RIP: Sharon Gates
(April 8,1956(?) - July 13, 2021)
Sharon started as a piper with the Nicholson Pipes and Drums.
She went on to be a tenor drummer with the Pasadena Scottish Pipes and Drums. She traveled twice with the band to compete at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.
As a long-time employee of the City of Long Beach, Sharon was also a tenor drummer with the Long Beach Fire Department Pipe Band.
In recent years, Sharon was a WUSPBA Representative and a Steward for solo and pipe band competitions at the various Highland Games in the Southern Branch. Sharon’s knowledge of pipe band music, along with her attention to detail, made her a valuable and much-appreciated volunteer within the Southern Branch.
Sharon is survived by her piping husband David Mackenzie, and her tenor drumming daughter Rose Mackenzie.
By Scot Gilbert (The Western United Pipe Band Association)
Sharon Gates, 1st place Grade 2 Tenor Drummer
Sharon Gates took first place at the Bakersfield Scottish Festival’s solo tenor drumming competition. This WUSPBA sanctioned event took place at Bakersfield College in California, April 4, 2009. Jennifer Febre, piper; Will MacTavish, snare.
RIP: Sharon Gates
(April 8,1956(?) - July 13, 2021)