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Sponsor of the Capital District Scottish Games in Altamont, NY (www.scotgames.com)

Members of the Schenectady Pipe Band were deeply saddened by the death of one of their most tireless and dedicated leaders. Jack Munro passed away on December 15th, 2002, and his warm, friendly smile and caring attitude will be remembered by all of us as we gather for practices, performances, and competitions.

Jack was always willing to take on whatever task necessary to contribute to the growth and betterment of the band. He joined the band in 1968, and among other offices, served as Band Manager for 18 years. In between running the band meetings, booking performances, rostering for jobs, teaching young pipers and listening to all the concerns that the band members brought to him for resolution, he found the time to practice his pipes, attend the band rehearsals, and enjoy the camaraderie of just being a band member. He played with the competition band and played at Maxville in 2002 when we won the Grade 4 Championship, and seemed to glow with pride as we celebrated. His commitment to piping was evident in how well his many students are playing today. A Jack Munro Memorial Fund for beginning young pipers has raised over $7000, a great tribute to a wonderful teacher.

He was one of the six original members of the Scottish Games committee that re-started the Schenectady Games in 1978, and remained on the executive committee during all of our 25-year history. Jack was in charge of all the vendors, food, and beer concessions, and made many friends on the band�s behalf over the years, both as Band Manager and games representative. He enjoyed helping to organize the massed band performances on the day of the games, and had a nice way of getting 40 bands to be ready on time without giving them too much flack.

Jack was loved and respected by all of us, and our hearts and thoughts are with his wife Ruth, his three children Mike, Karen and Maureen, and their families.

ODE TO JACK. . .

How can you circumscribe a life that meant so much to so many?
Is there a way to put words together that can really tell the story?
We can begin with Jack�s commitment to the things he loved.
His family first and foremost. That nothing came above.

First, his love for Ruth, whom he called Rabbit, way back when.
And for 35 years they mixed a life together, to a beautiful blend.
They added Mike, Karen and Maureen and he watched and helped them grow.
Coaching, teaching, loving, hoping that they would someday know
That family is the most important ingredient for a happy life.
Whether it�s sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, or a loving wife.

Jack beamed with pride as his family continued to grow.
First with spouses, then with grandchildren, each addition made him glow.
There was absolutely no doubt that �Poppy� became the name that Jack preferred.
Caleigh-Shea, Hannah and Ryan were his beautiful grandkids, he loved them beyond words.
�Poppy� truly enjoyed and treasured every minute that they had together.
And although their time with one another was cut short, his memory will last forever.

And Jack knew how to work with kids and showed his love for them.
Coaching basketball or softball or teaching pipes, the kids just trusted him.
And later on, when they grew up and would see him out somewhere
They always came up to talk with him, the respect was always there.
You see, they learned more than just a skill when they were taught by Jack.
They learned about patience, kindness, love and the need to stay on track.

And staying on track is what he helped the Band and Games to do.
For 30+ years he played his pipes and helped us as we grew.
He did his best to get us jobs and then make sure we showed.
And don�t forget he was the one who coined �The Fabulous Munros� �.
Bill, Bob, and Jack were always up for going out to play.
We knew no matter what, we�d have a great time that day.
Pipes and drums were fun to us even though it wasn�t quite right
For the wives to be worrying about what time we might get home that night.

Bridges & Structures in Building 5 is where Jack worked all day.
And he really enjoyed the work he did, and the friendships that he made.
We learned that lots of people worked on the state campus in Building 5.
And we think every one of them came to bid Jack goodbye.

So Jack, we�ll miss you that�s for sure, and even though we�ll be apart
You�ve filled our lives with happiness that will stay within our hearts.
We heard you waved to mom this week in a dream you had.
So please be sure to give our love when you see Mom and Dad.

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