Another one of our Montreal soldiers has again left us this summer of 2023. We send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Bert Boldon.
Bert “Sam” Boldon, was one of the original pan pioneers of Montreal, others included Louis Bleasdell, Wahab Ishmael, Dave De “Bandit” Castro circa early to mid 1950’s. Bleasdell and Boldon established their first group in Montreal called “Pan Jammers”. Louis Bleasdell was also a pan tuner. Bert Boldon loved the steelpan and became a prolific player. He went to Berklee and pursued music. He became a soloist steelpan performer and pianist. Boldon, also an activist wrote an account of steelpan history of Montreal entitled “The Vignettes of Pan History- The Montreal Story” by Bert Boldon. (This account can be found on “When Steel Talks”). Many others would know Bert Boldon as a teacher in the public schools of Montreal, and of course, do not forget he was also the uncle of famous sprinter athlete of Trinidad and Tobago, Ato Boldon.
Bert was a well-known and respected personality in the Caribbean community of Montreal. He was one of the founders of our steelpan organization Pan Quebec. Bert was someone you could call on to perform on your show, or be an adjudicator for a steelpan competition, or assist in organizing a steelpan event. We played on quite a few gigs, he had a good rapport with my children and respected their growth. He will be missed by all. Thanks for your great contribution to steelpan development in Montreal.
May the Most Merciful grant you peace, Bert.
Salah & Family
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Replies
Cousin Salah: Do you know that I met him personally -- because his two brothers LEROI and CYRIL lived out here on the WEST COAST. The brothers were in awe of his MUSICAL and PAN SKILLS.
May he rest in peace!!!
Cousin: Ah think meh my own wick burning out because you were a few years younger than me when I saw you playing for GAY FLAMINGOES!!!
Look how we meet up again!!!
COUSIN IRIS!!!
Yes, Coz...time certainly flies...we lost quite a few prominent members of the Montreal community this year and we still have a half or so to go...one by one is a march back to the Most Merciful... But we celebrate World Steelpan Day today... Best regards