Ralph
passed away on Friday, May 21, 2004, after a seven year battle with
lung cancer.
Ralph was a 33 year member of the Canton Chapter. He is perhaps best
known for his exceptionally low natural bass voice. The voice that
served him well, in his many quartets, and earned him the nickname,
"MISTER BASSMAN".
He leaves behind a legacy of good works and good singing, for which
the chapter will be forever grateful. He served on the chapters' board
of directors for nearly his entire career, adding his wisdom and down-to-earth
logic to problems needing solved.
Ralph performed on the International stage on three occasions; once
with the Hall of Fame Chorus, and twice with his quartets. The first
was with the Antique Music Show, the second with the 1988 International
Senior Quartet Champions,
"THE SILVERTONES"
Ralph was blessed with his loving life mate, Eunice, and three wonderful
children; Steve, Beth and Holly. His second love (besides barbershop)
was farming. He tilled many of the thirteen acres on his farm, and
planted a bumper crop of vegetables each year. He took great pride
in always having grown organic vegetables, long before it was fashionable
to do so. He worked his way through college by delivering bread and
milk, earning a degree in elementary education. He then taught special
education classes for many years in the
Bolivar School District, retiring in 1990.
Long live the memory of Mr. Bassman - Ralph
Shonk.
