Like Dave (Hi Dave!), I brought so many of Doyle's lessons with me as I moved through life.

Shortly after I became a drum major he told me, "If you have any friends left at the end of this year you won't be doing your job." His prediction scared the daylights out of me at first, but I suspect he said that to challenge me to find a way to do both. From him, I learned that toughness can be combined with kindness. Granted, I didn't really figure that out during my band years, but over and over again I have recalled his words when I needed them the most.

I think Doyle himself was an always-entertaining combination of tough and kind. Remember that penetrating, wordless glare that he saved for those times when all of us knew that some things were better left unsaid? There was no question when we were in trouble, and we nearly always deserved more gruff than we got. At the same time, he could be unquestionably kind. I remember one time in particular when I was in his office while I was dealing with yet another bout of tonsillitis, and he knew before I uttered a word. He told me he could always see it in my eyes.

He taught us the importance of an unrelenting focus on quality. Every line was dressed, every pleat was in place, every note was true. To this day I believe his attention to detail and his drive for success stayed with me as I moved through school and career. I learned that the little things can mean a lot and make the difference between second place and a march to the trophy table.

Most importantly he gave us a sense of belonging, of lasting friendships, and a lifetime of wonderful memories to bind us together. Dave, I remember Molly Mammary (in case you tried to forget). I remember being drug through the boys' shower...can't recall if it was South Milwaukee or Traverse City, but I remember who was caught by surprise (I can be bribed for details). Who can forget dances in St. Pete, visiting the sights in New York, endless practices, or those who were discovered to be 'out of compliance' during kilt checks? How about whistling the theme from Bridge on the River Kwai as we were supposed to be quietly crossing the Oakbrook golf course? There are so many warm, funny and touching memories in our collective history, and Doyle was essentially at the center of all of them. Okay, maybe not the shower.

I was a Scot. I was part of something special, even extraordinary. Thank you Doyle for making that a part of who I am, and who I have become. I will be forever grateful. You were tough, you were kind, you did your job better than anyone, and you will always have friends in the Scots you left behind.