History
History of the Band
In 1998, a small group of pipers and drummers came together to form Lee County Pipes and Drums. Making it’s first performance at the 1998 Oktoberfest, it has been, from that point forward, a welcoming home for the beginner and the accomplished alike. Duncan MacLachlan, as Pipe Major helped to build a strong and lasting foundation with close knit charter members.George Cook stepped up and took over as Pipe Major until 2002. At that time, William Ferrigno became the Pipe Major. Tom Scott joined us as Drum Major in 2003. Today, William Ferringno is Senior Pipe Major and Music Director and George Cook leads us as Pipe Major and Band President. Lee County Pipes and Drums has grown to a band of 48 members and counting.
Lee County Pipes and Drums has made great strides from our humble beginnings and we continue to grow everyday. The band members exude a feeling of family, friendship, and honor for our heritage and the history surrounding piping, drumming and Celtic music.
Lee County Pipes and Drums Charter Members 1999
Jim Alvord-Piper
George Cook-Piper
Dave Dines-Piper
Carol Dines-Tenor Drummer
David Goodhue-Piper
Jim Henderson-Snare Drummer
Bill Hopkins-Drummer
Pete Lawrence-Drummer
Stuart MacDonald-Drum Major
Duncan MacLachlan-Pipe Major
Jim Niccum-Piper
Jim Nugent-Bass Drummer
Doug Priestly-Tenor Drummer
Tony Proctor-Tenor Drummer
Jim Raftery-Piper
Ann Reesman-Piper
Jim Reesman-Piper/Drummer
Mary-Alice Reesman-Piper
Bob Smith-Snare Drummer
Doug Wilson-Drummer
Scotty Wishart-Piper
Silent Pipes & Silent Drums
The Rose Beyond the Wall
~ A. L. Frink ~
Near a shady wall a rose once grew,
Budded and blossomed in God’s free light,
Watered and fed by the morning dew,
Shedding it’s sweetness day and night.
As it grew and blossomed fair and tall,
Slowly rising to loftier height,
It came to a crevice in the wall
Through which there shone a beam of light.
Onward it crept with added strength
With never a thought of fear or pride,
It followed the light through the crevice’s length
And unfolded itself on the other side.
The light, the dew, the broadening view
Were found the same as they were before,
And it lost itself in beauties new.
Robert Baker
Prior to joining the band Bob was a Principal in Boston School District and also served in the U.S. Navy. He moved to Florida in 1999. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, Shriner, and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose #2121 in Port Charlotte. He joined LCP&D in 2000 as a piper and the loss due to his untimely death was greatly felt by our members as well by his community in which he so generously served.
April 27, 1944 to March 4, 2002
Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Piper from 2000 to 2002
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John Festger
John, born and raised in the Inwood section of upper Manhattan, played in several NY Drum and Bugle bands. John and his wife Barbara were great supporters of LCP&D and could always be counted on during our many social functions sponsored by the band.
December 10, 1929 to March 29, 2006
Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Tenor Drummer from 2003 to 2006
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Frank Johnson
Frank played with the Chrysler Pipes & Drums in Detroit prior to joining LCP&D. Unfortunately sickness forced his retirement. Frank’s dedication to his ancestry was an inspiration to our band members.
1930 to April 24, 2000
Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Drummer
Robert J. Johnston
Bob, born in Ireland and lived in Scotland, migrated to the U.S. and brought celtic flare and an authentic style to LCP&D. Bob had two brothers who were also drummers in other pipe bands.
July 15, 1915 to August 10, 2002
Charter Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Tenor Drummer from 1999 to 2002
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Pete Lawrence
Born one of five sibilings in Nebraska, Pete eventually moved to Iowa and met his future wife Peggy. He worked in a ammunitions company until he joined the Air Force in 1943. In 1964 he became a member of the Masonic Temple. He had a very successful career with Clinton Lincoln Mercury until Pete and Peggy retired to Florida. In 1994 Pete joined the ARABA pipe band and in 1996 he became a beloved member of the Lee County Pipes and Drums. He was an avid collector and had a passion for flying. Pete will forever be remembered for his generous nature, exciting tales and getting us to our events in style.
