[reblogged from Kitchener—Conestoga Greens blog]
It’s clear that Elmira resident Michael Purves-Smith was celebrated in the realm of academia as a professor, and in the realm of music as a conductor, composer, and performer.
But the Michael Purves-Smith I knew was an engaged citizen concerned with democracy and local politics.
When the provincial Liberal Green Energy Act made a mockery of local planning in Elmira, Michael led the opposition to the Biogas plant against insurmountable odds. In my wildest imaginings I never expected to see the citizens of Elmira picketing Woolwich Township.
Michael’s passionate concern for the future of this planet led him to don Leadnow colours in hope of bringing real change to Canada.
And his was a familiar face at environment events throughout the region like the “Beyond Crisis” screening at the Waterloo Princess Theatre last fall.
Michael sought to lead Canadians beyond lip service to effective climate action, going so far as to write his own novel to wake us up to the urgency of climate change.
The environment event Michael was working on before his passing has been put in limbo; it would be a suitable memorial for his event partners to carry on with: Partnering with Nature To Heal The Biosphere
There simply aren’t enough people like Michael Purves-Smith in the world. If we follow his example of dedication and hard work, together we can prevail, both for ourselves and our children’s future.
Michael will surely be missed.
— Laurel Russwurm
Celebration of Life
Join Michael’s friends and family for a Celebration of Life memorial on Sunday, February 11th, 2018, at 7:00 p.m., at Knox Presbyterian Church,
50 Erb St. West, Waterloo.
Further reading:
Purves-Smith: ‘Gentle, beautiful’ (The Record)
Biography (Music centre)
Tribute (The Elora Festival)
A Tribute to Michael Purves-Smith (Wellington Wind Symphony)
