It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father Bill Gilmour on July 6, 2025 at the age of 88.
A distinguished military Pipe Major, a world class piper, a respected teacher and mentor, our father dedicated his life to service, tradition and the art of piping. He served with honour in the 2nd Battalion Black Watch Regiment, 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment and the Canadian Royal Airforce, Air Command Pipes and Drums, CFB Ottawa where he held the esteemed position of Pipe Major/Chief Warrant Officer. His leadership, discipline and musical mastery left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege to serve or study with him.
Throughout his remarkable career, Dad performed on national and international stages, competing at the highest levels and earning accolades for both solo and band performances. As a teacher, he was a generous, and patient mentor, devoted to passing on his knowledge, skill and passion to generations of pipers around the world. His influence will continue through the many students, bands and fellow musicians he inspired.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, on April 1, 1937, he brought the same integrity, dedication and quiet strength to his family life. He was a devoted husband, proud father and loving grandfather and great-grandfather who cherished time with his family and found joy in music, stories and laughter.
He is survived by his children, Laurie (Blake), Wayne (Lyn), Iain (Kelly), grandchildren Troy (Louise), Morgan, Justin, Taylor, Kyle (Ashley), Jessica (Craig), Kayla (Jacob), Paige, great-grandchildren Kennedy, William, Ava, Violet, brother Ken, nieces Sara (Gerard), Laura (Denis), great-nephews and great-niece, Owen, Miles, Adelia and D’Arcy. Dad was predeceased by his wife Sheila.
Thank you to the Perley Rideau 1 North caregivers and nurses who lovingly cared for our father.
We want to express our deepest gratitude for the exceptional care, kindness and compassion Cory Fyke, dad’s personal caregiver, gave our father over the past four years. Her presence brought comfort, dignity, peace and many giggles to his daily life - and to ours. We will always be grateful for the difference she made in his final years.
On October 4, 2025, a private family service will be held in the morning with a Celebration of Life in the afternoon from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm at the Orleans Royal Canadian Legion Branch 632, located at 800 Taylor Creek Drive, Ottawa, Ontario, K1B 4B1. Pipers and musicians are welcome to bring their instruments to help us honour dad in a way he would have wanted - with music and memory. Military colleagues and friends are warmly invited to take part in this celebration as well.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Perley Health Foundation.
We will carry his music in our hearts always.
Digital Guestbook
Natalie Hjelsvold
Francesca Callebaut
My sincere condolences to you and the family.
Sending you love and healing as you walk this difficult path.
Heather Benson Gagne
My deepest sympathy to all. He sure was a great man. Always enjoyed chatting with him. RIP Mr Gilmour 💕
Nicole & Glenn Benson
Our deepest condolences to the Gilmour families and friends of Bill. Thank you for your service to our country!
Corrine Fyke
My sincere condolences to Family & Friends. He will Be Forever Missed ❤️
Will Ridley
An incredible piping teacher and mentor. I would have never gotten where I did in the piping world without him. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on for decades to come.
Robert McCarthy
I had the honour and pleasure of knowing your father and admired him greatly. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
John-Hugh MacDonald
My sincere condolences to all of Bill’s family on his passing. He recruited me into the army (The RCR) as a piper and was my teacher and mentor for many years. Throughout my career and to this day I remain proud to say that he was my teacher on the yearlong CF Pipe Major’s course. Bill was truly the last of the great military Pipe Majors possessed of the highest musical pedigree, known and respected by pipers the world over. He tought me a great deal, and was always so very kind and good natured, for which I will always be grateful.
PRO PATRIA
Allan J. MacKenzie
Sad to hear of Bill's passing. He was highly respected by all who knew him, both as a man and as a piping icon. Sincere condolences to the family. May he rest in peace.
Angelle Rudio
Condolence to the family! We miss you in our unit specially your dance move.
My sincere condolences Wayne and Mare. Big hugs to you and your family