William (Billie) Pow was born in Edinburgh in 1874 and took piping lessons from James Center, a noted bagpipe maker. In 1908 he moved to Calgary with his three brothers; Billie worked for the City of Calgary Waterworks Department while playing in his spare time with the Calgary Scottish. All four brothers enlisted in the Canadian forces during World War I; Billie served with the 113th Lethbridge Highlanders, one of many reinforcement units raised, and later the 25th and 85th (Nova Scotia) battalions. Two of the Pow brothers were killed, and Billie's surviving brother came home wounded.

Pow returned to Waterworks, rising to Foreman, and still played bagpipes in his spare time, moving on to composing tunes and judging competitions. He took over as Pipe Major of the Calgary Highlanders in 1925 and served in that capacity until 1939.

When the Regiment mobilized a First Battalion, Pow took over as Pipe Major of the Second Battalion - a reserve army unit composed of those too old, too young, or otherwise not suitable for overseas duty or else employed in essential war industries in Canada. The 2nd Battalion band played at unit parades, Regimental functions, recruiting drives, demonstration events, and during exercices at Camp Sarcee.

Pow retired to Vancouver after the war for health reasons, to enjoy a warmer climate, and to keep company with old friends and family. He died there in 1954.