Ron Schafer recalls being directed by a mysterious voice to a concealed spot in the loft of an abandoned barn in South Langley, B.C. Behind a delicate layer of wallpaper, amidst the studs, Schafer uncovered a sterling silver trophy that was partly wrapped in disintegrating paper. After taking it home, cleaning it, and placing it on a shelf with the intention of researching its origins, 30 years have passed, and Schafer is now determined to return it to its rightful owners, who he believes are located in Manitoba.
The trophy, identified as the Athole Challenge Cup, was won by Lachlan Collie three times – in 1911, 1912, and 1920. Collie, an esteemed bagpiper in Winnipeg’s early days, was renowned for his musical talents, performing for notable figures and winning numerous competitions. His obituary, featured on the front page of the Winnipeg Evening Tribune on June 27, 1929, highlighted his distinguished career.
Despite Schafer’s efforts to locate Collie’s descendants, he has encountered challenges in finding them. Determined to reunite the trophy with the rightful family, Schafer turned to CBC News for assistance in spreading the word.
Reflecting on the moment he discovered the trophy, Schafer recounted hearing a voice instructing him to “punch the wall,” leading him to uncover the hidden cup within the barn’s walls. The trophy, engraved with the names and dates of previous winners, holds significant historical value, tracing back to Collie’s triumphant bagpiping performances.
Schafer’s quest to find the rightful owners of the Athole Challenge Cup is driven by a desire to honor Collie’s legacy and fulfill a promise to his late wife, Corinne. As he continues his search and seeks guidance from experts and local organizations, the hope remains to reunite the historic trophy with Collie’s living descendants or preserve it within a museum dedicated to Scottish heritage.