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David Cotterell posted a condolence
Friday, July 27, 2018
Shannon, my condolences on the passing of Michael. I only just found out. A Brock U. pal of mine, Patrick Burton and I were trading stories just now about the old days there in the early '70's and both of your names came up. A Google search brought me the sad news.
I fondly remember Michael as a prof and teacher of mine at Brock, a colleague of mine in the St. Catharines Symphony and from several Graduation Commencement ceremonies when Michael was Esquire Bedel and I was one of his bedels, charged with ushering around the grads..... What a gracious, funny and warm man he was! And as a musician an educator he was excellent and memorable...
I also remember taking clarinet lessons from you for a while as part of the preparations I was making at Teachers College to become a music teacher. You and Michael would be pleased to know that from 1993 onward until my retirement in 2006 I, indeed, was a high school music teacher in Scarborough...
Dave Cotterell, Brock '76..
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The family of Michael James Purves-Smith uploaded a photo
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
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Loïc NICOLAS lit a candle
Tuesday, February 13, 2018
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Dear Shannon,
I am so sad and shaken to learn of Michael's death. He was so kind, so attentive to others, so constant in his mood, so inspired and so inspiring. He was always good advice and always attentive; always smiling; always benevolent. It lacks those who love it, it lacks rhetoric, music, science, but it also lacks those who want to build a better world and to whom he served as a guide.
I am wholeheartedly with you in this painful ordeal.
With all my sympathy. In eternal memory of Michael.
Loïc
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Patricia Hiemstra posted a condolence
Saturday, February 3, 2018
Dear Shannon,
My heart goes out to you and your family. I will be thinking of you on Sunday and saying a prayer for you. Warmest wishes from us here in Owen Sound.
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Kimberly Barber posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Dear Shannon and Family, I was so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. His (and Shannon's) kindness to me when I joined the Faculty at Laurier will never be forgotten--I was the welcome recipient of a tasty home-cooked meal at their lovely Elmira home in the beginning stages of my time here. Michael's enthusiasm for all things musical, and his desire, above all, to bring music into people's lives everywhere, no matter their background, remains an example for all of us in this profession. In later years, I was also able to experience his political activism as we both engaged in the Lead Now movement, and his advocacy for the planet will be missed. We can only aspire to follow in his footsteps. Rest well, Michael. My condolences and sincere sympathy to Shannon, his children and grandchild.
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Charles D. Morrison posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
I was surprised and saddened to hear of Michael's passing. I always admired Michael's breadth of creativity-- encompassing performance, conducting, and composition--as well as his intellect. Indeed, I remember fondly many a fine conversation with him over music-aesthetic and philosophical matters. He really was a gentle spirit, a great talent, and a wonderful human being. My thoughts are with you Shannon and your family.
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Linneah Tovstiga posted a condolence
Sunday, January 21, 2018
I played oboe with the Wellington Winds for one season and was touched by Michael’s dedication to the ensemble and to me. He took time out of his life to coach me and help me grow as a musician, to challenge me in politics,and to encourage me in my pursuit of a Bachelor of Environmental Studies. What a gift to know him! My deepest condolences and all my love to Shannon and to his family.
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Stephen Pender posted a condolence
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Dear Shannon,
You and Michael were the animating genii, the generous, good daemons, of the CSSR. Your openness, adventurousness, and kindness welcomed many into the society; although my attention to the CSSR has wavered in recent years, I shall always remember Michael's laughter, his magnanimity, his ensemble of formidable talents, especially the ones he shared with us.
With deep affection, sympathy, and thought,
Stephen
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Alfred and Phoenix posted a condolence
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Dearest Shannon, Mike and family, and Rob.
