Aboard the HMCS Halifax: May 14/07

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IN the captain's chair (and ON the bandwagon)

Captain's view






I am in no way associated with these children,
nor do I condone their handling weapons.

This was on the side of some huge missile launchers.

I'll be on the radio.

Ron Desmoulins interviewed me a couple of weeks ago at Pinewood Crt where I sing to the residents. He taped some of the singing and interviewed residents. He emailed me today to say that it is tentatively scheduled to air tomorrow (May 15) between 0730 and 0800h (on CBC Radio One -- 88.3 FM in Thunder Bay).

Murthered!

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So now that the Murder Mystery for St. Stephen's church is over, I can tell you that I played King Roland, murdered by either my Queen, the Prince from the East, Zita the servant girl, Sir Devlin or my daughter, the Princess Persephone.

Neither of the sisters pictured murdered me, as they remained in the dining room with the guests while it happened. (At least they were supposed to.) Anyway, they were the Eastern Prince's gift to King Roland, and, to his great pleasure (not that of the Queen), performed a little belly dance. I'm told that many of the guests requested an encore.

Originally King Roland had his hands on the girls' shoulders, but suddenly Natasha (on his right) spoke (with a very convincing accent): "In my country touching is not permitted."

After the performance, we went out to the Fast Lane (formerly Bunny's) for some Karaoke. You should hear Jasmine (the other girl) sing. Wow!

I sang "Hallelujah" "in the style of Rufus Wainright" i.e. in the style of a tenor. Ouch.

Stage.fm

Hey, I just looked at stage.fm/richardpepper after ignoring it for a while and looked at the Satire charts (following the link at "Free Stanley") and -- for what it's worth -- I'm all over the top of it. Whoo.

And on an unrelated note, I was just recalling the other day that it was Dave Marshall who taught me how to use a computer (the First Choice program on the old Amstrad, Dorion Bible Camp's first computer). I knew how to type, but concepts such as Save and Save As were new to me. After that, I remember phoning John Martin when he had changed the default directory and I didn't know how to use "..". He patiently explained the steps to me to change it back and somewhere I think I still have the paper bag on which I wrote out all the instructions.

I now use reverbnation.com/richardpepper

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In Memoriam

Alan George Pepper, resident of Thunder Bay, died on Tuesday, 10th May, 2005 [two years ago today] in the TBRHSC as a result of the consequences of organ failure, resulting from diabetes.

Alan was born 21st June, 1933 in Balham, London, England, shortly thereafter moving to Mitcham, Surrey, England, where he lived until the age of 18, when he was called up for National Service with the Royal Fusiliers and the Royal Army Educational Corps. Prior to this he went to Mitcham County Grammar School in Mitcham and took his National Educational Certificate.

In 1949 he started working at the Merton and Morden Public Library, where he met Sheila, and worked in public libraries for the rest of his life. In 1963 he brought his family to Fort William, Canada and held various positions with what subsequently became the Ontario Library Service.

Part-time education had been a part of Alan's life since he first left school at 16. The professional courses of the (British) Library Association commenced before his immigration and he immediately began studying at Lakehead University, obtaining a B.A. in Psychology in 1972 and an Honours B.A. in Sociology in 1979.

Alan married Sheila (Griffiths) in 1955 and they would have celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in September of this year.

Alan was predeceased by his parents, Frederick James and Winifred Mary in 1975 and 1969 respectively and by numerous uncles and aunts. He is survived by Sheila, sons, Adrian Roland David (Chris) in Waterloo and Richard Evelyn Paul (in town), daughter, Geraldine Elizabeth Anne Glisson (Byron) in Georgia, U.S. and grandchildren, Robin Anne, Derek Allan, Douglas Arthur, Gregory Earl, Beverly Elizabeth, Mitchell Edward and Clifford Austin Livingston and by sister, Margaret Anne Pratt(Robert) in Nottinghamshire, England as well as cousins, nieces and nephews.

Alan's favourite occupation was Rotary International which he joined in 1967, holding many offices in the Fort William Rotary Club, becoming District Governor (District 5580) in 2001. Respecting Alan’s wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held on Saturday, May 14, 2005 at 1:00pm in the Church of Christ (corner Redwood and Edward Streets) officiated by Mr. Eric Bailey. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Rotary Foundation or charity of your choice.

A tree will be planted in memory of Alan Pepper in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service Sunday, June 25, 2006.

Matti's Baptism: May 6/07

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St. Thomas' Anglican Youth: May 6/07

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Spring Camp Fun Day Happy Family Wish Show

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We had a pretty good turnout for this on Saturday. We unveiled the $13 Foosball table (just needs legs) I bought at ValVill. (We did let the kids play with it too.)

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I'm Abnormal

My Mum took this picture of my Big British smile at Tuesday's City Award Ceremony at the Italian Cultural Centre.

I was nominated by Pinewood Court (one of the homes where I sing hymns to the residents). I've been doing so for a few years now and I guess my number came up. I hope that doesn't sound unappreciative. I just mean that I'm not the super volunteer there or anything.

The award was for Exceptional Achievement. As I told Tony over in Facebook World, most people in Thunder Bay are nice; I'm an exception.

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