Musical connoisseur mourned
If there’s one word that best describes the late Allan Purdy, a stalwart of the Taranaki music scene, it’s ‘passion’, according to a member of his family.
‘‘He was just so passionate about what he did and that kind of came across in everything,’’ stepgranddaughter Sara Scott said of the retired school teacher, ex-regional musical advisor and, latterly, music reviewer, who died on September 25. ‘‘Every time he talked to someone it would come across and end up being a little bit contagious.’’
Allan, who was 79, passed away surrounded by family members after a short battle with his health.
Born in New Plymouth, he inherited the teaching gene from his father, Victor, who was in charge of small country schools before becoming the first principal of Spotswood Primary School.
After attending Stratford High School, Allan left Taranaki to study for a Bachelor of Music degree at Auckland University, after which he completed his teaching qualification.
He launched his professional teaching career in Wellington, followed by a stint in Whakatane.
Next Allan was appointed to the role of Head of Music at Spotswood College, where he taught for 15 years. From there he was promoted to Music Advisor for Taranaki, a role which saw him support all the music teachers and students in the region.
Piano playing and singing were his passions, and in 1976 he joined the Ars Nova Choir, conducting more than 40 concerts over the years.
‘‘Allan has been involved in the choir for almost its entire existence, right through to the end,’’ choir president, Meryn Ashworth said.
‘‘He was thoroughly conversant with all aspects of the choir, from conducting through to the detailed logistics of stage setting. These numerous tasks he completed with total commitment, generosity of spirit, good temperament, and love.
‘‘We are going to miss him terribly.’’
Until this year Allan was also a regular contributor of music reviews to the Taranaki Daily News and North Taranaki Midweek.
These encompassed many genres, including classical music, chamber music, and numerous school concerts.
While at university he met Margaret Wyatt, also a well-known New Plymouth musician, and in 1963 they married.
The couple had three children: Nigel, Jonathan and Katherine.
In 1991 Allan married Claire, becoming stepfather to her three children. His 10 grandchildren remember him for his caring nature and thoughtful support.
Not only was he a keen musician but he also loved yachting, skiing and all sorts of DIY projects. Nigel recalled his father extensively renovating not just one but two of their family homes.
‘‘It wasn’t just changing a tap or something,’’ he said. ‘‘He also turned an old bus into a motorhome.’’
His family described him as being gentle, compassionate, supportive and diligent. ‘‘He was always approachable, wanting to help people, and keenly involved in everything he turned his hand to,’’ Nigel recalled.
Allan Purdy’s life was being celebrated at 3pm today with a service at Eagars’ Te Henui Chapel.