New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 31
Here are 6 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 31:
Alfred Christopher Picard
Alfred Christopher Picard (May 24, 1824-September 17, 1855) was a New Zealand personality.
He was born in France and later moved to New Zealand where he worked as a journalist and newspaper editor. Picard was a prominent figure in the early years of New Zealand journalism, and he played an important role in shaping the development of the country's press. He was the editor of several newspapers, including the Nelson Examiner and the Wellington Independent, and he was known for his staunch support of free speech and democratic values. Picard was also a passionate advocate for Māori rights and was one of the few Europeans of his time to publicly speak out against the mistreatment of Māori people. His untimely death at the age of 31 cut short a promising career in journalism, but his legacy in New Zealand media continues to this day.
Picard is particularly remembered for his contributions to the Nelson Examiner, which he edited from 1853 to 1854. Under his leadership, the newspaper became one of the most influential in the country, and he used its pages to call for greater political representation for Māori people and to criticize discriminatory policies towards them. He also helped establish the Wellington Independent, which became one of the country's leading daily newspapers.
Picard was a fiercely independent thinker who was unafraid to challenge the political and social norms of his time. He was a vocal opponent of British colonialism, and he believed that Māori and European settlers should live together in harmony and with equal rights. His writing and advocacy played an important role in the gradual advancement of Māori rights in New Zealand.
Despite his short career, Picard's influence on New Zealand journalism was significant, and he remains an inspiration to journalists and advocates of press freedom in the country.
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William Stevenson
William Stevenson (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1983) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known as an author, journalist and broadcaster. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, he moved to New Zealand with his parents at the age of 13. Stevenson started his career as a journalist in New Zealand and later moved to Canada where he worked for Maclean's magazine. He gained widespread recognition for his book "A Man Called Intrepid" which detailed the wartime intelligence operations of William Stephenson, a close confidant of Winston Churchill. The book was later turned into a television series and a movie. Apart from his writing, Stevenson was a well-known radio and television personality, hosting several popular shows in Canada. He was also a well-respected member of the Canadian Parliament where he served as a Member of Parliament for the riding of Algoma East from 1962 to 1965.
Stevenson was widely regarded as an expert in intelligence and espionage, having written several books on the subject including "The Bormann Brotherhood" and "Intrepid's Last Case". He was also an active supporter of social justice causes and was involved in various human rights campaigns throughout his life. In addition to his professional achievements, Stevenson was a dedicated family man and had four children with his wife Jean, whom he married in 1950. He passed away in Toronto in 1983 at the age of 68. To this day, he is remembered as one of the most influential writers and broadcasters of his time, who made significant contributions to the field of journalism and intelligence.
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John McAlpine
John McAlpine (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1984) was a New Zealand personality.
John McAlpine was a prominent New Zealand rugby union player, commentator, and journalist. He was born on April 5, 1951, in Dunedin, New Zealand, and started playing rugby at a young age. McAlpine played for the Otago rugby team and the New Zealand All Blacks in the 1970s. He was known for his skills as a fly-half and scored several important points during his rugby career.
After his playing career, McAlpine became a well-known rugby commentator and journalist. He worked for various media outlets, including TVNZ, Radio Sport and Sky Sport, covering rugby matches, providing in-depth analysis, and interviewing players and coaches.
McAlpine also had a successful business career, owning a chain of grocery stores and serving on the board of directors for several companies. He was also active in politics, serving as a member of the Otago Regional Council.
Sadly, John McAlpine passed away on April 5, 1984, his 33rd birthday, in a car accident. He left behind his wife and two children. His legacy in New Zealand rugby and media continues to be celebrated, and he is remembered as a beloved figure in the country's sporting and broadcasting history.
In addition to his extensive rugby and media career, John McAlpine was also a passionate supporter of charity work. He was actively involved with the Cancer Society and was the founder of the John McAlpine Cancer Society Art Auction, which raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. McAlpine was also a member of the Order of St John and was involved with the organization's efforts to provide first aid training to communities throughout New Zealand. His dedication to both sports and charity work earned him a reputation as a respected and kind-hearted individual. Today, the John McAlpine Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the top Otago rugby player. It commemorates McAlpine's contributions to the sport and his lasting impact on the rugby community in New Zealand.
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Tony Wilding
Tony Wilding (October 31, 1883 Christchurch-May 9, 1915 Pas-de-Calais) also known as Anthony Frederick Wilding was a New Zealand tennis player.
