01/29/2022
One of the kindest humans in the World left this Earth yesterday. Mrs. Swart. Gail. She was my Music teacher from my earliest years on. Our church organist. My Mom's friend. Her musical talent was immense, matched only by her devotion, concern and love for her family, students and community. She was a living example of a life of service. To say she was a Wallowa County Treasure is not an exaggeration.
She patiently taught music, and I mean REALLY taught it to her students. To this day, I can hear her say “Don’t hold your hands in front of you when you sing, because you’ll look like you have to go to the bathroom,” or “Open your mouth when you sing, otherwise it looks like you’re sucking on a spaghetti noodle,” or “Make sure to end the “S” on the end of a word, otherwise we’ll sound like a bunch of snakes!” When I was in choir in college I soon realized how many others hadn’t benefited from her expertise.
On Sundays Gail played the piano and organ at church and my Mom was a part of the choir. Gail was an accomplished pianist and her talent was far an above what most small town churches have available to them. She accompanied me when I sang duets as a child there and all through school and at several weddings when I was older. She mentored my dear friends Suzette and Kathleen, talented musicians in their own right. Mom had a beautiful singing voice and went to choir practice once a week. She always came home from rehearsals happy and recharged. It was wonderful therapy for her.
For many, many years, Gail single handedly cast and directed an 8th grade Operetta. This was a huge time commitment on her part and the outcome was always a roaring success. She worked a full day, then voluntarily subjected herself to spend two more hours (for a month or more) with hormonal 8th graders, patiently helping memorize lines and rehearse songs. (Then she went home to cook and care for her own five children). When I was in 8th grade I was so disappointed that I didn't get a bigger part. Looking back I realize her decision was spot on. I was cast as a lazy maid (o.k. that's not accurate!) who had visions of being a Rock and Roll Singer! (there ya go!) The role didn't have a singing part, so Gail WROTE one for me. I still have the sheet music written in her own hand and I remember the tune.
Every Christmas Eve she delivered delicious, sweet homemade cinnamon bread to our family’s door. I have no idea how many loaves she baked, but it was well known around town. Christmas just wasn’t Christmas without “Gail’s Bread”.
It’s hard to adequately and completely describe what a wonderful person she was. I am grateful to have known her, and I know many others feel the same way. She is irreplaceable. Her life may have come to an end, but her legacy certainly doesn’t.
Written by Reesa Sutphin-Knutson
