P/M Ross Stewart, 1924-2001

Pipe Major Ross Stewart of the 48th Highlanders of Canada died of cancer at the age of 76 in Toronto in early January.

A decorated World War II veteran, Stewart served with the 48th Highlanders from 1943 until 1975, and was Pipe Major of the regiment’s band for ten years, beginning in 1965.

Stewart started piping at the age of 13 and joined the 48th as a boy piper. He was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1985, and organized remembrance activities in Holland, where the 48th Highlanders played an important role in that country’s liberation during the war.

P/M Stewart regularly played for Britain’s royal family when they would visit Canada, as well as numerous Toronto Maple Leafs home openers. Over 400 mourners attended his funeral at St. Andrew’s church in downtown Toronto.