In Memory.

I am sorry to announce that my awesome, handsome, funny, smart, loving father, George Edward MacPherson, passed away in Orangeburg, South Carolina today June 3rd, 2009. He was 78 years old. He loved his life in retirement and living in the south and his many friends he made over the years and often spoke fondly of you. My family and I thank you for all your many kindnesses to George. Sincerely, His forever loving Daughter, Morag MacPherson For those of you who didn`t know George, he was at one time General Manger of RBBB Blue Unit. George live in Orangeburg SC, and could keep any circus fan spellbound with his stories of his days on the show. When I find out about arrangements I will pass it along. If any of you would like to express your sympathy his daughter is checking his email at GenMgr1@aol.com . Hal Guyon Columbia, SC hguyon@aol.com Thanks so much for letting me know, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. George was a great man, Kind and Fair in all our dealings, supportive and loving, Tough and stern when necessary (which was never very often for me), Flights of angels sing him to his rest. Take care of each other , David David H. Lawrence Dear Morag Thank you so much for letting us know. We are so sad for this news. George was like a second father to us, and we will miss him a great deal. If there is anything we can do for you please feel free to ask- George did so much for us. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Michael and Priscilla Duff Dear Morag I spoke to George a few weeks ago and he was his spirited, witty, edgy best – if slightly subdued. Memories – especially early ones of a tour of partly built Hamilton Place with George, the GM, the boss, the peoples’ man – determined to bring the construction in on time, on budget, with every detail perfect plus – and with no limits on his expectations that I was duty bound to help him make all that happen. His colourful stories about Victor Borge, Belafonte, and a thousand more, have delighted us all. George was a true friend to me and, I expect, to everyone copied. His life has been an extraordinary gift to each of us. John Evans ....I guess I will speak with him next on the other side of his Rainbow Bridge. He gave me that when I was suffering another loss. I know he's playing with Addy and Tommy right now and sharing a Madeira with "the Great Dane". All of my best wishes and good thoughts go out to Judy and to his family at this tough time. When I worked for him at Masque, and even after as friends, George would regale me with stories of his youth. He had been Manager of The Sombrero Playhouse in Phoenix. He told stories of Montgomery Clift and Linda Darnell and other Hollywood stars who worked at the Sombrero in the winters in the 50s. He was also a policeman in Phoenix at one point. He managed Victor Borge for a while, and he was a company manager in his native Canada and the builder of the Hamilton Place Theater before he became a General Manager and Producer of both Broadway and touring theatrical shows in the 80s and 90s. He was President of Masque Sound and Recording during my entire time there in the middle and late 90s. We spent many a night at the Phoenician with single malts, legendary Madeira, and great Cabernets while listening to Lisa play the piano. He loved his employees, and his family, and I think in some small way he loved me; and I'm a better man for having known him. George was a great mentor to me and a lion in our industry. I'm afraid they won't dim the lights on Broadway for a General Manager, but I will certainly take a moment to think of the old redhead and smile often, and I will miss him. David Hoover > George meant a lot to me and we stayed in touch after he retired and > tried to have lunch whenever he came to the city. I even contacted > him on Facebook a couple of times but he said that he didn't even > know how to use it much less how he got on there :-) > > In any case, your Dad was one of a kind. He was my first boss on a > big Broadway tour and I will always remember the nuggets of wisdom > that he passed on to me over the years. Everyone will carry around a > part of him who knew him. > > All the best to you and your family at this difficult time. Please > let me know if there are any plans for a memorial or contributions > to a cause or whatever. David Patridge It was through George that I had the pleasure of touring with Harry Belafonte domestically as well as to Japan and Europe, followed a few seasons later by a tour of DANCIN' to Italy and Paris. He was very much a gentleman who looked after his business with consideration and care, always able to listen to company members and treat each one with importance and understanding. His was certainly a colorful career, and I know we all have special remembrances. He loved animals and loved and respected the care given those on the Big Apple Circus, where we spent some quality time during my tenure as GM. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor and great story telling of all the exploits in his personal and business lives. We had a great time a few years back visiting in Myrtle Beach, and he remarked how much he was enjoying his retirement. Now he is at rest and he has left us fond memories. Thank you, George. To Judy, to Morag, Malcolm and Duncan, and to the extended families, I offer my sympathy and prayers. George is a part of all of us I will miss him. Sincerely, Brian Liddicoat It’s hard for me to find the words. I know it’s just as hard for all of you who knew and loved George. B. Behan said “He was a man’s man for a’ that.” Indeed George was, and more. I spent time last evening remembering, reconstructing moments with him. A trip to Japan to advance a show. Countless evenings in the ATP office after rehearsals, George with his Scotch, me with my Brandy. We solved problems with shows and, when it got late enough, problems of the world. OK, another quote, "If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." Will Rogers, I don’t often rely on the words of others but right now those words are easier to commit to paper than mine. I’ll miss him deeply, we all will. Mark Dearest Judy, Morag, Duncan and Malcolm, Please know my thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you mourn George's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. . It is so hard to say goodbye to those we love, to those who make our lives richer for the knowing of them. George was a person of substance. A sweet, charming, witty friend whom I will miss very much. George and I corresponded about things like politics, animal rights issues, the state of the world. We shared a mutual love and respect for all things "Southern" and sometimes shared the silliest of silly jokes. Learning about George's rescue work with dogs and traveling hours to help get them to their forever homes showed me his true character and knowing how much George loved dogs ultimately elevated him, in my opinion, to the highest level of humankind. Now as I try to say goodbye this one last time, I am comforted by imagining him strolling up to the Rainbow Bridge, I see a crowd of canines beginning to gather, as tails and nubs of tails wag and pink tongues open into silly "Glad -to -see -you -George" smiles. George McPherson. Loved and missed by human friends. Welcomed home by loyal dogs. Now that's a heavenly thought! God bless you. Sandy How absolutely marvelous! A fitting tribute to this wonderful man whose loss we all deeply feel! Boris Nor can I. Jon Weston I so totally love this. George, how about that!!!! Robin Dear Morag I’m so sorry on you loss, everyone is so sadden of his passing at the hotel….his home away from home. I just recently got a very nice letter form him that I’ll cherish. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Suzie