The news of Michael’s passing came too sudden and too shocking for me. It took me a few days to accept it. Michael was one of the first few professors whom I met at Laurier 30 some years ago, but his voice of wisdom is still ringing in my ears just like yesterday. Because of my major was percussion and conducting, my tremendous opportunities to learn from and to work with Michael have shaped whom I am in music making in all these years. The time Michael and I shared at Laurier and Wellington Wind, plus getting to know you, Shannon, and playing soccer with Mike and Rob were some of my fondest memories. They were truly weekly family events to a young student studying abroad from home. Michael was more than a mentor to me, he was a very good friend who continued to guide me and gave me opportunities to share music making with him even after I left Laurier. Michael will be sadly missed, and Phoenix and I offer our heartfelt condolences to you all.
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Roger Miller posted a condolence
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Our paths have crossed at many times though I never knew you well. Singing in the same UBC choir in the 60s.
You moving into Elmira and living almost across the road from us. Wellington Winds concerts, guest speaker at the Woolwich Historical Annual meeting, bumping into you or Shannon on the street in Elmira until we moved to Guelph in 2001. You will be missed.
Roger Miller
Guelph, Ontario
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Chad Martin posted a condolence
Saturday, January 20, 2018
I posted this message earlier, but I wanted to share it. He was one of my favourite professors, and he premiered my Wind Ensemble piece "Processional" in Canada. I am greatly indebted to him for my musical development, and shall spend my days living to his standards.
Very sad to hear of the passing of Michael Purves-Smith. A Renaissance man in an age of Millenial crises. Deeply devoted to his ideas of pursuing music to all limits and all forms. Teacher of orchestration, conducting, wind ensemble and baroque dance. He introduced me to 20th century wind music and French baroque. Most important, he saw through my blatant ignorance and found potential behind it. For that, I am grateful, for he was one who inspired me to understand classical music further. My sympathies to his wife and sons at this time. Thank you, Sir.
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Thomas Petrowitz posted a condolence
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Dear Shannon and family,
I was so sorry to learn this news today. I remember with much fondness and admiration our years together at U.B.C. Michael was a great colleague and a wonderful musician. His smile was infectious, his sense of humour legendary.
Years and geography separated us for most of his life. I did, however, follow his remarkable career. I too will miss him very much.
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Jeanie Wills posted a condolence
Friday, January 19, 2018
Dearest Shannon and family,
I was very shocked to learn of Michael's passing. He will be missed, especially at our annual CSSR meetings, where his good humour and strong intellect invigorated our conferences and our annual general meeting.
I am so sorry for you loss Shannon, and I'm sending hugs.
xoxo
Jeanie
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Sheryl Tilley lit a candle
Friday, January 19, 2018
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The entire community is less for Michael's passing, but infinitely more for having known him.
He loss is felt by family, friends, the community and the Elmira Library. We will always remember and treasure his reading of Rocky Mountain Locust at our local author's event in 2016.
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Heather Robb lit a candle
Friday, January 19, 2018
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My sincerest condolences to Shannon, Mike, Rob, and other family members and loved ones. Michael was such a lovely, vibrant person, and I count myself lucky to have know him as a teacher, conductor, musician, mentor, and friend. The world is less bright, for you no longer being in it, Michael, and you will be dearly missed.
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Holly Shephard posted a condolence
Friday, January 19, 2018
Shannon,
I read of Michael's passing on Facebook, and then followed the clicks to his obituary and to the article in the Record. What a beautiful life he lived and what a legacy he leaves. I hope this is some comfort as you walk these days of coming to terms with his physical absence. I send love to you and the boys and blessings to Michael as he closes this chapter.
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Felicia Urbanski posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Condolences and admiration for a life well-lived. His is a great loss to the music community, but one who inspired many of us.
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Kimberly Butler lit a candle
Thursday, January 18, 2018
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In memory of an amazing man. I was lucky to be a part of the WLU Wind Ensemble from 1994-1998 under the direction of Michael. Sincerest condolences to his loving family.
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Kae Elgie posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2018
I met Michael through LeadNow, doing door to door canvassing to defeat Stephen Harper -- and bring about electoral reform -- in the election campaign of 2015. And after that I kept running into him at numerous political rallies, often singing songs Michael had written for the occasion. What a wonderful man.
