Many will remember with fondness the ensemble that was part of the Penetanguishene Secondary School music program during the 1970s.
John Coull was the head of the program and the orchestra played music from the forties featuring Glen Miller, Benny Goodman, Harry James and others from the era.
John Coull was approached by the likes of Gil Robillard, Ted Light, Armos Larmand, Jack Beauchamp, Tom Hawkins, Blake Smith and others who wished to join the orchestra as it evolved.
Coull retired from teaching in 1993 with the baton passing to new orchestra leader Pierre Lefaive.
John Coull was a veteran of the Royal Scots from the east side of Edinburgh. Emigrated to Canada, 1957. He was a member of RCL Branch # 80 Midland he served at many Remembrance Day ceremonies and will not be forgotten.
His stint at the branch with Guy Johnstone, Nelson Coté, Juergen Pape, Carl Wright, Bob Thompson, Larry Melnyk and all the rest still happily ringing in the ears with their wonderful sound on Fridays at the branch.
John, then well into his nineties, told me that my Mum “was from the posh side of Edinburgh,” but this hadn’t prevented them from being good friends. Mum had been in the WRNS and they had a fealty that was unbroken.
John was a member of the Royal Scots. Both were teachers as well. I try to remind myself of these verities when I pair the two of them in my mind.
John was born 12th of Feb., 1928 and passed away Feb.,19, 2019, at 92.
His good works live on. He inspired many local music students and continued with merry-making until the end.
Thank you John Coull for marking our lives with your notes.
René Hackstetter, April 12, 2021.
