Wayne Jarvis passes away at age 60

Wayne Jarvis, one of Canada’s most well known and well liked side drummers, died on August 23, after an apparent heart attack the previous week.

He was 60.

Jarvis was instrumental in the success of numerous bands over the years, and he taught hundreds of young drummers along the way. Many of his students have gone on to enjoy great success with other bands.

The Ajax Pipe Band, Jarvis’s most recent effort, had good success in Grade 4 in their debut season this year. The band finished fourth at the North American Championships with Jarvis leading the drum corps and ex-78th Fraser Highlanders piper Tom Bowen as Pipe Major.

“It is a shame to have lost such a terrific drummer and teacher in the pipe band circuit,” Bowen commented with sadness. “Over the years Wayne had won most of the major drumming prizes and his legacy of young drummers will be felt for many years.”

“Wayne’s passing is a great loss,” said Jim McGillivray, who frequently judged with Jarvis. “He taught a ton of drummers and I always liked his corps, no matter what grade they played in. They were a piper’s drums corps: lots of light and shade and right with the tune.”