Pipe CUPPLES

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CUPPLES: Pipe Major Alexander Muir. The family regrets to announce the passing of our father, grandfather and great- grandfather, Alex Cupples, in his 91st Year, on Sunday, March 16, 2014, at the Assiniboine Centre, Brandon. Alex was born on August 26, 1923 and raised and educated in Scotland, where as a boy, he learned to play bagpipes. At the age of 14, he enrolled as a Boy Soldier in the Gordon Highlanders and was tutored further in bagpipe music by all the well known pipers of that era. Dad served with the Gordons through the war years as a piper, and saw active service in France and North-West Europe. In 1946, dad graduated with distinction from the Army School of Piping, Pipe Major's Course, at Edinburgh Castle, and at 23 years of age, was immediately appointed as Pipe Major of the 2nd Battalion of the Gordon Highlanders. At this age he was the youngest pipe major in the British Army, an accomplishment that has never been surpassed. Alex married his wife of 50 years, Janet, in 1946, and after leaving the army in 1953, they settled in their home town in Scotland, where he worked as a foreman at J & P Coates threadmill for more than 20 years. In 1974, the entire family moved to Canada and settled in Brandon. Dad worked at DND Shilo as a storeman until his retirement in 1988. He was appointed Pipe Major of Brandon's 26th Field Regiment RCA Pipe Band, as well as becoming very involved in bagpiping across the prairies. In his retirement years, Alex enjoyed his time with his many friends, including the Brandon Shrine Club Pipe Band and their many safaris. The family also enjoyed many summers camping at Minnedosa Beach. Alex leaves his daughter, Lynn, and three sons, Alex, Ian and Douglas, daughters-in-law Pat (Winnipeg), Patricia (Sprucewoods), and Margaret (Langley, B.C.), as well as seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Janet, in 1996. Many thanks to Dr. Andrew Seitz, and the staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre and the Assiniboine Centre, for the wonderful care dad received. The Funeral Service was held at Memories Chapel on Thursday, March 20, 2014. Rev. Harvey Hurren officiated. Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so wish, donations may be made to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Avenue, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 2B3 or to a charity of choice. "Bydand"Expressions of sympathy may be made atwww.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204 727 0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 22, 2014