Born March 26, 1942 (Moose Jaw SK), Jamie passed away peacefully December 9, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Many thanks to the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital for their compassionate and thorough care.
Early on in life, Jamie and his family settled in Victoria and soon after became immersed in the Scottish arts. He started as a Highland Dancer, but his attention was quickly drawn to the sound of the bagpipes. The Great Highland Bagpipe and pipe bands would take hold as a passion and become much more than a hobby – it would become his life’s work.
He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1960 to study electronics and while stationed in Rockcliffe, joined the RCAF Rockcliffe Pipe Band. He returned to Victoria after a brief stint in Ontario and worked at Dockyard, Canadian Telephone Supplies and ultimately BC Telephone until his retirement.
Aside from working in advanced technologies for the telephone company, Jamie poured himself into continuously learning, teaching and passing on his passion and knowledge for the Great Highland Bagpipe.
In 1972, he formed the City of Victoria Pipe Band drawing in bagpipers and drummers from British Columbia, the Prairies and the Pacific Northwest. Pipe Major Jamie Troy and the City of Victoria soon established themselves as a world class pipe band. Their signature sound and musical presentations left a lasting impression domestically and overseas, playing a pivotal role in forging a path for the future of pipe bands.
Jamie’s appetite for learning led him to acquire McAllister Reedmakers from Scotland in 1998 where he and son, James P. continued the prolific bagpipe reed making business. This only solidified his knowledge and expertise, continuing to be a much sought after instructor and adjudicator his entire life. In 2000, Jamie played another important role as a founding member of the Greater Victoria Police Pipe Band. He held the position of Pipe Major until 2021. His leadership was true and he exuded love for the music, any genre of ‘good’ music really.
He made an immense impact on the pipe band community – musically and with every person he encountered. He definitely made a lasting impression. He will be greatly missed by many across the globe.
He was known for his relentless pursuit of excellence, extending beyond bagpipes to electronics, cars and even lawn care. Jamie was full of curiosity and interests. Above all, Jamie had a big heart, always led with passion and loved his family deeply. A true mentor in every sense of the word.
Jamie is lovingly remembered by wife of 50 years Louise, son Jamie, daughter Jacquie, their families and extended family: Magees, Skaarups and Watling. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to BC Lung Foundation https://bclung.ca/donate/ .
A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
To read more loving tributes, visit https://www.pipesdrums.com/article/james-jamie-w-troy-1942-2025/ and https://bcpipers.org/bcpa-news/james-w-troy-loving-tribute-1942-2025/.
Condolences may be offered to family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Troy” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Robert Barrick
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Heather I’m so very sorry the world has lost Jamie Troy. I knew him from many years ago when I danced with Adeline Duncan and he piped a lot for the her students. I loved and admired him. My deepest condolences to his extended family and friends. Robbie Burns wrote: “An honest man here lies at rest, As e’er God with his image blest: The friend of man, the friend of truth; the friend of age, the guide of youth”
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Janice Richey I’m so sad to hear this. As a young girl in piping in the San Francisco Bay Area (Prince Charles Pipe Band) in the early 1970’s, I can say that bands like City of Victoria were legendary to us – we all owned and listened to the album and were awestruck and inspired by the sound and musicality. Sincere condolences to Jamie’s family, with gratitude for his contributions. Rest easy, Pipe Major.
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Colin MacLellan Geography kept us apart which I regret greatly. He was a titan of piping and someone whom I admired and respected greatly. One of those who made a real and impactful difference in everything he did. We are all better for his wonderful life.
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Heather Holmes Dearest Louise
So deeply sorry to learn of Jamie’s passing! He certainly was a legend!
Meeting you both so long ago created a friendship that is impossible to forget!My sincere condolences to you and your family!
Much love and gentle hugs! Heather
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Edith Piasta So sorry to hear about the loss of your father Jamie. It sounds like he was an amazing man. Thinking of you and your family.
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Roz So sorry to learn of Jamie’s passing. He was the guiding force with the City of Victoria Pipe Band for many years. My condolences to Louise, Jamie Jr., Jacquie, & the Watling clan.
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Lorne Grand My condolences James, and not easy losing your father
Keep on drumming you always make my night
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Ernie and Yvonne Yakimovich Dear Louise and family. We are deeply saddened to hear of Jamie’s passing. He was a lifelong friend who we both shared so many wonderful memories. He was a good and honorable man who will be missed.
Helen and I deeply regret not being able to be at the celebration of life. Jamie was one of the most important people in my life. Not just for the countless hours of piping instruction, but for instilling in me a lifelong fascination with music and sound. The community he built in the band is so strong that even though we don’t get up to Victoria often, I still feel the connection every day. He was master at getting the best out of people and it showed every time we played. Our condolences go out to the family at this sad time.