He and Shannon were door-knocking stalwarts. Always enthusiastic. Always ready to listen and discuss. Always willing to learn. But even more willing to teach (especially Michael) :-)
I am so sad the flu will prevent me from attending the visitation on Friday.
I am happy I had the chance to work with him.
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Shirley Levene posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Dear Shannon and family,
I am so deeply sorry to read this sad news tonight. My thoughts are with you. Tight hug.
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Gerry and Sue Stephenson lit a candle
Thursday, January 18, 2018
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Our warmest thoughts to all Michael touched.
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Christopher F. J. Ross posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Michael was warm friend and colleague to me. We shared a passion for social justice that included social unionism at its best. His life actions demonstrated his understanding of complexity. I’m grateful for his dedicated service to WLUFA as a grievance officer. I was the beneficiary of his advocacy on my behalf when I was unfairly treated by administration. He lives on in the abiding values many of us share.
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Gary Armstrong posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2018
So sorry to hear, Shannon. He was a gracious man with so many accomplishments. And there always humour.
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Barrie Cabena posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Very saddened at this sudden news. I have so many remembrances of wonderful performances - he of my music, me of his music - that will remain with me. i have also grateful recollections of the days when our families would picnic together. So often we dreamed the same dream. It was a good friendship - in music and other things. my heart goes out to you, Shannon, and to the kids. Much love, Barrie and Sheri.
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Mary (Gyenes) Llewellyn posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2018
My deepest sympathy to Shannon, Mike and Rob. It has been too many years since I have seen you all but have thought of you often. Michael was one-of-a-kind and I was privileged to know him. I wish you all the best as you continue on life's journey without his amazing presence.
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Marjorie Paleshi lit a candle
Thursday, January 18, 2018
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Love and Light as you begin your new journey Michael. M
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Joanne Bender posted a condolence
Thursday, January 18, 2018
I'm very sad to hear that Michael is no longer with us here on earth, but his spirit is definitely still with us. He taught me conducting at WLU. I was impressed with his knowledge, his experience and his gentle nature. I have appreciated his compositions and his contribution to the musical life of our community through the various ensembles he has directed and performed. My sincere condolences to Shannon and your family. May many beautiful memories comfort you.
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David McConnachie posted a symbolic gesture
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
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My sincerest condolences to Shannon, Mike and Rob (and families). Michael was a true renaissance man, worldly yet earthy, talented yet humble. I met Michael in my capacity as the publisher of Alternatives Journal, the voice of Canada's environmental community. While the connection was relatively recent and I only had the pleasure of knowing him for a short span within a life well-lived, Michael's determination, energy and devotion to environmental causes was strong and vital. As a writer, he created a book series that humanized and personalized the impacts of climate change and overpopulation, telling a grand story that also managed to feel real and present. His conviction to find solutions came through in his book series and in his work to engage Canadians with an empathetic initiative on environmental matters that he pushed ahead with despite his fading energy as he faced his end with courage and dignity. He will be missed by all of us who work and care about Canada and the environment, and his legacy will continue thanks to his selfless dedication to protecting future generations.
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Daria Salemka posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
My heart goes out to you, Shannon, Mike and Robin in your time of deep loss. Michael was such a gentleman in the true sense of the word. His musical abilities and pursuit of excellence will continue to inspire, and I will always remember his encouraging manner of teaching. But I will also remember how obvious it was how much he loved his family. Please know that our thoughts are with you. Sincerely, Daria and Leslie
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Derek Kirkland posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Michael was very dedicated to the environment and to addressing the problems of global warming. I am sure that he would be honoured if others would take up environmental causes for the good of humanity and the planet. I very much enjoyed our many conversations about the environment, about mushrooms and about various aspects of nature. He was one nature's gentlemen.
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Alison Halsall donated to Grand River Community Health Centre
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Shannon, Mike, and Rob - We are so very sorry for your loss. The world has lost a very special man.
