Stan Biggs Mr. Royalaire Passes

[TomPeashey]

I just received the following - Stan was an early pioneer in DCA and the drum corps activity in Canada:

Mr. Royalaire,Stanley Biggs passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 15 at

Guelph General Hospital in his 91st year. Stan will be greatly missed by his

beloved wife of 68 years, Lil, son Dave and spouse Judy, his treasured

grandchildren, Bruce Norton (Isabelle Gaulin), Beth Norton (JP Federico),

Joanna Tamilarasan (Maghin) and Pte. Julie McFadden (Matt Birosh) as well as

great grandchildren, Felix, Dante, Kaya, Seneca and Carys, his brother,

Lionel Biggs and sister, Katie Firth and his furry friend Indy. Stan's love

of marching and music began as a 13 year old when he joined the Guelph

Veterans' Band and continued for the rest of his life. After serving in the

RCAF during WW2, he joined the 11th Field Regiment Trumpet Band and as the

drum major led them to Canadian Championships in 1953 and 1954. In 1955,

Stan helped found the Guelph Royalaires Drum Corps whom he would lead as

corps director and drum major for many years carrying the name of Guelph

proudly throughout North America. Under his leadership the Royalaires won 16

Canadian championships in 22 years, an unprecedented string of 6 in a row

from 1959 - 1964. The corps became widely famed for their entertaining shows

and became one of the most successful and popular drum corps of the era.

During this time, Stan helped found the Canadian Drum Corps Association and

served as its president for 5 years. In 1980, his accomplishments led to his

induction into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame. In 1963, Stan's love of

parades and children resulted in his taking over the Guelph Santa Claus

Parade. For 25 years many Guelphites were delighted by this yearly parade

that kicked off the holiday season and which Stan and his wife, Lil,

directed from their own home. Today the Santa Claus Parade continues as a

Christmas tradition in Guelph. In 1974, Stan was recognized for "his

contributions to enriching the city and bringing honour to Guelph" by being

among those who received the inaugural Mayor's Award of Merit. Stan enriched

the lives of many people during his 90 years and he will be missed by all

who knew him. Friends may call at the GILCHRIST CHAPEL - McIntyre & Wilkie

Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph (from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday). Service

will be held at the GILCHRIST CHAPEL on Monday, July 19 at 1:30 pm with The

Reverend Canon B. Jean Mitchell officiating. A reception will follow in the

Trillium Room of the Funeral Home. Cremation with inurnment Woodlawn

Memorial Park. Memorial contributions to the Guelph Wish Fund for Children

or Guelph Humane Society would be appreciated. We invite you to leave your

memories and donations online.