Ron and Diane used to volunteer their time and talents to the U of Alberta's art song interpretation class when I was in undergrad, back in the previous millenium. They were also good friends of my piano prof, and she was the one that could talk them into coming to sing with us.
I spent many hours rehearsing with both of them as a student accompanist (they encouraged my singing as well), and Ron was especially fun to work with. There are certain songs and song cycles that I will forever associate with his warm baritone voice and good humor.
He's the singer I referred to in the "wierdest career change" thread, the pig farmer who sings lieder. I'd heard he was ill, but didn't know the nature of the illness, and it's always sad to see someone you knew as vital and full of life succumbing to Alzheimer's.
Thanks, Monster. It's good to get news from home down here in the US, even if it's sad news.
