Memories of Mr. A

On the Occasion of the Ohio Wesleyan University Alumni Men's Glee Club and Glee-ette's Reunion and Memorial Concert in Tribute to Gordon M. Almstead

Oct. 17, 1998 – Joette Lee

I have been a glee club person by osmosis for 28 years, but Mr. A and Harriet made me an honorary Glee-ette when we finally met face-to-face 14 years ago. I thought it was O.K. since I know all the words if not all the notes to the music.

I'm not here to speak about Mr. A though, I can't begin to imagine trying to say anything more about him than what was so eloquently expressed by all of you this weekend in music and in words.

I would like to say something to you I have wanted to say since that incredible weekend in Chatham. I think it might tickle Mr. A's fancy to hear you get a little of what you gave. As Peter quoted today: "The full measure of a man is not to be found in the man himself, but in the color and textures that come alive in others because of him."

I know only one of you well, but I know a part of many, if not all of the rest. On this weekend, as in Chatham, I know that you can't be all bad (as some of the college days memories might imply). I know that in this group of women and men, there exits honor, respect, dedication, devotion and deep abiding love. I have had the finest seat in the house good people.

I have watched you pay tribute to a precious human being.

I have heard beautiful music.

I have watched Harriet be cloaked in sweet memories and compassion.

I have watched David and Rob laugh and find a measure of healing in singing on with "brothers."

I have watched new friendships be formed and old ones renewed and nurtured and once again, I have been touched in my soul by all of you in a way I cannot express in words, but only feel. I can only say thank you for these moments.

Surely, you should know that the heavens smiled upon all of you today. God gave you the splendor in the day, the voices of angels, the words of the ages and the self control of saints.

And after he finished grimacing in his deep, humble way, I have no doubt that Mr. A showered you with his highest praise and eternal gratitude. Susan called you "ambassadors" today. Dear people...you wear your mantle well. Bravo!

On the occasion of the Memorial Service Honoring Gordon Almstead, OWU Reunion Concert '98

Oct. 17, 1998 – Peter Lee '65

We have come from across the United States to be here to remember Gordon Almstead, our friend, our teacher and glee club director. As Albert Schweitzer once said:

"The full measure of a man is not to be found in the man himself, but in the color and textures that come alive in others because of him."

I, like many of you, have had the honor and privilege of knowing Mr. "A" for many years; for me it has been over a period of 37 years. For whatever reason, I was very fortunate to spend 4 special and wonderful years at Ohio Wesleyan University. As a young man growing up in Brooklyn, New York, I thought I knew everything until my first walk in "downtown" Delaware, Ohio; a stranger I never knew said, "good morning" — now that was a different and new experience for me!

I had spent many years singing in the church choirs and was looking for another singing opportunity. I was told upon my arrival at Ohio Wesleyan that the Men's Glee Club was a fun group but that its director, Mr. Almstead was a great guy. I recall vividly, my audition right here in Sanborn Hall with Mr. "A" for the Men's Glee Club. I recall, perspiring and with sweaty palms, singing scales, identifying the high, middle and low notes in a triad and singing the base line to a hymn. When it was all finished, I recall Mr. "A" saying, in that special deep voice, and that special smile on his face, "Peter, welcome to the Ohio Wesleyan Men's Glee Club!" I remember the joy and happiness I felt being a member of the Men's Glee Club — I just floated down the stairs from Sanborn Hall all the way back to East Selby Hall.

For many of us, the ability to return home during the Thanksgiving Holidays was not possible. Mr. "A" always had invited members of the Glee Club to join his family for a home cooked Thanksgiving Dinner. It was there that I had the opportunity to learn more about giving and caring, as well as playing the traditional touch football games in the back yard with Rob and David for four special years.

An example of Mr. "A's" continual support, caring, and giving to others is found in his Holiday Letter of 1998:

To My "KIDS":

Near the culmination of another year, and I again have the joyful opportunity to express my thanks to all of you for being a big part of my life. For all the wonderful memories; so many kindly acts; generous offerings; examples of caring; for letters and telephone calls: I shall forever be indebted to you.

Quite a few have told me about problems that have been a part of your life lately. During the Sunday Service in our church, the minister asks for name which are included in Intercessory Prayers. The congregation prayed for Harriet before, during and after a 14 hour surgery. When the operation had been successfully completed, I expressed by thankfulness for their prayers, and tried to quote St. Martin, (I believe): "If you have faith and believe in prayer; no explanation is necessary. If you do not have faith, nor believe in prayer, no explanation is sufficient."

All of you are in my prayers!

Have a wonderful, prayerful Christmas and Hanukkah.

Love,

Mr. "A"

Thank you all for being here today; we all miss him very much but will remember how much he enriched our lives while we were at Ohio Wesleyan University and the friendship which continued through the years.