,Carole Malcomson was a dear and trusted friend to many. For many years, when I played at Oakridge Church, she was in a straight ahead, direct-eye-view position from where I was playing piano while directing the choir.
Long ago I was advised by a music director I studied under, to always have at least one ‘friendly face’ that I could look to in each section of the choir, where, if things turned a little tense during a practice or rehearsal, I could be assured of a sympathetic and understanding smile. Carole was the ideal person for this, with ‘compassion’ seeming at times to be her middle name. Her dearly loved and loving husband Alden sat in the bass section, directly three rows up, and you could always be assured of a friendly face there as well. Alden was also a frequent visitor to our youth band practices, where he’d help with setup, and stick around listening for awhile. Being a former music teacher and still playing as a gifted clarinetist and saxophonist, his encouragements to the youth after virtually every song he listened to boosted their confidence and ambition.
Late in the summer of 2018, Carole was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and after a brave struggle with this aggressive disease, she peacefully passed on the evening of the last day of that year. She had planned all of the music for her memorial Service, which was a wonderful celebration of the gift of life which she, and which all of us are given.
She was very specific in wanting our family to have her car following her passing. It is a 2008 Hyundai Elentra, which we all have greatly benefitted from, and it’s rare that I’ll get into the driver’s seat without thinking of Carole.
In the past, many years ago, I would write a song for friends at churches I was serving at, who had passed. These were played unannounced at the Celebration of Life or Funeral Service, among the selections heard while people were gathering. It occurred to me late last year, that this was something meaningful that had slipped away through the years from what I did, and I felt some significant regrets over this. ‘Song for Carole’ is the first of what I hope to be some songs to share, in honour of those who have gone before, leaving a significant influence in my life.
Song for Carole