Today, I write to you with sad news for the Band Community, but especially for us. After a battle with cancer, Tony Purvis has passed away. Here’s the link to his obituary.
His funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 1:00 PM at the Prairie Spirit United Church (207 Thompson Dr, Winnipeg, MB R3J3E2).
We’ve had a changing of the guard in the Millennium Band over the past couple of seasons, so some of you may not have had the pleasure of knowing Tony.
Tony was a trumpet player and was a mainstay in the Winnipeg Community Band scene. He participated in several ensembles (I’m aware that he was active in German Club, Westwood, Northwinds, and I believe the Assiniboia Band) and, of course, Millennium. He served on various executive committees in a number of capacities over the years. He was an avid attender of IMC (Band Camp) and the Roland Reading Day workshops.
But today, I want to highlight how integral he was to the MB Millennium Band.
Tony was one of three founding members of the band, in addition to Dave (our percussionist), and Madelyn. He was also our first Librarian. It was his idea to create the binders (and Jeff has modified that initial system). In addition, Tony took the lead on organising the gigs we used to perform out at Victoria Beach, which involved securing sponsors, getting parking passes, advertising, and organising the barbecue (hosted by a friend of the band). He poured a lot of love and effort into the success of Millennium and his fingerprints are all over the way we operate.
Even though he had to step away from playing in his later years owing to his health, he always kept a weather eye on the Millennium Band. In 2023, he came out to one rehearsal. That was the last time he was able to play with us.
On a more personal note, if you’ll indulge me a few words. When I was feeling uncertain (as a fairly inexperienced conductor when I took up the baton for Millennium in 2013), Tony always seemed to be there with a twinkle in his eye, a grin, and a handful of words that shored me up enough to carry on. His kindness and passion for this ensemble are something I aspire to carry forward.
I will close with Tony’s own words from an email he sent in September 2024. I can’t think of a better way to remember him:
Hi Elizabeth
I have continued following you and the Millennium Band.
So proud of what you have continued to achieve and accomplish.
This was one of my dreams to see this band continue and flourish like you have so courageous done so.
Maybe one day I could get to join you all again.
Keep the spirit of the Millennium going into the next Millennium.
Tony
Sincerely,
Elizabeth.