Press Release:
Our Beloved Director of The Dundee Scots Mr. Doyle Heffron
In memory of Mr. T. Doyle Heffron, formerly of Dundee, Illinois and as a tribute to the beloved director of the Dundee Scots, a memorial tribute will commence on September 6, 2008 at St. Catherine of Siena Church in West Dundee in concert with the Fox Valley Irish Festival at 5:00 p.m.
The service will begin with music from some of the bands original members including pipers and brass in the lower level of the church with fellowship and an audio/video displays.
Mr. Heffron directed the Dundee Scots for 14 years marching many victory trophies home to Dundee. Included in the
long list of 1st place trophies include St .Petersburg 1975, Traverse City 1974 and 1975, Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade 1976.
Mr. Heffron and the Dundee Scots were a unique group as the dedication the members displayed was evident in the bands rank & file both on and off the field. The band was supported by the Dundee Scot Band Boosters, parents, friends, and private donations to enable travel from Winnepeg Canada, Traverse City Michigan, St. Petersburg Florida, Wisconsin, and Illinois.
Mrs. Judy Heffron along with the couple’s children, Matt, Kelly, Holly, and Terry will be accepting the memorial from the Scots. The band has chosen special vase etched with a Scottish Piper to commemorate a man who touched many lives as a teacher, director, leader, and friend.
Heffron’s idea to dress the band in full Scottish attire was well received from the audience and the judges. His military precision and discipline while working with the Scots taught the members many life lessons that have carried forward and will never be forgotten. Please join us at the memorial service as we celebrate the life of Mr. T. Doyle Heffron, with grateful thanks.
The Dundee Scots from Dundee, Illinois
1 comment:
We received this in from Pastor Jim Elsner.......
Hi Folks!
Thanks for the information about the Sept. 6 Scots reunion! I must send my regrets that I will be unable to attend. It sounds like it will be a fantastic gathering! Sorry I have to miss it. The Scots were a significant experience during my high school years and Doyle was a significant mentor.
I recall that 40 years ago, the Scots almost folded! In 1968, we had trouble fielding a horn line and after several attempts, Doyle threw in the towel and sent us home for lack of participation. Several of us as students "protested" on Doyle's front lawn! With that show of commitment, he gave it another try. In August of that summer, we competed at the VFW national convention in Detroit. Rode there on two school buses! Stayed in the Allen Park jr. high. Marched a night parade in the heat and several Scot members collapsed. Since one was the bus driver's child, the rest of us were left on a Detroit street in the middle of the night until we could be rescued! What an ordeal! It was an altogether different summer than the 1967 competition in Winnipeg and the 1969 championship in Traverse City. I think the determination of the 1968 group helped make the Scots what they went on to be - with Doyle's leadership, of course!
Greetings to all!
Jim Elsner
One of the original Scots (DCHS Homecoming-1966 to Summer-1969)
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