Persona

Moyer, Robert Lloyd

1924-2005

Robert Lloyd (“Bob”) Moyer was born in 1924 in Craik, Saskatchewan, and attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1946. He had a 32-year career as a design engineer for the PFRA design division. In this capacity, he was involved in the South Saskatchewan River Project and was the principal design engineer for the spillway crest of the South Saskatchewan River Dam (or Gardiner Dam). However, he may be more popularly known for his exceptional career as a musician. He was a founding member of the Hobby Band in the 1950s, and later formed the Bob Moyer Big Band. He married vocalist Pat Steele, a frequent musical collaborator and partner. Bob was a valued mentor to numerous musicians, and kept both jazz and big band music alive throughout western Canada for over 50 years. Throughout his career he provided accompaniment for numerous entertainers, including Bob Hope, Rich Little, Rosemary Clooney, Bill Cosby, Red Skelton and Bob Newhart; he played with jazz musicians including PJ Perry, Herbie Spanier and Oliver Jones; and he toured with Big Band musician Mart Kenney. He was awarded numerous honours, including the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal, the Saskatchewan Jazz Festival Special Recognition award (1995), the Western Canadian Music Awards heritage award (2003), and the first Lieutenant Governor’s Celebration of the Arts Pin. He died in Regina on 4 May 2005.