A Man For All Seasons

Posted on April 3, 2013 under Storytelling with 2 comments

Easter is over.  Another successful egg hunt with the grandchildren has concluded and the Easter bonnets are back in their boxes.  And the choir master is already thinking about the next major engagement – the opening mass for the Highland Games.  He is known by many names; James, Jimmy and affectionately the “mortician musician”. To those who know him best he is called friend.  A man of staggering talent, an imposing figure and musical genius; he is, simply put, “the master”.

Many years ago a Russian hockey team was touring the province and James was asked to sing both National anthems prior to the opening faceoff.  Any Canada/ Russia hockey game is filled with emotion but even before the puck dropped, the always stoic and stern faced Russian players appeared misty eyed as James flawlessly performed the Russian national anthem, in Russian.  He has performed for the Pope and for royalty but is most comfortable seated at the pipe organ at the cathedral – unless of course you can cajole him to join you at a house party equipped with a piano.

Many in our community, upon facing the end of life’s journey, have requested that James sing at their funeral.  He has sung at hundreds, probably thousands of funerals over his long tenure as organist and choir director at the cathedral.  Many of these occasions are tragic and just as many are celebrations, none more so than for a war veteran.  To hear his spine tingling rendition of “The Battle’s O’er” is as close to paradise as I may come in this lifetime.  For those of us needing a little boost heavenward at the end, having James sing at our funeral gives credence to the old saw “ hope springs eternal”.  I definitely want James on my side when my time comes.  I will take all the help I can get.

Besides funerals and weddings, James has been a fixture at concerts, ceilidhs and variety shows for well over fifty years.  He has enriched thousands of church services including many multi faith gatherings. Hearing his towering voice on stage, on a warm summer’s evening at the “Concert under the Stars” at the Highland Games, inspires awe.

But nowhere is he more comfortable than in front of the pipe organ at St. Ninian’s.  He filled some mighty big shoes after the tenure of Mrs. W.J. ended.  Watching him, as I have done for years, ad-libbing magnificent pieces of organ music with hands and feet working in perfect synchronicity, is something to behold.  And when his beloved choir hits all the right notes, in perfect harmony, you can see the utter joy in his face.  Ecstasy.

He is truly a man for all seasons.  A man of great faith, his unstinting loyalty to his church and his community are unparalleled.  He is one of us.  He could have pursued the bright lights of the big city to ply his talents but he chose us, which has made us all the richer.

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