the SAVOY SOCIETY of OTTAWA

Dear friends:

It is with great sadness that I have to report that Ted Metelnick, our long standing member, past President and Treasurer has passed away. He had been unreachable for 2 days and eventually the police were called who entered his house this morning and found him dead. I have just returned from his house and can report now the circumstances. The Coroner believes that Ted died on Monday evening. He had been ill for a week with what he called "flu" and when I spoke with him Monday he said he was feeling better. He did however sound very weak. I was told by the Police that the coroner is satisfied that he died of natural causes.

His passing deals Savoy a harsh blow. Ted was the repository of not only our financial affairs but also was a vast source of experience and knowledge of how we did things or got things done. The Board is going to need to call on all who can help us get our affairs on an even keel. It is especially sad that Ted has passed away just after our very successful production.

At present I obviously don't know anything about funeral arrangements but will pass these on to you as soon as I am able. Jacob Caines, our music director, has already called and offered to arrange the music for Ted's memorial service if such is to be arranged. In the coming days we will make decisions for a suitable memorial for our friend Ted but for now it is a time to mourn and grieve for the loss of our friend and colleague.

We are all diminished by his passing. May he rest in peace.

John

Dr. John Forster
President, Savoy Society of Ottawa
president@ottawasavoysociety.org