A tribute from this year’s Choir President and Chairman – Peggy Evely.
It was with great sadness that I learned of the sudden death of our accompanist George Smith on Sunday 9th March 2014. George sadly died in his sleep early that morning at his home in Truro, where he lived with his wife Karen.
George was appointed the Choir’s accompanist in the autumn of 2005. For several years prior to that the Ladies’ Choir relied on the help of various accompanists, so, when George agreed to take on this post, we were all delighted to have such an experienced musician in our midst.
George was an accomplished musician who supported “His Ladies” through thick and thin. He sometimes took our rehearsals; he’s conducted the Choir at concerts, arranged music for us and regularly played piano solos at our concerts.
Interacting with us and our MDs in rehearsals was a regular occurrence as he like to give some helpful hints, when he often used his favourite phrases, such as “If you know where I’m coming from”, “Singing from the same hymn sheet” and “if I may interject”. Hearing him say these phrases used to make us smile – knowing we’ll never hear him say these phrases again is almost unbelievable and difficult to comprehend. His last words to us were “Goodnight ladies see you next week”. Sadly for us, next week never came.
George’s love of music was infectious, he was a joy to listen too, he played with such feeling and he gave us all such encouragement. George was a truly humble, caring gentleman; he had a great sense of humour with a deep infectious laugh. George can never be replaced – he will be sorely missed by all of us and everyone who knew him. Thankfully for us, we have some treasured memories, which can never be taken away.
Rest in Peace George – God Bless
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STITHIANS LADIES CHOIR 