Ralph Howard Farris [09/07/2006]

Ralph Howard Farris of Bridgton, Maine, passed peacefully at home on August 19, 2006. Ralph was born in Norwood, Mass., on May 4, 1928. Upon graduating from Walpole High School in 1946, he entered the U.S. Navy, serving a tour as a Russian code expert. Following his military duties, Mr. Farris attended American International College in Springfield, Mass., where he received a B.A. degree in romance languages. Next, he attended Westminster Choir College, Princeton, N.J., where he earned both B.M. and M.M. in voice and choral conducting respectively.He continued his choral career with faculty appointments at various schools to include The Roxbury Latin School, where he initiated numerous international singing tours for student groups. Ralph continued such tours and conducting throughout his 78 years, touching the lives of many musicians and singers. Students may remember his infamous quote: It's not good enough to be bad. Ralph will be greatly missed by his wife, Nancy, of 36 years, his two sons, Douglas and Ralph, and other family and friends. A service in honor of Ralph's life will be held in Bridgton, Maine, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been established in Ralph's name at Westminster Choir College of Rider University. Checks should be made payable to Rider University and mailed to 101 Walnut Lane, Princeton, NJ 08540.