George Lawrence
1922 – 2011 – Inducted in 2023
Category of Volunteerism
Born at Airdrie, Scotland in 1922, George’s younger years were spent at Rothesay. In 1939, he enlisted with the British Army and served in Europe, Middle East, and Britain. He was married in 1948 and three years later George emigrated to Transcona. His wife, Betty and their two infant daughters, joined him in 1952.
George had learned to play the bagpipes as a boy in Scotland and it would become his vocation in life to teach countless other young people how to play them. He played for many years with the 402 Air Force Squadron Pipes and Drums. His signature contribution was, however to the life of the Scottish community in Transcona, in his role as Pipe Major and instructor for the Transcona and District Pipe Band, a band for youth 18 years of age and under.
In 1967, George began as the Pipe Major and instructor for the junior band in what would become known as “The City of Transcona Pipe Band” in 1968, following approval from the Transcona City Council. Under his leadership the band and its players won many awards, in Canada and Scotland, until he left in 1973.
In 1984, George was still teaching students in his home when he decided to re-start the Transcona Pipe Band. This time, the new Band would now be called Transcona and District Pipe Band as it would encompass a larger area and they would wear the Ancient Gunn tartan. Besides teaching bag pipes, George was instrumental instilling dedication to “dress and deportment” and “loyalty” and “respect” in his students. George felt this mattered just as much as learning to play the bag pipes. His love of teaching was strong, and he continued until May 2011.
George received many awards and honours for his military service, his community service promoting Scottish Culture, and dedication to volunteerism including the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation Medal (1992) and Queens Diamond Jubilee Award (2012).