Today members of The Pipers’ & Pipe Band Society of Ontario mourn the passing yesterday of life-long member, Ken Eller after a long illness.
Ken has left an outsized mark of excellence on piping and drumming in Ontario - and far beyond. As the leader of one of the province’s foremost bands, the Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band, he inspired a generation of pipers and drummers to aspire to musical excellence.
As “the Captain”, his well-known nickname, his work, and associated success, with “the Clan” helped pave the way for the many other bands that followed. The Clan MacFarlane Pipe Band was among the first to experience overseas success. Following his lengthy stint as member, and later Pipe Major, of the Clan, Ken spent 10 years as a stalwart member of the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band, enjoying much success on the competition field and concert stage.
While he was an educator by profession it was in his avocation of teaching the pipes where Ken Eller joyfully spent countless hours giving of himself and his music. He loved teaching almost as much as he loved the music of the Great Highland Bagpipe. Through his life, in his teaching and promotion of the music of the pipes, Ken Eller was one of the world’s greatest piping ambassadors. Through his tireless efforts Ken has positively impacted the lives of countless students and aspirants of the bagpipe the world over.
Ken exuded nothing but good energy and was a friend to all. Today he is sorely missed by all those he has touched. Ken’s piping pedigree includes lengthy time spent with the legendary, John Wilson (1906-1979). Wilson, like Ken, was a towering force for good for piping in Ontario. Wilson’s fount of knowledge stretched deep into the masters of nineteenth century piping. Ken was keenly aware of the torch of knowledge he received and carried the tradition of the Great Highland Bagpipe with grace and generosity.
In 2022 the PPBSO awarded Ken Eller its Life Achievement award - a long over-due recognition.
Ken Eller was a great global piping statesman, known and liked, if not loved, by all. There was no one quite like the Captain. He was one of a kind. “True story,” as he might have said.
On behalf of members, the board of directors of the PPBSO sends condolences at this sad time to Ken Eller’s family and friends, including his wife, Diane and children, Cameron and Lindsay.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held on October 5, from 2-6 pm at the Holiday Inn and Suites, located at 327 Ontario St., St. Catharines, Ontario.
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