He was one of the world's leading tennis players in the early 20th century and won numerous championships including four Wimbledon titles in both singles and doubles. Wilding was known for his exceptional athleticism and his strong presence on the court. In addition to his tennis career, he also served as a Second Lieutenant in the Royal Marines during World War I. Tragically, Wilding was killed in action during the Battle of Aubers Ridge in 1915, just a few months before his 32nd birthday. Despite his short career, he is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players in history and his legacy continues to be celebrated today.
Wilding started playing tennis at a young age and was known to be highly talented. He first achieved success in 1906 when he won the New Zealand Championship. He went on to win numerous other titles such as the Australasian Championships, the Davis Cup, and the Monte Carlo Open. Wilding was known for his strong serve, his aggressive playing style, and his exceptional footwork. He was also known for his sportsmanship, often congratulating opponents and gracefully accepting defeat.
Off the court, Wilding was known to be intelligent and charismatic. He graduated with a law degree from Trinity College, Cambridge in 1905 and was highly skilled in several languages including French and German. He was also a talented writer and wrote several articles for various publications.
Wilding's legacy continues to be remembered through a variety of avenues, including the Wilding Park Tennis Centre in his hometown of Christchurch, New Zealand, which is named in his honor. His name is also included on the All England Lawn Tennis Club's Roll of Honour, which commemorates former Wimbledon champions who died in the First World War.
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John Anderson
John Anderson (April 5, 2015 New Zealand-April 5, 1984) was a New Zealand rugby player and athlete.
He played as a lock for the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team, earning 27 caps between 1921 and 1928. Anderson was known for his physicality, work rate, and the strength of his scrummaging. In addition to his rugby career, he was also a talented athlete, winning the New Zealand national shot put title in 1920 and 1921. After retiring from sports, Anderson worked as a construction supervisor and later as a prison warden. He died on his 69th birthday in 1984.
Anderson was born in Wanganui, New Zealand, in 1915. He grew up in a family of rugby players, with his father and brothers all playing the sport. Anderson showed promise in rugby from a young age, and by the time he was a teenager he was already playing at a high level.
In addition to his success in rugby, Anderson was also a highly accomplished athlete. He was a dominant force in shot put, winning multiple national titles and setting records that would stand for years.
Despite his success in sports, Anderson remained humble throughout his life. He was known for his quiet demeanor and his dedication to hard work. He was highly respected by his teammates and opponents alike, and his legacy as one of New Zealand's greatest rugby players and athletes lives on today.
After retiring from sports, Anderson continued to work hard and make a positive impact on the world around him. He worked as a construction supervisor, overseeing the building of many important projects in New Zealand, and later served as a prison warden, helping to rehabilitate and reform criminals.
Anderson's death on his 69th birthday was a tragic loss for New Zealand, but his legacy and impact will never be forgotten. He remains a hero and role model for athletes and people everywhere, inspiring generations to strive for excellence and to work hard for their dreams.
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Cecil D'Arcy
Cecil D'Arcy (August 11, 1850 Whanganui-October 1, 1881) was a New Zealand soldier.
He served as a captain in the British Army during the Anglo-Zulu War in South Africa, where he was killed at the age of 31. D'Arcy was known for his bravery and leadership on the battlefield, and was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions during the Battle of Kambula. Prior to his military career, D'Arcy was a successful merchant and entrepreneur in New Zealand. He was also an avid athlete, participating in rugby, cricket, and rowing. Today, D'Arcy's legacy lives on through a memorial in his hometown and through the ongoing recognition of his heroic deeds during the Anglo-Zulu War.
D'Arcy was born on August 11, 1850, in Whanganui, New Zealand. He was the youngest of five children and attended school locally before starting his career as a merchant. He was successful in this field and began to invest in the local community, owning several properties and helping to fund the building of a new hospital.
In addition to his business ventures, D'Arcy was an accomplished athlete. He played rugby for the Whanganui Football Club and also competed in cricket and rowing competitions. This athleticism helped prepare him for his future military career.
In 1879, D'Arcy enlisted in the British Army and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion of the 13th Regiment of Foot. He was sent to South Africa as part of the British forces fighting the Zulu Nation during the Anglo-Zulu War. During the Battle of Kambula, D'Arcy led a successful defense of his position, despite being vastly outnumbered by enemy forces. His bravery and leadership in this battle earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest military award for bravery in the British Empire.
Sadly, D'Arcy was killed in action just a few months later, at the age of 31. He was buried with full military honors and his legacy as a brave soldier and successful businessman lives on to this day.
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