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Doug Pullen lit a candle
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
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RIP Michael
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Magdalena Tomsinska lit a candle
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
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Cynthia Hiebert posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
It doesn't seem possible that Michael Purves-Smith has died. I realize now how much larger than life he was. I can picture him so clearly and hear his voice just as vividly. He was molded in a previous era and always had an old-world charm about him. There was a sense of him always looking outwards -toward whoever he was in the company of and towards the artistic world he inhabited so spectacularly (albeit modestly).
The comment in his obituary about remarking on each meal as the best meal he had ever tasted reminded me of the compliments he would bestow upon me (the aspiring harpsichordist) at Laurier. He often told me that it was the best playing he had ever heard from me. (After some time I wasn't sure how to interpret these!)
Shannon, I cannot imagine the depths of your sorrow. I often admired your love for each other and my heart aches for you and your family. The world is a lesser place without Michael; we will miss his gallant soul.
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Carol Wells (former Carol Chamberlain) posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Michael Purves Smith. The Wilfrid Laurier University community will miss him a lot. I enjoyed having Michael as my Prof for orchestration, wind ensemble and Music history of Mass. I also remember when I attended Wilfred Laurier University that I dressed up as him for Halloween.
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Nicole posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
A wonderful conductor. He will remain in the hearts of many in the music community.
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Allison Nelson posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Michael and Shannon's 50th wedding anniversary party this summer was one of the happiest events of the year. A lot of us were there to share this special day with them and it was a testimony to an unusual romance and lifelong love affair (apparently from the day Michael laid eyes on Shannon!) Michael is an amazing person in so many ways and I feel so honoured to have been "in the band!" I am also very grateful to Michael for the huge task that he locked into, with his last major compostition, Seven Deadly Sins, a unique concerto for Alto Clarinet and the Wellington Wind Symphony. Sadly we will never know what he meant by his comment to me after the premiere ..." I will do another piece for the alto but that one will be beautiful". His latest work is a huge gift to the clarinet community and to all of us who love music. Thank you Michael (and Shannon as his sidekick in the matter) for the fun talks and visits that we had in recent times!
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Danielle Beck posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
What a priveledge is has been to know Michael. I am truly grateful that I was able to continue to work with him after my university days, and throughout my time with the Wellington Winds. He was a kind soul, and always had such words of wisdom to share. My condolences to his family... he will be missed.
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Richard Cunningham posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Michael was a force in the world of music.
Michael was a charming man to talk to ... about anything.
Michael was an advocate for fairness and humanity.
Michael was a wonderful friend.
Rest well!
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Rebecca Munz posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
So sorry for your loss Mike. Thoughts and condolences to your family.
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Bruce Brown posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Dear Shannon & family,
I'm so sorry to hear of Michael's passing. I had the pleasure of collaborating with him on his 2002 staging of Gluck's "Cythère assiégé" (as part of a double bill!), & saw at first hand the intelligence, curiosity, dedication, & love that he brought to the early-music program at Wilfrid Laurier. My thoughts are with you.
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Tania S. Smith posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Dear Shannon and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. I will miss Michael. In addition to his many other talents and passions he was also a rhetorician and dedicated member of the Canadian Society for the Study of Rhetoric. His contributions and personal interactions at the conferences and beyond have enriched my life as well as the lives of many scholars.
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Tawnya MacKinnon uploaded photo(s)
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
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Tawnya MacKinnon lit a candle
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
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Karen Phillipps posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Shannon and family, I am so sorry to hear of Michael’s illness and passing. It was an honour to play in the Winds with him for several years, And will always look back at them as the highlights of my musical experience. Please take care,
Karen ( flute in WW from ‘01 to ‘06 and former Board member)
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Frédéric Julien posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Dear Shannon, Mike and Rob,
Sincere condolences on the passing of Michael. I was a student of Michael 20 years ago and I've kept very fond memories of him ever since. Michael was an exceptional human being: a true humanist from the Renaissance. I don't know what place history holds for him, but rest assured that he'll always have a unique standing in my memories.
Frédéric
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