Wednesday, March 9, 2016
To Honour Edie Chisholm:
I wanted to register condolences to the family, and add to what is certain to be a large number of tributes to celebrate the life of such a kind, talented and generous person.
Edie was one of the most positive people I have ever known. The first time we met, I was a singing in the choir at Scott Collegiate ... she was accompanying the choir in those days. Eventually, I was asked as an "import “ with friend Larry Pana to sing in the Martin choir with Carl Wessman ... and of course, Edie was the accompanist there too. Getting to know her and many of her family who were singing in the choir turned out to be a wonderful experience for me. She was always helpful to us as young people often going far and beyond her duties as accompanist.
When I graduated from university, I was hired to be music teacher at Martin Collegiate. One of my fondest hopes was that she would agree to accompany choirs now under "new management". To my complete delight, she said "yes", and I can say without reservation that she was a key element in the success that I and our students enjoyed during my early years as a teacher.
She was a wonderfully gifted accompanist but much more important, she was kind, generous ... someone that anyone who knew her would be proud to call their friend.
I wish that I could attend her celebration service because I know that there will be such wonderful stories about the special times you all had with her. Of course, she will live on with you all in your hearts and minds. I know that she certainly will in mine.
Doug Dunsmore
