From Dr. Whitmire: Dear Singers- On this day of springtime and renewal I am sorry to bring you sad news. Ray Gavert, a longtime member of the NOVA Community Chorus, died on Monday. He sang with us at Epiphany on March 17. After the concert he worked out. Later in the evening he began to feel poorly and went to the ER. He had a viral infection that he was unable to shake and he died on Monday, March 25. I spoke last night to Ray’s son Bill who told how much Ray loved being in the chorus. He wanted us all to know that there will be a wake for Ray at Demaine Funeral Home (520 S. Washington St., Alexandria VA) tomorrow from 6-8:00 pm. An 11:00 am service will be held on Tuesday at Aldersgate Church, 1301, Collingwood Drive, Alexandria, VA. I know Ray is singing with the choir of angels now.
Yours-DrW
From Tenor Section Leader Larry: Message to the tenor section:
I happened to glance at the obituaries in The Washington Post this morning. I was surprised and saddened to see that Ray Gavert died this past Monday, March 25, 2013. Ray had been a second tenor in the Nova Community Chorus since 2003. He last sang with us on Sunday March 17 at the Church of the Epiphany. Ray was not present at the following Tuesday rehearsal or at last Sunday’s performance at Ireton.
If interested, you can read Ray’s obituary at http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/washingtonpost/obituary.aspx?n=raymond-b-gavert&pid=163934810. This includes information about the wake on Monday evening, April 1, and funeral on Tuesday morning. Unfortunately, I cannot attend the wake.
I know nothing of the circumstances of his death. Information about his life is contained in the obituary. For all his accomplishments and interests, Ray is known to us as a quiet, unassuming person, always with a friendly smile. He will be missed.
From Peggy: Please see the email from Larry with sad news about longtime chorus member Ray Gavert. I’ve taken the liberty of sending flowers to the funeral home from NOVA Community chorus.