Dave Cross
It is with great sorrow that we report the passing of Dave Cross who died peacefully on the 13th October 2023, at the age of 86.
Dave Cross
Dave was a wonderful man, a warm character, always friendly and kind. Dave, our longest serving member, joined the choir 29th September 1980 and for 43 years was wholly dedicated to Liverpool MVC. With his wide experience, Dave was the 2nd Tenor group leader. His fine voice, and musicality, he happily used to guide the group. Reliable and supportive. Dave was always keen to support and promote the choir, and served as Choir Secretary from 1984 to 2002. For his long service, Dave was awarded a Life Membership in 2016 for his exemplary service; and this was re-affirmed a month before he died with a presentation of a certificate.
A remarkable man, a gentleman, who was admired, loved, and respected by all. Our special friend Dave, will be much missed.
To quote from Dave's favourite choir piece, Dvorak's 'Goin' Home' (2nd Tenor line),
"Nothin's lost, all's gain. No more fret nor pain. No more stumblin' on the way, No more longin' for the day.........gwine to fear no more".
Goodnight Dave. Rest in Peace.
Brian Leeson
Brian joined the choir September 1991 and, quickly settled in the baritone section. Almost straight away, he accepted the role of choir accompanist, following-on from Jean Isaac who had retired. Brian held the position of accompanist until 2010 and during that time was wholly reliable, steadfast, and a valued member of the choir.
Brian Leeson
In 2014 he accepted the position of Musical Director and held the post with considerable success until 2016, when his health started to decline.
His patient and kindly demeanour was unwavering, and endearing. So too his joviality and friendliness. A man of good humour and much admired. We are all blessed to have known him.
In recognition of Brian's hard work and devotion Brian was awarded a Life Membership of the choir July 2017. He continued to help out, and often deputised for our Musical Directors and, on occasion, our incumbent accompanist.
Brian was a dedicated accompanist to several choir soloists too, and gladly gave his time and talent and could be relied upon to bring out the best in people. A consummate teacher, Brian was a fine, all-round musician with vast experience.
His own solo performances at the keyboard; his humorous, light-hearted songs were a delight to audiences, ourselves too. His repertoire was broad, from G&S to Fats Waller to Flanders & Swann. Who could forget his 'Gasman', his 'Gnu' and 'Hippopotami', always impressive, juxtaposed by his sensitive rendition of Schumann's Traumerei (Dreaming), for example. Entertaining was part of Brian's DNA and he did it effortlessly, while bringing pleasure to countless people.
Brian passed away on Christmas Eve 2022, age 91years. We will all miss Brian, very much. Rest in Peace Brian
We have a some videos of Brian on the keyboard - click here
Joe Ward
Joe joined the choir in 1979 his singing career started in the baritone section and later, the bass section.
Joe Ward
A very friendly man, always amiable, and held in high regard. A man of strong Christian faith, and great integrity, who was much admired. Joe held the position of treasurer twice, 1984 to 2002, and a second term from 2013 to 2017 and was exceedingly efficient in delivering his responsibilities.
Joe was our longest serving member until his sudden sad demise on Christmas Day 2022, aged 85 years. Remarkably, he was singing in concerts right to the end. His unfailing dedication to the choir, spanning 43 years, was exemplary, as testified by his winning of the [best] attendance award, many times. Joe's bass/baritone voice was special, and this was evidenced for many years by his solo singing, and duets with other choir members.
For his long dedicated service to the choir, Joe was awarded a Life Membership in 2017 for his devotion to the choir. An achievement richly deserved, of which he was extremely proud.
Our friend will be much missed. So 'Close thine eyes' Joe. 'Thy soul is safe.....thy body sure'. Rest in Peace Joe.
We have a video of Joe entertaining us - click here