How to begin with writing some
memoriesofyou,Greg?
Since we came toWA 1984 you have always
been a part of our family’s life in one way or
another.Oneofmyearliestmemoriesofyou is
whenyouwereteachingsomepeople“Onward
to Victory”, which I still think is one of your
finest. As you know, I love songs that people
can sing along to since people of a Christian
backgroundoften love tohave songs they can
sing together.
Then came the Peace Festival in Fremantle
during the International Yearof Peace, 1986. I
asked you tohelpput together agroup to sing
during the evening event. Wepulled together
amotley crew and, by your standard today, it
wasprettybasicbut I loved itas itwasallheart.
Two years later, with the next Peace Festival,
thegrouphaddeveloped further.
From then on I remember working with you
or for you many times. These included the
UN concerts in the Octagon which saw us
producing an abridged form of the musical
Time
by Dave Clark. Then, of course, there
was the glorious second run of
The Face of
Glory,
ofwhich Iwasprivileged tobepart, and
thenmy last opportunity was the tender and
beautifulmusical
The Servant
ayear andahalf
ago.
For some reason theNewEraChoir is theonly
choir I know that makes me cry every time I
hear it— the reason, of course, is not difficult
to fathombecause it always touches theheart
asmusic ismeant todo. Asweknow,music is
the ladder to the soul. We thankGod that you
havecreated sucha ladder.
Your indomitable spirit has just gotten
strongerandstrongerand insteadofbecoming
a grumpy older (“older”, not “old”) man, you
have become a shining force who inspires all
in your orbit. Your strength of character and
insightfulness issomethingonecanonlystand
backanddrink in.
I’m quite sure the “Angels” in the next world
can’t wait for you to get there to enhance the
music in that realm.
Thank you so much for your generosity of
spirit and to yourwonderful familywhohave
shared you with us during the last difficult
years.
Your legacy will remain in many hearts
throughout thecomingyears.
Much love
FionaMcDonald
