When Chris first arrived at the Cathedral to begin his work here, we met for coffee. He mentioned that he had heard I was planning to retire soon. I actually did not have a specific timeline in mind at that point. However, with the over 2-year pandemic situation, I realized that I really wanted to keep working, so that once I had the full choir back, I could work with them again for at least a couple of years - making up for lost time I guess! 

In the meantime, as we have returned to almost normal numbers again with the Cathedral choir, I started working with Ted Chiasson, as he offered to help me with the transition process into retirement, as he did with Peter Elliott. This past long weekend, we sang my most recent commission of a new Sanctus for Easter. After that morning’s Eucharist, for some reason I became aware that I was moving into a much deeper place of reflection about my time at the Cathedral - more than I have ever felt before. On the holiday Monday May 24, I sent a letter to Ted saying that I had finally come to a decision about retirement. 

I took on the position of Organist & Director of Music of this Cathedral Church exactly August 1st, 1986. Upon much reflection, it feels “meet and right so to do” that my last Sunday would be August 4, 2024. This gives me two years with my choir and congregation.

I have said many times over - I have the best church job in Canada! It has been an enormous privilege to serve this community of Christ Church Cathedral for almost 36 years now.  

Rupert