Our 100th Year celebrations highlight not only our musical achievements but also the enduring bonds of friendship and community. One of our honoured alumni who exemplified this is Mack MacMillan (1919 – 1995).
Mack joined the Weston Silver Band in 1929 at age 10 and was a member for 63 years.
Both Mack and his lifelong friend Jack Thomas learned the basics of music from Mrs. George Sainsbury for several months before both were admitted as members of the then-Weston Boys Band.
The two remained bandmates for over 6 decades.
Mack’s dedication to the band extended to his family and friends, who often came out to hear the band perform. Mack’s daughter Janice, a long-time WSB supporter, recalls. “(Our) whole family used to go and watch at the bandshell. I am very proud of my Dad”
WSB Music Director Larry Shields has fond memories of Mack:
“I met Mack MacMillan in the early 1980’s when I first joined the WSB. What stood out to me as a young man was how much of a gentleman he was. Mack, along with his sidekick and best friend Jack, was warm and welcoming, going out of their way to make me feel comfortable and at home. Mack was the perfect example of what a Band member should be.
He was always there, always prepared and always had a smile on his face.
I have many great memories of
my time with WSB, but my time spent talking and learning
from Mack is among my favourite.
The world needs more Mack MacMillans”
