A tribute by Staff Bandsman Stan Ewing

Salvation Army banding in Canada has lost one of it's brightest lights in the person of Retired Bandmaster Arthur Dean of Mississauga Temple, who was promoted to Glory on March 6. Art was a member of the famous Earlsourt Citadel Band when they were in their heyday, led by Bandmaster Brian Ring. He was principal cornet of the band that toured Great Britain in 1965. He was also a featured soloist with the Canadian Staff Band from 1971 to 1983 under Bandmasters Major Norman Bearcroft and Captain Robert Redhead.

Art and his wife, Marilyn, left Earlscourt when the new Mississauga Corps was opened. He was the founding bandmaster of the corps band, a position he held for 23 years. Under his leadership it quickly established itself as one of the top Salvation Army bands in Canada. In addition to his other duties, Art gave unstintingly of his time at many Army music camps across the country.

A composite band of more than 60 players participated in the funeral service at Mississauga Temple, a tribute in itself to Art's life. Conducting duties were shared between Staff Bandmaster Brian Burditt and Mississauga Temple Bandmaster and CSB alumnus Robert Miller. Music featured included
Steadman-Allen's "In Quiet Pastures" and Erik Silfverberg's "The Beautiful City." Art's brother Gary, who featured in many cornet duets with Art over the years, gave an emotional tribute. Art's grandson, Cameron Rawlins, sang William Himes' setting of "It Is Well With My Soul" with band accompaniment.

We salute Art for his years of service to Army banding and his lifelong commitment as a soldier of Christ. Servant of God, well done!