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Rob Vanstone: A chat about Bob McInnis was music to my ears

Rob Vanstone wishes he had met Bob McInnis, a well-known Regina jazz musician who passed away April 25 at age 89.

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Bob McInnis wasn’t inclined to blow his own horn, except when playing the trumpet.

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He was a “humble” man, in the recollection of pianist Dennis Hendricksen, but one of considerable achievement — a long-time contributor to the local music scene as a performer, educator and supporter.

“Bob was a very easygoing, great guy,” Regina drummer Don Young reflected, reiterating for emphasis: “Great guy.”

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He was also a dedicated husband and father — someone I wish I had known personally.

That sentiment resonated after I had the great pleasure of chatting with two of his sons, Chris and Kerry. They told me all about their father, who died on April 25 at age 89.

With Father’s Day looming, I thought I would seize the opportunity to learn more about a fellow member of the fine fraternity of Roberts, while celebrating all of our wonderful dads.

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“Dad loved jazz, especially big band, but he was very open-minded about music,” Chris told me. “Unlike some parents, I didn’t get a lot of criticism from him about what I listened to as a teenager. In fact, he liked a lot of the stuff, including people like Van Morrison. If it had horns, Dad usually liked it, being a dedicated trumpet player.

“Later on, when I developed a taste for jazz, we shared an interest in musicians like Chet Baker and Chris Botti and attended Jazz Regina events together over the years.

“A 2019 Regina Jazz Fest show with trumpeter Al Muirhead was a real highlight as it brought out a lot of people from the Regina jazz community and it seemed like Dad knew every second person in attendance.”

Including that evening’s headliner.

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“Bob and I hung out as teenagers playing in a big band — the Hobby Band — which was the popular music of the day, playing concerts, dances, etc.,” Muirhead, a Calgary-based Canadian jazz great, wrote in an email. “We both played the trumpet so we had a special bond with each other.

“He was a fine musician, and an even finer human being. He will be missed, and certainly remembered.”

So will Bob’s contributions to the jazz community and the enduring influence he had on generations of musicians who he mentored and befriended.

Bob was a charter member of the Regina Lions Band in addition to performing with the aforementioned Hobby Band. He was also associated with the Jazz Band-its — both the Jazz band and concert band — along with the King William Band.

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He was able to enjoy a second wind, if you will, after undergoing open-heart surgery at age 63.

Bob had sustained heart damage as a youngster due to a bout with rheumatic fever — a circumstance that prevented him from attaining his goal of becoming a commercial pilot.

Undaunted, he lived a rich, long life, one that was full of sweet notes and kind gestures.

“After the heart surgery, the improvement was so dramatic that he picked up the trumpet again,” Chris recalled. “He joined the Jazz Band-its and was with them for a solid 20 years.”

Along the way, he met my great friend Dennis.

“Bob McInnis was a great bandmate,” said Hendricksen, a talented and thoughtful musician in his own right. “He was always positive and encouraging. He was loved by everyone, especially the trumpet section who enjoyed his musicality and personality.

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“There were certain songs he would always be given the solo on, and even in his latter years he played a sweet, melodic solo. He had such a nice, mellow tone.”

Not only musically, but personally.

“I remember Bob always having a smile on his face,” Hendricksen added, “if there wasn’t a trumpet to his lips.”

Bob shared his love of music, and his love of life, with his wife (Joan) and four sons (Kerry, Chris, Kirby and Ken).

In the words of Chris, Bob was “a good father, friend and neighbour.”

Someone I wish I had met.

So here’s to Bob McInnis — and to all of our fathers, who have given us so much.

(Alan Vanstone’s son is the Regina Leader-Post’s sports editor.)

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