The Canadian Salvation Army’s music fraternity loss is Heaven’s gain.

Well known and admired Bandmaster Bill Burditt was promoted to Glory recently and a celebration of his life was held in Hamilton on Friday, October 30th.

The service was conducted by Major Greg Simmonds (Rtd) of the SA Winterberry Heights Community Church in Hamilton and supported by Heritage Brass.

Bill’s grandson Andrew, a member of the Canadian Staff Band, played the cornet solo, “In the love of Jesus”. Commissioner Donald Kerr (Rtd) paid a tribute on behalf of the Territory and the Heritage Brass band.

Bill was the consummate Christian, bandmaster and bandsman. Many, including some members of Jubilee Brass, have benefited from his instruction in music camps at Camp Selkirk, Ontario in years gone by.

Bill was a soprano cornet soloist throughout North America, a bandmaster of Hamilton Temple, Argyle Citadel and Heritage Brass.
He was also a founding member of the Canadian Staff Band under Lt. Colonel Norman Bearcroft playing both cornet and BBb bass.

Bill is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marguerite, son Brian, current bandmaster of Heritage Brass and former bandmaster of the Canadian Staff Band, daughters Barbara and Sharon, a sister Vera, 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.