IN MEMORIAM

The Pride of Iowa Chorus would like to dedicate this evening’s performance to two of our members that we have lost since last year’s show.  Both helped the Pride of Iowa Chorus grow and improve as they advanced the hobby of barbershop quartet singing for over a combined century of service.

Gary “G.W.” Lewallen dedicated 48 years of his life to the Pride of Iowa Chorus and barbershop quartet singing,  He helped many groups throughout the area and was a consummate singer, coach and friend to every member of the Pride of Iowa Chorus and barbershop singers everywhere.  As the baritone of The Jurassic Larks, the 1998  International Seniors Quartet Champions, G.W. entertained audiences around the United States with the quartet’s fun filled songs and parodies.

Don Fraser devoted 61 years of his life to this hobby of barbershop.  Starting first in Mason City and then eventually moving to Des Moines. Don sang bass with the 1969 Central States District Champion Quartet, the MidWest Four.  Don served the Pride of Iowa Chorus tirelessly putting his administrative abilities to work as Chorus Secretary, Sunshine Man and arranger of many songs the Pride of Iowa has sung over the years.

Our hearts are heavy with their absence this evening, but we know that both of our baritone and bass sections are getting a little help from above as we perform this evening.