Steve Geddes, an outstanding piper and one of the founding members of the City of Victoria Pipe band passed away on March 4, 2014. For the 30 year life of the band, he successfully wore two hats as pipe sergeant and band manager. Stevie, as he was affectionately known in the band, was a formidable competitor with a blistering technique, impeccable bagpipe and an unforgettable musical presentation. Anyone who had the good fortune to hear one of his MSR’s or jig and hornpipe sets, would know that they had been listening to a master musician. He was one of the unsung heroes who, over a period of more than 5 decades, continuously supported the BC Pipers Association and Highland Games organizations throughout the Pacific Northwest, while inspiring generations of young pipers as a competitor, performer and judge. Steve’s exceptional managerial skills were ably demonstrated, when he singlehandedly convinced a BC Ferry Captain to turn back to Victoria halfway through a voyage to pick up some overlooked band instruments left at the dock by ferry staff. The event was commemorated in the hornpipe “Captain Geddes Turnabout”. Steve courageously battled recent health problems while continuing to maintain high spirits and a positive outlook.
The BC Pipers Association wishes to express its sincere condolences to his family.
