William (Bill) John Roderick Livingstone of Whitby, Ontario, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2025, in his 83rd year. Born on March 20, 1942, in Copper Cliff, Ontario, Bill was the son of William and Mildred (née Glover) Livingstone. He was predeceased by his brother, Ranald.

Bill was a lawyer by profession, leading a successful Whitby-based practice, but he was also a piper by avocation. One of the world’s greatest exponents of the Scottish bagpipe, Bill won the highest prizes in both solo and band performance. He founded and led the 78th Fraser Highlanders Pipe Band for 28 years, making history when the band became the first non-Scottish group to win the World Pipe Band Championships in 1987.

A noted recording artist, Bill released numerous solo and band projects, including “Gold Medallist” (1978), “Northern Man” (2009), and “Live in Ireland” (1988), the best-selling pure pipe band album in history. A gifted composer and arranger, he published two books of pipe music, and his compositions are performed worldwide. Through his influential teaching and distinctive interpretations of bagpipe music, he became one of the most significant pipers of the last 100 years.

Yet, Bill was so much more than a lawyer and piper. He was a devoted husband to Lillian, a loyal and generous friend, and a gifted conversationalist with a love for banter. He had a deep appreciation for music, from classic jazz to Leonard Cohen and Finbar Furey. An avid cyclist and basketball fan, he was also an Italophile who enjoyed fine wine and a well-aged dram. He adored animals, especially his two energetic cats, Kenneth and Calvin. A passionate cook, he still preferred Lillian’s cooking above all.

Bill chronicled his remarkable life in his 2017 autobiography, “Preposterous – Tales to Follow,” sharing stories from his early days in Sudbury’s mining country, his time as a rock and roll piano player, and his journey through law and piping. Through it all, the greatest joy in his life was Lillian. “I don’t know what I would do without my bride; she sure looks after me,” he often said—and she did.

Bill is survived by his beloved Lillian, extended family, and countless friends around the world who will cherish his memory and the charismatic force of nature that he was.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be no funeral service. A **Celebration of Life** will be held on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at The Old Mill, 21 Old Mill Road, Toronto. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP via email at celebrate.william78@gmail.com.

Online condolences may be shared at Oshawa Funeral Home.

Service Details

Celebration of Life:
Sunday, March 23, 2025 | 1:00 p.m.
The Old Mill
21 Old Mill Road, Toronto, ON
RSVP: celebrate.william78@gmail.com