The Hawkseye 

our annual shows most of the years I have been in the chorus. A particular performance I remember was when the Royal Rendition performed "If I Only Had A Heart" from The Wizard of Oz, Lee was costumed as the Cowardly Lion.

Lee provided me opportunities to share our hobby by performing with him in the community, especially for events in Vinton. I’ve been on stage with Lee at the Palace Theater, at one of the historic mansions, at the HACAP Center, and we presented several Valentines in Vinton. We sang for a travel agency picnic and for the Skeet Powers Commemorative Concert, and other occasions that I’ve forgotten.

Lee helped the chorus in many ways --- he always sold more advertising and tickets than most of us. Lee was also active in arranging the annual golf outing for the chorus in recent years. It was a pleasure to know Lee Bendull.

Ed Colton died on February 7, 2006 from complications of a stroke he had suffered about four years ago. The stroke left Ed disabled and had been cared for at the Winslow House Care Center since the stroke. 

Ed was a member of the lead section for several years. His working career was as a lawyer, starting his practice 50 years ago. Ed was always an optimistic and outgoing person. He always provided cue cards for the chorus when we were getting ready for a performance. Ed had been an early adopter of computer technology in his law office and carried it over to assisting the chorus with setting up advertising layout in the show program booklets. Like Lee Bendull, Ed loved to sing.

Ed was also an active bicyclist and volunteer with the Iowa Trails Council and Linn County Trails Association. In 1992, Ed received the Governor’s Volunteerism Award for work in development of Inn Circle housing. 

It was a privilege to be a friend of Ed Colton’s.

My Remembrances
Of Lee Bendull
And Ed Colton
By Buzz Brown

 Lee Bendull was a 44-year member of the Harmony Hawks and made it his commitment to make the weekly drive from Vinton to Cedar Rapids so he could be at the rehearsal. Usually he would beat me and was there to emit his smile and welcome when I arrived at the rehearsal.

Lee was in several quartets over the years. He his best known as the bass in the Royal Rendition, a top ten district quartet in the late 1970's and early 1980's.

Lee liked to play golf, and even had a spot in his garage for the golf carts for both he and his wife Marie. Lee invited me several times to come to Vinton and play the Country Club course with him. He would just take the cart right out of the garage and drive to the Club…such a deal.