Walt Richardson


We had the pleasure of hearing Walt sing again today in church. Walt is showing his age. He walks unsteadily with a cane and has trouble on the stairs. He sang in the choir today but sat through all the songs. He took communion at the altar so he didn’t have to use the stairs.


Then just before the end of mass he stood at the podium, referred to today’s Gospel as a lead in to singing “Do Not Let Me Pass”. He pulled his rosary out of his breast pocket, he always holds the rosary when he sings and began his song. Each time I hear him sing I savor it now because it may be the last time I hear him. His deep cavernous voice is interspersed with his unique almost crying tone when he sings. The transformation when he sings is amazing to see. He stands up straight and gets so involved with the song that he literally bounced with feeling as he sang. He is a big man and his bouncing made an audible thump. I noticed one of the choir members smiling warmly at Walt when he did the bouncing. He looked strong and straight, not feeble at all. His voice was strong and wonderful. Once you’ve heard Walt sing a song his unique rendition stays with you for the rest of your life. When he sings “How Great Thou Art” you can actually feel Walt’s faith.


Walt lives his faith and it is always a joy to see him. It is almost heaven to hear him sing.