piping at Paul Blandford's funeral

**OC Richard** · 16th December 13, 07:58 AM

There are probably quite a few XMarkers out there who knew Paul Blandford, founder of Blandford & Son Scottish Imports LTD, and his son Kevin, longtime Pipe Major of the Blandford & Son LTD Pipe Band, or Paul's wife Madelyn, longtime kilt maker. There are a large number of Southern California kilties wearing Madelyn's handiwork.

Sadly all are gone now.

I joined with current members of the band, now called Kevin Blandford Memorial Pipe Band, in playing Purple Heather at Paul's funeral recently. Kevin had learned this tune by ear off a Black Watch album back around 1980 and taught it to me. It was one of Paul's favourites.

Here we are

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQmY...e_gdata_player

**ASinclair** · 16th December 13, 08:10 AM

Very nice, Richard.

**Father Bill** · 16th December 13, 08:25 AM

Beautiful work and a fine tribute to a friend. My sympathy.

Interested from the point of view of the architecture - what denomination was the church originally built for?

Thanks for sharing.

**grizzbass** · 16th December 13, 10:56 AM

condolences. Beautiful tune played well.

**creagdhubh** · 16th December 13, 11:31 AM

I'm sorry for your loss, Richard. Thank you for sharing.

Best wishes,

**IrishSean** · 16th December 13, 11:58 AM

A very fine tribute, Richard.

Father Bill, according to online obituaries, the funeral was at Trinity Episcopal Church in Redlands, California. The church website has a little write up about the construction of the church (apparently "in the English tradition"). http://www.episcopalredlands.org/abo...h-history.html