Robert W. Oades Memorial Bursary

To financially support students in the BMus program, the MMus program and the Graduate Diploma in Music Performance program at the School of Music who play a brass instrument and who demonstrate community involvement as well as academic excellence.

Born in England, Robert Oades began his musical life as a trumpet player with the military, including the Irish Guards Band. He immigrated to Canada in 1953 and highlights of his long music career included membership in the Canadian Armed Forces Band, the Stratford Festival Orchestra, as well as being a founding member of the National Arts Centre Orchestra. In 1969 he joined the faculty of the newly formed Department of Music at the University of Ottawa. His connection with the University lasted close to 45 years, and he was a regular presence at the School of Music right up until his death. An inspiring trumpet professor, conductor of the wind ensemble, and an advisor and mentor to countless students, he devoted enormous energy throughout his life to the University of Ottawa and its students. In addition, he taught a number of students at Queen's University. He was also a cycling enthusiast with the Ottawa Bicycle Club and co-founder with his wife, Marion, of the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour. A truly gentle person but with strong values, his motto was "Be good - Do good". He was an open-minded, generous man, young at heart to his last breath. He was forever curious and left this world ready for his next adventure.