Vale Dale Sayers

On Friday 14 October 2016 the choir family farewelled second tenor Dale Sayers (22-9-1933 – 7-10-2016) a chorister since January 1999. As his own Uniting church would not have accommodated all who wished to attend, the service was held in St Mark’s Anglican Church Emerald on a beautiful sunny day.

Reflecting Dale’s time in a pipe band, Donald Drysdale played the bagpipes both at the beginning and end of the service.

The choir led the congregation in singing two hymns – Cwm Rhondda (Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah) and The 23rd Psalm (Crimond). Separately, the choir performed two of Dale’s favourites – Working Man, featuring Geoff Serpell as soloist and, after a brief introduction by Faleiry, Anfonaf Angel.

Dale and Maibry had lived in Emerald for 40 years and knew a great many people, as witnessed by the very large turnout of locals, friends and relatives and representatives of the diverse organisations Dale had belonged to.  During son Cameron’s eulogy, even the passing Puffing Billy tooted its cheery salutations to this local identity.

It was telling that not only were there a large number of present choristers on stage, including half a dozen from our Bendigo chapter, but also many ex-choristers there to pay their respects to this very likeable and friendly man who will be forever famous for his very firm handshake.