History
Robert "Speeder" Anderson was a Metro Toronto Police Officer with a special skill in communications. On his retirement from the police service, he joined Durham College faculty as a Professor in the Police Foundations program.
He was able to use his special communications skills, his knowledge and experience gained from his years of police service in teaching his many students. He served his students well, earned their respect as an outstanding teacher and was much beloved by all.
Speeder had an unfulfilled desire, one that kept tugging at his soul, to learn to play the Great Highland bagpipe; no mean challenge to one starting so late in life. Eventually the desire would no longer be silent and he joined Uxbridge Legion Pipes and Drums and started his journey of learning to play the pipes. He progressed well, practiced long and hard and was often heard playing his practice chanter in his office at Durham College. He was fortunate to share an office with a gracious partner who turned a deaf ear to Speeder's practice efforts.
He was aware that some colleges and universities in Canada and throughout the world are home to pipe and drum bands that have gained World Championship status. Speeder now had a dream but he kept it simple. He wanted Durham College to have its very own pipes and drums band. A man of action and on a mission, he approached college administration and laid out his idea and plans for a pipe band, but was politely turned down. Not one to take "No" for an answer, he approached the college administration again and again and again until the Board of Governors finally approved his idea and provided initial funding to get a band started. Immediately he prepared communications across campus and in newspapers in Durham Region inviting anyone interested, whether a current player of pipes or drums, and those who wanted to learn for free, to attend an initial meeting on campus. Many persons did attend that first meeting on 22 February 2005.
From that moment the beginnings of the college pipes and drums band grew and with the talents of PM Andrew Gibson and DS Ian Cochrane, the Robert Anderson Campus Pipes and Drums band began the journey to their first public appearance. Concern for Speeder's health was becoming an issue however nothing would deter him from seeing his dream become reality; he just became more determined and focused on the task at hand.
With a basic playlist and weekly practices both indoors and out, and great teaching and coaching from PM Gibson and DS Cochrane, the band's skill level improved as the day of their first public performance loomed closer. Durham College had confidence in Speeder and trusted in his ability to have the new band perform at the Durham College Spring Graduation on 17 June 2005. As the day approached it became obvious that Speeder's health was not improving and he would be unable to play with the band on the day; he did however take part in the overall activities. He saw and heard his dream become reality and become fulfilled. He beamed with the pride of a new father. He was a very happy man.
Speeder died peacefully on 25 July 2005. The band played at his funeral service and graveside. He was buried in his kilt and was wearing full highland dress.
Without Speeder's dream, his focus on his goal, his determination, dedication and commitment to let nothing stand in its way, his dream that Durham College have its own pipes and drums band became a reality. Each band member is proud to be part of Durham College Pipes and Drums and knows that by practicing, playing, performing in public and teaching others how to play the pipes or drums, we are keeping Robert 'Speeder' Anderson's dream alive for all time.
"Nothing happens... but first a dream." Carl Sandburg
He was able to use his special communications skills, his knowledge and experience gained from his years of police service in teaching his many students. He served his students well, earned their respect as an outstanding teacher and was much beloved by all.
Speeder had an unfulfilled desire, one that kept tugging at his soul, to learn to play the Great Highland bagpipe; no mean challenge to one starting so late in life. Eventually the desire would no longer be silent and he joined Uxbridge Legion Pipes and Drums and started his journey of learning to play the pipes. He progressed well, practiced long and hard and was often heard playing his practice chanter in his office at Durham College. He was fortunate to share an office with a gracious partner who turned a deaf ear to Speeder's practice efforts.
He was aware that some colleges and universities in Canada and throughout the world are home to pipe and drum bands that have gained World Championship status. Speeder now had a dream but he kept it simple. He wanted Durham College to have its very own pipes and drums band. A man of action and on a mission, he approached college administration and laid out his idea and plans for a pipe band, but was politely turned down. Not one to take "No" for an answer, he approached the college administration again and again and again until the Board of Governors finally approved his idea and provided initial funding to get a band started. Immediately he prepared communications across campus and in newspapers in Durham Region inviting anyone interested, whether a current player of pipes or drums, and those who wanted to learn for free, to attend an initial meeting on campus. Many persons did attend that first meeting on 22 February 2005.
From that moment the beginnings of the college pipes and drums band grew and with the talents of PM Andrew Gibson and DS Ian Cochrane, the Robert Anderson Campus Pipes and Drums band began the journey to their first public appearance. Concern for Speeder's health was becoming an issue however nothing would deter him from seeing his dream become reality; he just became more determined and focused on the task at hand.
With a basic playlist and weekly practices both indoors and out, and great teaching and coaching from PM Gibson and DS Cochrane, the band's skill level improved as the day of their first public performance loomed closer. Durham College had confidence in Speeder and trusted in his ability to have the new band perform at the Durham College Spring Graduation on 17 June 2005. As the day approached it became obvious that Speeder's health was not improving and he would be unable to play with the band on the day; he did however take part in the overall activities. He saw and heard his dream become reality and become fulfilled. He beamed with the pride of a new father. He was a very happy man.
Speeder died peacefully on 25 July 2005. The band played at his funeral service and graveside. He was buried in his kilt and was wearing full highland dress.
Without Speeder's dream, his focus on his goal, his determination, dedication and commitment to let nothing stand in its way, his dream that Durham College have its own pipes and drums band became a reality. Each band member is proud to be part of Durham College Pipes and Drums and knows that by practicing, playing, performing in public and teaching others how to play the pipes or drums, we are keeping Robert 'Speeder' Anderson's dream alive for all time.
"Nothing happens... but first a dream." Carl Sandburg