Arnold Munro

From Glengarryceltic

Arnold Munro was born June 23, 1926 in Maxville, the son of Ernest William Munro and his wife Jennie Mae Cameron. The Munro family were from Apple Hill and were musically gifted. The members of his father’s family were known for the Munro orchestra and the Munro Band. Arnold learned to play the bagpipes and his love of the music remained with him all his life.

Following high school he trained in the undertaking business with the Clark Hoople Funeral Home in Maxville and also the plumbing and heating business. Eventually he bought out the Hoople business and over many years proved to be an expert business man. However he always had time for his music and spent much time and energy promoting the great highland bagpipe. He was on the executive of the Glengarry Highlanders Pipe Band from the early years and a playing member for almost thirty years. In 1967 he was an enthusiastic organizer of the Glengarry School of Piping and Drumming and continued his interest and support as long as he lived. He was on the Highland Games executive almost from the beginning of that organization and will always be remembered for his association with the bands. The success of piping and drumming in Glengarry today is in part a legacy from the untiring effort and support over a long period of time by Arnold Munro.

Arnold Munro died suddenly from a heart attack on Oct. 5, 1990. He was married to Sheila Wilkes who resides in Maxville. They had four children, Dale, Donnie, Ronnie and Rhonda. Dale and Ronnie continue in the business established by their father.

On May 28, 1991, the Arnold Munro Memorial Trophy was presented by the Glengarry School of Piping and Drumming in memory of one of the original organizers and a faithful supporter of the school. The award is for a beginning student piper showing most potential and progress.