Pathetic Facts

New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 69

Here are 21 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 69:

Barry Smith

Barry Smith (May 10, 1933-June 27, 2002) otherwise known as Barry Rumsey Smith was a New Zealand writer, preacher and author.

His most notable works included his autobiographical book "The Shout of the Bridegroom," which chronicled his conversion from atheism to Christianity, and his book "Behind the Veil of Moses," which explored the deep significance of the Old Testament in relation to the New Testament. Smith was also a prolific speaker and preacher, and his travels took him around the world, from North America to Australia, where he was involved in various missionary and charitable initiatives. He passed away in 2002, but his legacy lives on through his numerous books and recordings, which continue to inspire and challenge readers and listeners today.

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Thomas Sidey

Thomas Sidey (May 27, 1863 New Zealand-May 20, 1933) was a New Zealand lawyer.

He was born in Otago, New Zealand, and studied law at the University of Otago. He was admitted to the bar in 1887 and became a partner in the law firm that his father had established. In addition to his legal work, Sidey was also a member of the New Zealand House of Representatives from 1893 to 1896, as a member of the Liberal Party. He was a strong advocate for women's suffrage and was instrumental in the passage of the legislation that gave women the right to vote in New Zealand. Later in his career, Sidey became a judge and was appointed to the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1921. He served in that position until his death in 1933.

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Thomas Wilford

Thomas Wilford (June 20, 1870 Lower Hutt-June 22, 1939 Wellington) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a prominent businessman, horticulturist, and philanthropist known for his contributions towards the development of the horticultural industry in New Zealand. He was deeply committed to promoting the importance of horticulture and was actively involved in the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.

Wilford was also involved in politics and served as a Member of Parliament for the Wellington Central electorate from 1911 to 1935. He was a member of the Reform Party, and his political career was marked by his work for the improvement of social and economic conditions in his constituency.

In recognition of his services to New Zealand, Wilford was knighted in 1935. His legacy continues to this day, with Wilford School in Wellington and the Thomas William Wilford Horticultural Trust named in his honour.

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William Massey

William Massey (March 26, 1856 Limavady-May 10, 1925 Wellington) was a New Zealand farmer. His children are Walter William Massey and Jack Massey.

In addition to being a farmer, William Massey was also a politician and served as the 19th Prime Minister of New Zealand from 1912 to 1925. He was a member of the Reform Party and was instrumental in bringing about many significant changes in the country during his time in office. Massey was particularly noteworthy for his work in promoting New Zealand's agriculture industry and for his efforts to secure greater autonomy for the country within the British Empire. His legacy also includes the creation of the country's first social welfare system and the strengthening of ties with other countries in the Commonwealth. After Massey's death, he was succeeded by his deputy Prime Minister, Francis Bell.

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Peter Gordon

Peter Gordon (July 23, 1921 Stratford-March 17, 1991) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a renowned chef, culinary writer, and restaurateur who played a pivotal role in shaping the food culture of New Zealand. Born and raised in Stratford, Taranaki, Gordon started his career in the Royal New Zealand Air Force before moving to London to train as a chef. He gained experience working at several Michelin starred restaurants in London, including The Savoy and The Greenhouse, before moving to Melbourne to take up the position of Executive Chef at the popular restaurant, The Connaught. In 1980, he returned to New Zealand and opened the iconic restaurant, Bellamy’s in Wellington, which became famous for its innovative fusion cuisine.

During his career, Gordon wrote numerous books, including The Sugar Club Cookbook, and was a regular on television shows such as MasterChef New Zealand. He was also passionate about using sustainable and locally sourced ingredients in his cooking and was a vocal advocate for the New Zealand food industry. Today, his legacy lives on through The Peter Gordon Room and The Peter Gordon Kitchen at Wellington’s Museum Hotel.

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Harold Rushworth

Harold Rushworth (August 18, 1880 Croydon-April 25, 1950 Castor Bay) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a rugby union player, coach and administrator who was the founding coach of the New Zealand national rugby team (All Blacks). Rushworth played rugby for Croydon and London Welsh before moving to New Zealand in 1902. He quickly got involved in coaching rugby and was appointed as the inaugural coach of the All Blacks in 1903. Under his guidance, the team went on a successful tour of Australia and established a reputation for excellence that has continued to this day. Rushworth went on to hold various administrative positions within New Zealand rugby and was a key figure in the sport for many years. In addition to his rugby involvement, Rushworth was also a successful businessman and community leader.

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Charles Chilton

Charles Chilton (September 27, 1860 Herefordshire-October 25, 1929) was a New Zealand personality.

Charles Chilton was a renowned jockey who won numerous horse races. He began his career in Australia and later moved to New Zealand where he gained fame and recognition for his exceptional skills in horse racing. Chilton won multiple titles and accolades throughout his career and became a highly respected figure in the sports community. Despite retiring from racing at a relatively young age, Chilton continued to be involved in the racing world and became a prominent horse trainer later in life. His legacy as one of the greatest jockeys in New Zealand history has endured to this day.

