[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/Tapscott_Don.jpg” caption=”Don Tapscott ’43 composed the official McMaster song, “]Don Tapscott '43, composer of the official McMaster song and a mainstay of campus entertainment in the early 1940s, passed away Dec. 27, 2006 at the age of 87, after spending Christmas with his family. He is survived by his wife Mary (Borisuk) '43 and the families of their sons Don, Bob and Bill and daughter Katharine '84.

Tapscott was honored by President Peter George and the Alumni Association for his composition during Alumni Weekend in 2002.

While living in Edwards Hall, Tapscott led sing-alongs with other residents and soon formed the Mac Maroons. The sextet of talented musicians was quite popular on campus, performing at regular student assemblies and featuring some of Tapscott's original songs.

In 1947, his composition “McMaster Alma Mater” was adopted as the official university song (see words below) and has been included in 50th anniversary reunions since 2000.

While Tapscott continued to lead a dance band for the next 40 years, he also taught French and physical education at high schools in Niagara Falls and Orillia, Ont. He was a McMaster golf champion and tennis and hockey star.

He was active in the Rotary Club and one of the original leaders of the Golden Kiwanis in Orillia, where he conducted hundreds of sing-alongs for seniors and others. He also composed the theme song for the Orillia centennial celebrations — “Put it all Together it Spells Sunshine.”

Following the death of Tapscott's son, Dave, in 1994, the family endowed the Tapscott Chair in Schizophrenia Studies at the University of Toronto. By coincidence, Dr. Robert B. Zipursky, the new head of Psychiatry at McMaster held that chair before joining the university.

Samples of Tapscott's composition, including a choral version of “McMaster Alma Mater,” can be heard here.

“McMaster Alma Mater”

Music and lyrics by Don Tapscott

God hath inspired

Within McMaster hearts a friendship true

Which every loyal student will maintain

His whole life through

Oh Alma Mater hail to thee

God hath bestowed

Without McMaster walls a beauty rare

The hills and gardens always will remain

Our campus fair

Oh Alma Mater hail to thee

God hath revealed

Within McMaster halls a truth sublime

An understanding and a knowledge of

Our life and time

Oh Alma Mater hail to thee

Oh hail to thee

The friendship, beauty, truth we've learned to know

Shall be imparted to both young and old

Where 'ere we go

Oh Alma Mater hail to thee