As many of the chorus as were able and who knew Oliver attended a celebration of his life at West Berkshire Crematorium on Wednesday 2nd September. Oliver (Ollie) had been fighting cancer for a while and sadly passed away on 22nd August.

The celebration of his life was attended by a packed crematorium of family and friends which included members of Oxford Harmony (OH) and Thames Valley Chorus (TVC). Ollie was a keen musician and barbershopper and a member of both choruses at one stage. He also sang with White Horse Harmony the predecessor of OH. Amongst the very moving tributes by Ollie’s family and some friends, TVC sang “I’m Gonna Live ’til I Die” and OH sang our tribute with “The Irish Blessing”.

At the wake immediately afterwards the two choruses got together to sing “Amarillo” to a very appreciative audience. Ollie’s widow Heather enthusiastically joined in as she is a keen choral singer and this was one of Ollie’s favourites. We also gave listeners a couple of Pole Cat (barbershop standard) numbers for good measure.