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Here a tune written for Al, "Purcell
the Piper" by Bill Black of the Hannafin-Cooley Branch of CCÉ
(Cape Cod).
ORIGINAL
ANNOUNCEMENT:
It is a huge shock and with a heavy heart that we have
learned of the sudden passing of Al Purcell,
a prince among men and pipers. Al succumed to a heart attack, Thursday,
September 28th, 2000.
Al
was the very heart of traditional Irish music in Detroit and piping in
particular for decades. The Purcell household was a stopping point for
countless pipers through the years searching for reeds, advice and encouragement,
all of which Al gave generously.
Al
led a large piping class on Thursdays at the club and was in great spirits
this last week. All appeared to be well and the Tuesday night before,
he had students over the house for lessons.
Al
was a student of the great Leo
Rowesome in Dublin, and there are many pipers in the U.S. today who
owe some or all of their success to Al, who was eager to offer his time
and talent. I personally owe a great debt to Al for any ability and opportunity
to play the pipes.
If
you had the good fortune to meet Al, you know he was a gentleman and a
class act. Our sincere condolonces to Al's wife, Anne, daughters Patty,
Maureen and Aline and their families. We will all miss Al very, very much.
-
Terence McKinney
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On
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2000. Al was laid to rest at St. Clemens
cemetary in Centerline, MI. Afterwards, a reception was held for
the large numbers of people who had been in attendance at the
services. There was a rare huge session with musicians young and
old. A parting reminder of how many people Al had touched through
his life and music.
Anne
Purcell, daughters Patty, Maureen, Aline and their families would
like to thank all those who came to the celebration of Al's life
and passing. The conolences, wheter online or in person, were
very touching and much appreciated. Thanks to the musicians who
played at the funeral home, church service, burial site and ceilidh.
"The
music was wonderful, something Al would have been proud of especially
because of the blending of master musicians with students. If
you have not had a chance, read some of the condolences,
it is a must.
We
were really lucky to have had Al in the Detroit area. You can
see by the many comments that he has touched many around the world.
It is truly a heartbreak to lose him so young. Thank you to all
CCÉ members who attended the funeral and came to the funeral
home." - Carolyn Brazzil, Crotty-Doran Branch CCÉ
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| The
family suggests memorials to: |
Irish
Pipers Club
15 Henrietta Street
Dublin 1, Ireland |
Irish
Heart of Autism Society
Windsor, Ontario
3600 Curry Ave.
Windsor, Ontario N9E 2T6
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Detroit
News Obituary
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