Vancouver piping community remembers well-known bagpiper

Darleen (Miharija) Milloy, 1963-2011

Members of by pipe band, the RCMP E. Division Pipe Band were saddened on Tuesday by the news from Pipe Sergeant Mike Guillemin that former well-known and respected Vancouver piper Darleen (Miharija) Milloy has passed away.

I did not know Darlene, but she was well known to many band members. Darlene was a key member of the SFU Pipe Band and Vancouver piping scene in the 1980’s before she eased out of the competitive scene due to the onset of multiple sclerosis.

Darleen’s passing has been recognized in a number of online sites, including the City of Regina Pipe Band blog and a write-up in Piper & Drummer.  I include the P&D obituary here.

On online guest book of condolences can be found here for those who would like to share their thoughts and memories of Darleen.  Darleen Miharija/Milloy, 1963-2011

Published: Piper and Drummer: May 12, 2011

Darleen Milloy (nee Miharija) of Vancouver died on May 11, 2011, after living with multiple sclerosis for more than 20 years, and leading a fight against the condition that was an inspiration to all who knew her.

Darleen (Miharija) Milloy
An accomplished solo piper in the 1980s before she was no longer able to continue piping, Darleen Milloy’s biggest award was winning the Silver Medal at the Northern Meeting in 1987 with a performance of “Corrienessan’s Salute.” She played for many years with the Grade 1 Simon Fraser University Pipe Band and was married to Derek Milloy of St. Paul, Minnesota, also a piper with SFU.

 

 

 

 

Darleen Miharija was taught piobaireachd primarily by James MacMillan. Even after her competing days had finished, she continued to teach and compose, and a number of her works are included in published collections.

Before her MS affected her ability to play, Darleen Miharija was regarded as one of the most talented pipers to come from the British Columbia area.

On behalf of the piping and drumming world, our condolences to her survivors and many friends at this sad time.

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