[From the Ontario District's newsletter, The Trillium, issue 61-03, July - September, 2007 , Waldo Redekop, editor.]

Ralph McPherson
1936—2007

Files from Carolyn McPherson and family, and George Nicholson

Ralph McPherson, a 35-year member of the St. Catharines Singing Saints and the Barbershop Harmony Society, passed away June 4, 2007 after a brief fight with brain cancer. Dearly loved husband of Carolyn for 41 years. Respected father of Heather, Mark and Warren and six grandchildren..

Growing up, Ralph farmed, raising both chickens and turkeys. He began doing electrical work as a young boy with his father and continued in that occupation until February, 2007.

Next to his family, Ralph loved four-part harmony in the barbershop and gospel style. He sang with the St. Catharines Singing Saints, Hamilton Harbourtown Sound, Tri-City Gospel Chorus and the Golden Horseshoe Chorus. He was a member and choir director at Emmanuel United Church until it closed in 2005. Ralph’s quiet determination and honest dedication were models to everyone.

During his years with the Singing Saints he was very active in many ways for the betterment of the chapter. With his music knowledge he was the pitch pipe blower at practices and performances, Lead Section Leader, and was assistant director for the past few years.

His involvement and contributions are going to be missed by St. Catharines Chapter members and those members of his other barbershop and gospel groups.

A celebration of Ralph’s life was held June 7, 2007, at Wainfleet Brethern-In-Christ Church. Many memorial donations to The Harmonize For Speech Fund were made.

The Tri-City Gospel Quartet sang songs that blessed us as we celebrated a life so well lived. Thanks for the memories.     k