Dick Whitehouse
Richard Elliot Whitehouse age 76, of Alexandria, Virginia, died June 13, 2007 at Mount Vernon Hospital, Alexandria, Virginia. He was born in Pleasantville, New York. He is survived by his beloved wife, Christine Whitehouse and his devoted children; Richard Whitehouse, Jr., his wife, Ellen and children, Jack, Stephanie, Jennifer, Christopher and Patrick; Robert Whitehouse, his wife, Mary and children Elizabeth and Bobby. A Memorial Service was held June 23 in Alexandria, VA. Seventy-nine current and former members of the Alexandria Harmonizers participated in the service. They sang, "It Is Well With My Soul" and "I'll Walk With God" directed by former Harmonizers director, Scott Werner, who traveled from Florida to attend the service. Also at the reception they sang "I'll Be Seeing You," which was part of the Harmonizers' 1995 International Gold Medal package.
An accomplished bass singer, Dick, was a Society member for 51 years and contributed greatly as a quartet singer, chorus director, section leader, quartet and chorus coach, arranger, mentor and much, much more. He joined the Alexandria Harmonizers in 1954 then moved away for a time during which he reached the International stage with a quartet from Rochester, NY, before returning to the Harmonizers in 1966. He is probably most remembered as the bass of two quartets in particular:
In 1967, he joined the NOVA CHORDS which became the1968 Mid-Atlantic District Quartet Champions and also reached the International stage for 12 consecutive years earning 3rd and 5th place medals in 1976 and 1978 respectively. Having a private pilot license, he would sometimes fly the quartet to performances around the country.
In 1993 he and three good friends and fellow Harmonizers, Scott Werner, John Adams and Alan Durick, formed the seniors quartet REMINISCE which won the 1993 and 1994 Mid-Atlantic District Seniors Quartet Championships and became the 1995 International Seniors Quartet Champions.
He also earned 4 International Chorus Gold Medals with the Alexandria Harmonizers in 1986, 89, 95 and 98.
Dick was not only a devoted barbershopper, but also a true gentleman highly respected throughout the Mid-Atlantic District and the Association of International Seniors Quartet Champions. He was liked by all who knew him, and loved by those who knew him well.
