[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 61-01, January - March, 2007 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Sixty and still singing

By Allen Davis, Kitchener-Waterloo Chapter member

So, what’s the big deal? There are lots of 60-year old guys singing. No, no, not 60 years of age — 60 years of MEMBERSHIP!

Soon after the end of World War II, a young RCAF bomber pilot returned home and shortly afterward welcomed his war bride to his native Canada. With no particular pastime but coming from a home where singing around the parlour piano was a regular event, it wasn’t too long before he became interested in the new chapter of SPEBSQSA that had formed in Kitchener-Waterloo. He joined in the spring of 1947.

Today, 60 years later, George Stevens still regularly gets to chapter meetings on time, stands on the risers throughout the rehearsal, sings a fine baritone and seldom misses a performance or competition with the Twin City Harmonizers. George is not the first Ontario Barbershopper to reach 60 years of membership, but he is certainly the only one who is still as active as the day he joined.

On March 3, 2007, following the completion of its 60-year anniversary, the chapter honoured George at its Diamond Jubilee Soiree. After presentations to the Rookie of the Year, Chuck Waldron; Barbershopper of the Year, Dennis Dueck; and the establishment of its new Hall of Fame with 21 past and present members (including George), he became the first recipient of the George Stevens Lifetime Achievement Award.

George and Jean are true stalwarts of the Kitchener-Waterloo Chapter who we anticipate will remain active for many years to come. Congratulations.             k