced in York Lions , Jerry was only too happy to introduce his sons to the world of drum corps.  How proud he was when both Lance and Luke ( one a horn player the other a drummer ) joined Allegiance Elite Drum Corps in Calgary ( Gerry Hemsley -Director and ex York Lions snare drummer and Bill Simons - instructor and ex York Lions Drum Major ).
In his professional life as a Sales Manager , Jerry would occasionally have business in the Toronto area.  It was agreed that on one such occasion we would touch bases , perhaps have a beer together and chat about "the good old drum corps days".  Sadly , that meeting never took place.
Jerry is the guy on the left with his arm raised in the picture with the banner " Lions roar in '64"

 

With us in spirit...he will be  missed.
 
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

 

 

 

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