George MacPherson

Playbill.com obit, June 5, 2009 pb

Broadway Dims It's Lights pb

ATPAM Member since 1962

Mr. MacPherson was born April 28, 1931, in Elrama, PA the son of the late John Edward McPherson and Della Esther Wray McPherson.

Prior to moving to Orangeburg from New York City with his wife Judith in 2000, Mr. MacPherson was president of Masque Sound and Recording Corporation, a company that provides sound systems for the majority of Broadway Musical productions and concert attractions. He started out in life as a veterinarian in West Virginia but his love for the performing arts drew him to the Broadway scene where for many years he was a highly respected producer and general manager of Broadway and touring musical and dramatic productions. He received three Helen Hayes Awards for his productions, the National Touring Council Award for Outstanding Service and he received The Metal of Merit from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to the Arts in Canada on the occasion of the 25^th Anniversary of her Accession to the Throne. Mr. MacPherson also served as the personal manager to humorist Victor Borge and entertainer Harry Belafonte. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict where he was a member of the Headquarters Staff of the 8^th Army on special assignment to the 5^th U.S. Air Force.

Upon arriving in Orangeburg he became involved in community activities and served as president of the Kiwanis Club of Orangeburg, vice-president of the Country Club of Orangeburg and president of the Sunny Plain Antique Power Association; the not-for-profit organization located in St. Matthews dedicated to educate and encourage an interest in the history of early American farms and perpetuation of the life way of the Southern Farmer, the agricultural history of South Carolina, and to promote and encourage the preservation and restoration of antique farm equipment. He was active in and served on the board of several agricultural organizations. He was the proud owner of a restored 1948 Oliver 77 Row Crop tractor. A sign on his truck proclaims, I aint from the South, but I got here just as soon as I could.

He was active in animal rights organizations and spent countless hours driving hundreds of miles throughout the South East rescuing Boston Terrier dogs from unsafe conditions and delivering them to foster homes where they received love and medical treatment.

Survivors include his beloved wife Judith Winter MacPherson, of the home; three children, Duncan of Hartford, CT, Malcolm of Toronto, Canada, and Morag of Bloomfield, NJ; granddaughters, Annie and Emma Chrzczon of Bloomfield, NJ; a sister, Dee Deibel of San Rafael, CA; nephew Christopher Deibel (Lori) and grand niece Jenna of San Rafael, CA: nieces Deborah (John Jeffcott) of Novato, CA and Mme. Diane Breysse (Serge) of La Reunion Island (France).

Special mention must be made of his constant companion, Boston Terrier, Buddy Holly.