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
David and Kathy MacPerson
LCol(ret’d) Fraser MD, FRCPC
Bill was a true gentleman. He was a good friend. I met him as his medical doctor in Gagetown 2nd Batallion, Black Watch in 1967. He often invited me and my wife to his home to join his wife Sheila, also a piper. PM. Gilmore invited me to join his band as a piper in the 1968 summer competitions..a major honour ! We remained friends to the end. I met him the week before he died. It was in the Perley pub. Pipers and drummers always meet at a pub after a performance. He was witty and humorous as though we had just finished another piping engagement ! Sadly that was our last toast.
David and I are thinking of all the Gilmore family. Sorry for your loss.