Mr. Stankey lived in West Kildonan his whole life. After graduating West Kildonan Collegiate he worked at Coca Cola until his retirement at age 50, working his way up to be part of the quality control team. ?He and his wife Carol were very active in the Scottish Community. Bob devoted many hours as the lead instructor of the Lord Selkirk Boy Scout Pipe Band until his passing in 2024. His first piping teacher was Mr. Jack Gunn. Mr. Gunn was a piper and instructor in the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders. Bob was in the band from early 1960 until early 1970. In his early teens, he had private lessons with Pipe Major Niel Sutherland of the Winnipeg Police Pipe Band. He was also a member of the Cameron Cadets, the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders, the Centennial Pipe Band and the St. Andrews Pipe Band. Bob started teaching pipers in the LSBSPB in 1995. And enjoyed every minute of it, especially working alongside Mr. Fraser. He said he would learn something new from Mr. Fraser every time they were together. It is well known how much Mr. Stankey valued Mr. Fraser, claiming that he was such a wonderful man and how much he would be missed when he passed away in 2012.

Bob and Carol travelled several times to Scotland with the LSRFMPB to compete in The World Pipe Band Championship in Glasgow.

Bob loved birds and animals in general and spent many hours outdoors. He enjoyed curling, a pint and many crossword puzzles. He was a proud father of his two children and his dog Arwen.

Steven Leclair said in an offer of condolences to the family after his passing that

“I cannot thank you enough for all you have done for the piping community over your many years of service to the Lord Selkirk RFM Pipe Band as well as the St. Andrews Pipe Band”

WE COULDN’T AGREE MORE

YOU ARE SADLY MISSED

Bob passed away on July 18, 2021. He was an integral part of the RFM family and contributed greatly both in time, experience and expertise. He developed a very comprehensive 3 book series of instruction for beginner to band level snare drumming that is used by all new and returning band members and students. He will be missed by many but not forgotten. Here is his story:

My father was the inspiration for my involvement in pipe bands. From the time he was a boy he played drums in bands in Winnipeg. I was ten years old when he volunteered to teach snare drummers for the Lord Selkirk District Boy Scout Pipe

Band. He took me with him and together we enjoyed many years drumming in this and other organizations. Since than I have spent my life playing in pipe bands, most notably, The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders, The St. Andrews Society of Winnipeg and The Winnipeg Police.

The two most memorable events of my career would be, spending the summer of 1970 in Scotland playing in the Edinburgh Tattoo, and winning a North American Championship in 2005 with The St. Andrews Society Grade 3 Pipe Band.

In addition to playing, I have enjoyed many years teaching children to drum. I find that teaching provides a sense of accomplishment and much valuable experience. I was an instructor with the Transcona & District Juvenile Pipe Band for 20 years and it was during that time that my younger son Blair began his obsession with bagpipes that have taken him to two World Championships.

Lifelong friendships have been established and maintained through my pipe band experience, the most notable being my 44 year marriage to a young piper in the Heather- Belle Ladies Pipe Band named Lynn. We have two sons, Darrell and Blair.

I have lived my life in and around Winnipeg. I retired after 30 years' service with the Winnipeg Police, and I then spent an additional six years driving school bus for the River East Transcona School Division.