May 11, 1924 to January 31, 2009
Charter Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as drummer from 1996 to 2009
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Stewart MacDonald
With ancestory from the Isle of Lewis in the outer Hebrides of Scotland, Stu came to Fort Myers in 1970 after retiring as a design engineer for Chrysler. He served in the Army-Air Force during WWII and spent 30 years as Drum Major for the Araba Shrine Band as well as enjoyed a second career as the Executive Director of the Lee County Humane Society. Stu was a founding member of LCP&D and led the band as Drum Major until his retirement in 2004.
October 17, 1917 to May 28, 2006
Charter Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Drum Major from 1999 to 2004
Duncan MacLachlan
Duncan remains, to this day, an inspiration to members of LCP&D and is remembered with great admiration and fondness. Born in Scotland, Duncan played with a World Championship band and is credited with influencing some of the major pipers of today.
1930 to April 24, 2000
Charter Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Pipe Major from 1999 to 2000
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James Nugent
Jim, an excellent drummer, played in pipe bands in his native Ontario, in the Araba Pipes and Drums in Fort Myers, and was a charter member of LCP&D. He was a retired Canadian police officer.
January 23, 1929 to June 27, 2000
Charter Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Bass Drummer from 1999 to 2000
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Douglas Priestley
Doug was a retired Canadian Policeman and spent his winters here in Southwest Florida. A very versitle and talented drummer he also could step in as bass drummer and drum major and was a fine Master of Ceremonies for the Robert Burns Dinner.
November 22, 1926 to December 17, 2006
Charter Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Tenor Drummer from 1999 to 2006
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Norman A. Proctor
Requiescat In Pace
November 12, 1920 to July 25, 2004
Charter Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Tenor Drummerfrom 1999 to 2004
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James R. Reesman
Beloved member and leader, Jim will forever be remembered for his poise and professionalism, kindness and giving nature. He was seen as both backbone and heart for the band
April 6, 1928 to May 16, 2007
Member-at-large for Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Treasure and Piper from 1999 to 2000
David Scott
Although with LCP&D a very short time, Dave leaves behind many dear friends and fond memories.
Requiescat In Pace
October 22, 1927 to December 4, 2002
Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
Served as Snare Drummer from 2001 to 2002
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Ad Augusta
Ad started piping with the shrine band in the 1980s and was with Lee County from the beginning. He was a very good musician and an accomplished piper and was at every practice and performance.
Ad was also a WWII vet–part of the Greatest Generation and earned the Combat Infantry Badge, a Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.
Ad was always a teacher at heart and he loved the pipes. He often referred to himself as the Official Band Curmudgeon and so it was his responsiblity to let us know when we were not playing properly and he did not hesitate to do just that. Band Curmudgeon is a heavy duty job but he always did it with a smile.
Ad was one of our favorite characters. Every inch his own person. He learned many, many tunes outside of the band and had a wonderful memory. He also recited long narrative poems from memory.
Ad passed away from heart failure in Maine on April 22. He was 89.
1927 to April 22, 2016
Charter Member of Lee County Pipes and Drums
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John Fletcher
John was special member of Lee County Pipes and Drums. He was a Canadian “snowbird” and played with the band during the winter. Always willing to help whenever needed, he was a great asset to the band.
John was also played the bass drum in several pipe bands in Ontario, Canada over the years. After retirement he and his wife Nancy, a tenor drummer started spending time in Florida where they both played with the Lee County Pipes and Drums, and Guns n Hoses Pipes n Drums.
John was a very quiet natured person with a big smile. He never wanted to be the center of attention, but truly loved playing the bass drum, and enjoyed music in general. He also loved attending the Highland game competitions back home.
John passed away in Ontario, Canada on December 21, 2016 after a brief battle with cancer.
July 29, 1953 – December 21, 2016