A Friend Remembered

    I met Sam within a few weeks after joining Hyde Park in late 1985.   We sang together in the bass section for several years before being consumed by careers.  20 years later, we found ourselves back there to support the new director.  Probably the first thing I noticed about him, aside from his impeccable dress, was a quick and biting wit.  We shared an appreciation in the humor of daily life, except where golf was concerned. The fun ended with the first shot was topped or sent on a screaming trajectory toward the palmettos.  He carried the weight of his shortcomings the rest of the round.  It was, of course, the exception rather than the rule.  

 

    He carried himself with elegance and grace, but with a wry grin and twinkle that masked the belly laugh he felt inside.  Only a few times did I see and hear him let that out.  Even then, he chose the moment, except when we were being bad boys in the back row.

 

    Yet, his life was framed in tragedy.  His son and his second wife were each killed in automobile accidents years and continents apart.  He raised his grandson alone.  Then, at a time of his life when the heartaches and losses were being healed, his body began to fail.  But he pressed on - never giving in though he felt like it at times. 

 

    In the end, he died as he lived, taking solace in God's limitless compassion. He taught us a great lesson on how to live, right up to the last breath. 

 

    Thank you Sam for being a friend and an inspiration.

 

Comments

[Beth Crawford]

I recall becoming aware of this Massey-like man in the choir in the early 90s. I wondered about "Sam Choate". I knew he was married to Vee, lived on Bayshore and was a country feller.

I remember arguing with Sam at a Callahan party, about early music vs. gospel...it was fun! Sam counseled me about wisdom with money, though not sure that one took! ;O) I remember eating lunch with Sam in Austria, at the Freud Museum. He told me about his life and I marveled at how difficult a life he'd had, and the grace with which he carried his burdens.

I still hear his gravelly, world-weary voice singing, in my head. He was a gentle soul, and was imbued with the wisdom and strength that hardship and God fire and refine. I loved how he shared that with others.

Thank you God, for the life of your servant Sam!

Beth Crawford