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William Dow Duncan

William Dow Duncan (June 11, 1892 Port Chalmers-December 14, 1961) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a war hero and a rugby league player who represented New Zealand and Auckland. He also had a successful career as a professional wrestler in the United States, where he was known as 'The Kentucky Giant'. Duncan enlisted in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force during World War I and was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery in the Battle of Passchendaele. Following the war, he played rugby league for the Ponsonby Ponies and went on to become the captain of the New Zealand national team. After retiring from rugby, he moved to the United States and pursued a career in professional wrestling, becoming one of the top stars in the industry. After retiring from wrestling, Duncan returned to New Zealand and worked as a publican until his death in 1961.

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Meg Campbell

Meg Campbell (November 19, 1937 Palmerston North-November 17, 2007 Pukerua Bay) was a New Zealand poet.

She was known for her poignant and lyrical poems that often explored themes of love, nature, and the human experience. Campbell studied at the University of Wellington and went on to work as a journalist for various publications such as the New Zealand Listener and the Evening Post. Despite her success in journalism, Campbell remained committed to her true passion: poetry. She published several collections of poetry, including "The Way Back" and "Manawa Hine: Heart Women", which earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following. In addition to writing poetry, Campbell was also active in promoting the arts in New Zealand, serving as the chair of the writers' organization PEN New Zealand and as a mentor to many young writers. She was posthumously awarded the Prime Minister's Award for Literary Achievement in Poetry in 2008.

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Don Clarke

Don Clarke (November 10, 1933 New Zealand-December 29, 2002 Johannesburg) was a New Zealand personality.

He was best known for his work as a radio host, television presenter, and sports commentator. Clarke began his career as a teacher and later moved into radio broadcasting, hosting a popular sports show on New Zealand's national radio network. He then went on to work for various television networks as a presenter and sports commentator, covering events such as rugby, cricket, and boxing. Clarke was known for his humor, quick wit, and infectious personality. He was affectionately known as "The Mouth" and was widely considered one of New Zealand's most beloved media personalities. In 1998, he was awarded Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to broadcasting.

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Massa Johnston

Massa Johnston (September 13, 1881 Dunedin-January 9, 1951 Sydney) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a sports commentator, radio and theatre manager famous for his distinctive voice and humorous commentary. He began his career as an announcer for the New Zealand Post Office and went on to become the first full-time sports commentator for the New Zealand Broadcasting Service. Johnston covered a wide range of sports including rugby, cricket, boxing, horse racing and yachting. He was also involved in the management of radio stations in both New Zealand and Australia and later in his career, he worked in the theatre industry. His contributions to the development of sports broadcasting in New Zealand and his lively personality have made him an enduring figure in the history of New Zealand radio and sports.

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James Carroll

James Carroll (August 20, 1857 Wairoa-October 18, 1926 Auckland) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a prominent politician and a lawyer who served as the Mayor of Auckland from 1891 to 1893, and again from 1896 to 1901. Carroll was the first Maori Member of Parliament, representing the Western Maori electorate from 1893 to 1919. He was a member of the Liberal Party and served as a Minister in several governments.

Carroll was a well-respected leader among both the Maori and Pakeha communities, advocating for the rights of the Maori people and their inclusion in New Zealand society. He was a strong advocate for Maori land rights, and played a key role in the establishment of the Waitangi Tribunal, which investigates claims of Treaty of Waitangi breaches.

In addition to his political career, Carroll was involved in various community organizations, including the Auckland Savings Bank, the Auckland Acclimatization Society, and the Auckland Hospital Board. He was also a prolific writer, publishing numerous articles and books on Maori history and culture.

Despite facing racial prejudice and discrimination throughout his life, Carroll remained committed to promoting racial harmony and understanding. He is remembered as a trailblazer who made significant contributions to both Maori and New Zealand society as a whole.

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Bruce Purchase

Bruce Purchase (October 2, 1938 Thames-June 5, 2008 Putney) also known as William Reginald Bruce Purchase was a New Zealand actor.

Bruce Purchase was best known for his work as an actor in theatre productions, having performed in several productions in both the West End and Broadway. He also appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career, including the classic British TV series "Blake's 7" and the film "Time Bandits". He began acting at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and later worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Besides his work in acting, he was also an accomplished painter and sculptor. Purchase is remembered as a talented actor and artist who left his mark on the world of theatre and film.

He died caused by cancer.

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Ernest Bernau

Ernest Bernau (April 6, 1896 Napier-January 7, 1966 Whanganui) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a notable sportsman who competed in several disciplines, including rugby, cricket, and athletics. Bernau played rugby for the Napier Pirates and was part of the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union team that won the Ranfurly Shield in 1922. He also played cricket for the Central Districts and represented them in the Plunket Shield competition.

Aside from sports, Bernau was also a successful businessman. He owned several businesses in the Whanganui area, including a petrol station and a grocery store. He was also actively involved in the community, serving as a local councillor for many years.

Bernau's contributions to sports were honored when the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union named him as one of the inaugural 25 inductees into their Hall of Fame.

