Founder of the Lighthouse Swing Band in Kincardine, Mike Palmer, dies at the age of 77

Charles “Michael” Palmer, of RR 3, Tiverton, by the lake, died peacefully with family by his side, at Brucelea Haven, Walkerton, Wednesday, March 8, 2017, in his 78th year.

Cherished husband of Marilyn Palmer (née Duck).

Beloved father of Warren Palmer of RR 3, Tiverton, and Daisy (Holger) Kraul of Dörverden, Germany.

Loved grandfather of Liam and Noah.

Missed by sisters-in-law, Sharon Jeffrey of Port Elgin; and Karen Duck (Todd Kennedy) of MacGregor.

Also missed by his nephews, Charlie and Cory; and nieces, Christine (Joe) Salerno and Brittany Kennedy.

Predeceased by his parents, Charles and Gretta (née Brinkman) Palmer; and brother, Mac Palmer.

Mike was a realtor in Kincardine for many years. A drummer, he formed his own group, the Mike Palmer Band, and played in Sauble Beach.
 

---

Mike Palmer (centre), founder of the Lighthouse Swing Band, is joined by Dave Schmidt (left) of Walkerton and Dave Schmalz of Kincardine, holding a picture of the three of them playing in a swing band in 1959
 

---

He was also the founder of the Lighthouse Swing Band in 1984, bringing “big band” music back to the Kincardine Pavilion. He invited several Kincardine musicians, many of whom played with the Kincardine Community Concert Band, to join him, and all of a sudden, it became a 17-piece band. It featured some accomplished musicians and performers, including Paisley resident Shelley Parker who continues to sing with the band.

Visitation will be held at the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine, Monday, March 13, 2017, from Noon to 1:30 p.m. where the funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., with Rev. Janet MacDonald officiating.

Memorial donations to Western University (Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences), the Lighthouse Swing Band or Underwood-Wesley Pastoral Charge, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.