Obituary of John SEARCHFIELD

“If music be the food of love, play on...” Trace the line of many local contemporary choral, organ or instrumental concerts backwards, and it would likely lead to John Searchfield. He was a principal figure in the nascent classical music scene in Calgary in the 60’s and 70’s. He brought a sensibility steeped in his English upbringing and education at Magdalen College in Oxford, where C.S. Lewis was one of his tutors. John co-founded the Festival Chorus shortly after he arrived in the city, in 1959. He was organist and choirmaster of first Grace Presbyterian and later Christ Church, Elbow Park, was a music broadcaster on CBC, and a long-time professor of music at the University of Calgary. He was supported in his professional and personal endeavors by his first wife Nora (née Clemens), second wife Marijke (née van Wijk), and partner Rosalind Moylan. One of his great loves was travel, and throughout his life he visited interesting and far-away places. John’s final years were spent quietly, mainly in the company of books. His death came suddenly and mercifully on Wednesday, June 5th, as his slow, steady decline in health appeared to be accelerating. He is survived by his children John-Edward (Jack) and Mary and their families. They all feel deep gratitude to the staff at Fountains of Mission and Rockyview Hospital for their care of John. A fitting musical Memorial Service will be held at Christ Church Elbow Park (3602 8 St. S.W.) on Wednesday, June 12th at 2:00 pm with tea to follow. No flowers, please; instead, consider a donation to The Festival Chorus, www.thefestivalchorus.com Please forward condolences through www.hffs.com. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES “Calgary Crematorium Chapel” Telephone: (403) 299-0111