March On! ...the history of the

Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

For cell phones only Photo Gallery (new layout)
Audio Files Video Files Colin Hedworth's History of the Optimists A Myriad of Memories
Audio Files Change History for this website Newsletters (GCCs and others) Links to other sites News of Interest to Optimists Photo Gallery (old layout) Photo Gallery (new layout) Our Repertoire through the Years Search Our Website Site Links to each page Site Map Video Files
Home Page

Ross Cation

Photo of Ross Cation in 1961

Corps: Don Mills Sky Raiders, Toronto Optimists

 

1944 — 2025

Ross started his drum corps career with the Don Mills Sky Raiders before joining the Toronto Optimists in late 1960. Ross played French Horn during his time with the Optimists. He aged out after the 1965 season. In 1963, Ross and Terry McKloskey played a French Horn duet in Chattanooga Choo Choo. In addition, Ross played French Horn in the mini-corps that the Optimists created in 1963.

Memories of Ross from Terry McKolskey

We first met when I joined the Don Mills Sky Raiders drum corps in 1959. We both then joined the Optimists in the Fall of 1960. I have known him as a very close friend since then.

Ross was an admired friend to just about anyone who interacted with him. He was a happy guy with a positive outlook on life. He was caring, supportive, generous and had a good sense of humour.

He was an excellent French horn player and a leader amongst others  in the sense of “esprit de corps”.

Ross created his own Insurance agency which thrived and he remained in that field until his retirement just a few years ago.

Photo of Ross Cation and Terry concert McKolsey playing duet from 1963

Terry McKolsey and Ross Cation playing duet in Chattanooga Choo Choo (1963)

There are many memories, but some of the best were from our experiences with an informal group who had in common the enjoyment of downhill skiing. This was in period of time after we had aged out of the corps, ie; 1966 and on for many years. The participants were mostly Optimist alumni with others from the insurance industry. The group identified as “GASP” (guys annual ski party). It was an opportunity to get away and have fun. Ross loved those annual trips to a mountain ski cabin and to the best of my knowledge, he never missed a trip over the 20 years or so, that we did it.

Sports in general and golf in particular were his passion.

Ross was married to Dinah Lee, and had two daughters, Gineen and Danielle.

We’ve lost a very fine fellow.

Ross. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . We Remember!

Those who have passed