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Trevor Redmond

Trevor Redmond (June 16, 1927 Christchurch-April 5, 1997 Glastonbury) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a professional magician and mentalist, known for his captivating performances that combined illusion, humor and audience participation. Redmond began his career as a magician at the age of 17 and soon became a popular act in New Zealand's entertainment scene.

He gained international recognition after touring extensively across Europe, America, and Asia. Redmond was also an accomplished writer, publishing several books on magic and mentalism.

In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Redmond was also a passionate advocate for mental health and worked closely with organizations that aimed to improve the lives of those affected by mental illness. He was widely respected for his kindness, generosity and his commitment to using magic to bring joy to people of all ages.

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Eric Watkins

Eric Watkins (March 18, 1880 Akaroa-August 14, 1949 Lower Hutt) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a prominent sportsman, journalist, radio announcer, and broadcaster who made significant contributions to the development of sports journalism in New Zealand. Watkins played cricket and rugby in his younger days, and later became a rugby referee, radio commentator and sports journalist.

He began his journalism career as a staff reporter for The Press in Christchurch, but later moved to Wellington to work for The Dominion. Watkins went on to become the sports editor of The Dominion, and then the founding editor of the New Zealand Sportsman. In 1925, he turned to broadcasting, and joined the newly formed New Zealand Broadcasting Board. He became known for his commentary on rugby and cricket matches, and was instrumental in promoting sports through radio broadcasts.

Watkins was also involved in community activities and helped establish the Hutt Valley Aero Club, the Lower Hutt RSA, and the Hutt Valley Harrier Club. He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his services to sport and journalism in 1935.

Eric Watkins was a true pioneer in sports broadcasting and journalism, and his legacy continues to be felt in New Zealand to this day.

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Tama Poata

Tama Poata (April 3, 1936 New Zealand-November 9, 2005) otherwise known as Tom Poata, Tama Te Kapua Poata or Tama Poata was a New Zealand writer and actor.

He was born in Tolaga Bay and raised in the Māori community of Tokomaru Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island. Poata wrote several short stories, plays and screenplays, some of which were performed in New Zealand and overseas. He was an advocate for Māori culture and promoted it through his creative work. Poata was also an actor and appeared in the New Zealand films Utu and Ngati. He was one of the founding members of the Te Reo Maori Society, which aimed to encourage the use of the Māori language in New Zealand. In his later years, he returned to his hometown and became involved in local community initiatives.

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Cicely Margaret Escott

Cicely Margaret Escott (July 9, 1908 Eltham-August 15, 1977) was a New Zealand novelist and poet.

She published her first book of poetry in 1939, titled "A Small Window". Escott also wrote several novels throughout her career, including "Black November" and "Greenstone". She received numerous awards for her work, including the Hubert Church Memorial Prize for her poetry collection "Lone Egret". Escott was also an accomplished artist and her paintings were exhibited in galleries in New Zealand and Australia. In addition to her writing and art, she was an active member of the New Zealand Society of Authors and worked to promote and support other writers.

George Spafford Richardson

George Spafford Richardson (November 14, 1868 Northamptonshire-June 11, 1938 Auckland) was a New Zealand personality.

He was a notable architect and town planner, and played a significant role in shaping the urban development of Auckland in the early 20th century. Richardson was also actively involved in public service and had a keen interest in education. He served as chairman of the Auckland Education Board for several years and was a founding member of the Auckland Rotary Club. In addition, he was a prolific writer and his publications on town planning and architecture were widely read and respected. Richardson's contributions to the growth and development of Auckland continue to be recognized and celebrated to this day.

George Harper

George Harper (August 19, 1867 Nelson-June 7, 1937 Paeroa) was a New Zealand rugby player and farmer.

He is best known for his achievements with the New Zealand national rugby team, also known as the All Blacks. He made his debut for the national team in 1888 against New South Wales at the age of 21, and went on to play 14 test matches for the All Blacks over the course of his career.

Off the field, Harper worked as a farmer in the Waikato region of New Zealand. He was also instrumental in the formation of the Waikato Rugby Union, serving as its founding president in 1921.

Harper was inducted into the New Zealand Rugby Hall of Fame in 2010, in recognition of his contribution to the sport.

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Graham Percy

Graham Percy (June 7, 1938 Auckland-January 4, 2008 Sutton) also known as Grahame Percy or Graham William Percy was a New Zealand production designer and designer.

He was known for his work on various TV series, films, and theater productions. Percy started his career in London in the 1960s, working as a graphic designer for various advertising agencies. It was during this time that he met his wife, Australian author and illustrator, Lynne Truss.

In the 1970s, Percy moved to Australia where he became a prominent figure in the theatrical world, designing sets and costumes for various theater productions. He worked with several theater companies including the Sydney Theatre Company and the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Percy also had a successful career in television, working on popular Australian TV series such as A Country Practice, The Flying Doctors, and Neighbours. He was also involved in the production design of the hit film, Babe.

Throughout his career, Percy was recognized for his talent and received various awards for his work, including numerous AFI Awards and a BAFTA Award for The Last Days of Chez Nous.

Percy passed away in January 2008 after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Lynne Truss and their two daughters.

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