Stu Willoughby was known for his love of playing the bagpipes. He would often play songs like ‘Amazing Grace’ or ‘Scotland the Brave’ on his L.G.Lawrie’s bagpipes. His wife, Val, remembers him marching up and down the hallway, playing his bagpipes. The sound of his music would fill their house and echo throughout their neighborhood on Tirinui Crest Rd, along Cherrywood Ridge.
Stu passed away last November. His bagpipes were placed by his casket during a celebration of his life at Elms Chapel. Lance Torrington, a friend of Stu, played ‘My Home’ on Stu’s bagpipes during the service. This song is a mournful piece that signifies a true Scot’s spirit always returning home, no matter where they die.
Stu’s bagpipes are over 100 years old and in excellent condition. They are made from ebony, a jet black hardwood, with ivory ferrules from a time when elephant tusks were legally harvested. The chanter is decorated with intricate silver engraving. The bagpipes, now named the ‘Stewart Pipes’ after Stu, hold both historical and sentimental value. There are plans to display them in the new Tauranga museum and have them played on special occasions like Anzac Day.
The story of the ‘Stewart Pipes’ began with Stu’s father, Stanley ‘Mick’ Willoughby, who was a 1928 All Black. Mick asked his Aunt Annabella Stewart in Scotland to acquire a set of bagpipes as a token of his heritage. These bagpipes eventually became Stu’s.
After Stu’s death, the bagpipes were refurbished by Lance Torrington, a pipe major with the City of Tauranga Pipe Band. Stu had the chance to hear the refurbished bagpipes one last time before he passed away. Lance played ‘Skye Boat Song’ at Stu’s rest home, Bethlehem Views.
Stu was a beloved figure in Tauranga, known for his love of music, sports, and his family. His bagpipes continue to serve as a testament to his life and love of his Scottish heritage.
