Mr. Robert Fraser

Mr. Fraser was born in Arbroath, Scotland. When he was an infant his feet and hands were badly burned and doctors said that he would never walk. Not only did he learn to walk, he also ran, and learned to Highland dance. He originally started his career as a drummer, but when the Pipe Major asked for volunteer pipers, Bob hid because he had almost no use of the little finger on his right hand. This prevented him from playing bagpipes in the orthodox way. The instructors said, "You are luckier than everyone else because you don't need that finger. You can learn to play with your hands reversed." He mastered this difficult feat, as anyone who has heard him play can attest. Mr. Fraser served in the Scottish Air Force in World War II, after which he married his wife, Frances. In 1957 they immigrated to Canada for various reasons: taxes were very high in Scotland and one of their sons had very bad bronchitis which was worsened by the weather in Scotland. There was a Pipe Major job in New Zealand but the immigration form was too lengthy. Canada was the next choice. According to the immigration book, Kelowna was the most desirable place to settle in Canada, but the only jobs available were for farmers. Mr. Fraser said "I am not a Peach Farmer, I am a Printer". So they settled in Winnipeg, since there were more opportunities for printers here.

For more than 45 years Mr. Fraser has been the Heart and Soul of the Pipe Band. He dedicates his time, efforts, talent, kindness and patience to produce outstanding pipers and drummers. Mr. Fraser says his worse nightmare is "That there must be hundreds of boys running around who only know half of Highland Laddie."

Mr. Fraser is also the past-Pipe Major of the St. Andrew's Society Pipe Band.