Lealand lit up the night sky
Anthony Lealand’s fascination with science-based effects fuelled his drive to revolutionise the firework industry.
The firework enthusiast and father of two died following complications due to surgery on June 15, aged 71.
He was born in New Plymouth on June 25, 1946 to parents Roy and Melba Lealand. He grew up with two older brothers Terence and Conrad.
Lealand’s father was a dentist, who had a keen interest in science. Being a practical man, he built a home laboratory and would often assemble radios. Roy’s scientific and electronic expertise left a lasting impression on Lealand.
He enjoyed being in his father’s laboratory and spent many hours mixing chemicals to create his own fireworks. His interest for gunpowder-fuelled explosions developed into a passion for creating colours and various effects.
Lealand attended New Plymouth Boys’ High School and in 1964 travelled south to Christchurch to study physics, chemistry and pure and applied mathematics at the University of Canterbury. While studying at university he met Annette Wilde in the cafeteria. The pair were together for 25 years and had two children - Magenta and Nicholas.
Lealand did not complete his degree. Instead he found distractions in other pursuits such as motorcycle racing. His first bike was a Triumph Thunderbird and he later bought a Vincent Single. He enjoyed racing and working on bikes for a number of years but eventually gave it up after losing some close friends in accidents.
Lealand gained a position in charge of the physics department student demonstrators at the University of Canterbury in 1967. He used his new role as a chance to showcase his creative side. Lealand took it upon himself to design and construct interactive science demonstrations. They were regarded for being as large and noisy as possible.
On one occasion, he built an electromagnet which could levitate an aluminum disc. In his elaborate and exciting fashion the students observed the disc launch upwards and embed itself firmly in the ceiling.
Lealand met Steve Krenek, a very keen special event party organiser in 1975. Krenek approached Lealand for help as he wanted to throw a sci-fi-themed party. He came to the task and provided more than $10,000 worth of props.
The pair organised many parties over the years with fireworks playing a prominent role. It was during these events Lealand was given the idea to start a fireworks company. He named it the Lucifer Fireworks and Searchlight Company. After becoming sick of complaints about the name’s connection with the devil, Lealand changed it to Fireworks Professional Ltd.
Initially run from his home, the business was shifted to larger premises as it progressively grew in size.
Magenta said her father’s business was a major part of his life.
‘‘It just meant everything to him. He was there all the time, he lived there, he was just so interested in it.’’
During the early years of the fireworks business he also ran Lealand Technical Services, initially repairing valve radios and then branching into fine instruments and optical equipment. Lealand inevitably had to sell the business as his fireworks business continued to grow.
He was just so practical, Magenta said.
‘‘He just didn’t ever want to sit down, he never wanted to stop, he would go visit somebody and they would say they have a problem and he would rush out to the van and come in and fix it for them.’’
With the help of a friend, Lealand devised a way to choreograph music with fireworks and for a number of years the company provided the Classical Sparks fireworks displays. This technique saw the company first initiate the Sparks in the Park event.
Lealand had a number of hobbies about which he was passionate. Boating was the main one and he taught both his children to sail.
Magenta said her father would spend ‘‘endless’’ time when it came to boats.
While working at the University of Canterbury, Lealand and Wilde built a boat named Valya. While putting the finishing touches on the boat, the pair lived aboard it while docked in Moncks Bay.
The couple went on a momentous journey on Valya. They sailed around the New Zealand coast, before heading to the subantarctic islands – Campbell Island, the Auckland Islands before making their way into the Pacific, to Fiji and the Kermadecs.
Lealand was a skilled dancer. He took great pride in it and learnt a number of dances. Tango, ballroom, salsa and modern jive were all part of his repertoire.
‘‘He loved it and he was a really good dancer . . . he was an integral part of that community,’’ Magenta said.
His children ran his company after his death.
‘‘We know how important it was to him, it’s been a part of our lives, our whole lives.
‘‘It wasn’t my first choice of a career but I’m definitely going to try to make him proud.’’
Magenta said her father would be remembered as being a loving dad, who was completely supportive of his family. ‘‘He was always very proud of us but he didn’t accept us doing shoddy work. He was a really loving dad.’’
Lealand is survived by his brothers Terence and Conrad, daughter Magenta Wilde and son Nicholas Lealand.