Mrs Joyce McAlpine

Press, 21 February 1987, Page 15

Mrs Joyce McAlpine

Rangiora lost a hardworking community worker with the sudden death recently of Mrs Doris Joyce McAlpine three months after the death of her husband, Mr K. W. A. McAlpine, who had also been active in the community. Mrs McAlpine’s work was mainly with the Rangiora District, Adult Education Committee. A founding member of an adult education group 25 years ago, she continued as one of the main driving forces. She had been chairman many times and

her experience was invaluable. She was regularly consulted by other members.

It has been estimated that 10,000 participants have shared in Rangiora adult education courses, Mrs McAlpine becoming known to many of them in one of her organising capacities, including convener of many courses, and as a participant in others. As well, many of the music courses were held at the McAlpine home.

Mrs McAlpine, earlier a schoolteacher, was one of

the prime movers about 30 years ago, with Mrs Susie Ward, in getting the first kindergarten formed

in Rangiora. Mrs McAlpine met her husband when they were both involved in the Rangiora Youth Recreational Club. The club was a catalyst in reviving many groups that had been in recess during World War 11, and it led to the forming of the North Canterbury Ski Club.

The McAlpines shared

an enthusiasm for the out-

doors, including ice skating.

Mr McAlpine was associated with several organisations in the Rangiora district in addition to running his own electrical, radio, and television business for many years. After selling his retail business, Mr McAlpine continued to run an extensive television rental business, doing his own servicing, as a part-time interest.

Mr McAlpine served with the 23rd Battalion in Italy during World War II and this led to his becoming electrician to the former Kiwi Concert Party. Mr and Mrs McAlpine both enjoyed travel, including by campervan in Britain, Europe, and Australia.

A member of the Rangiora Photographic Society, Mr McAlpine combined his travel interest with photography to present some excellent programmes to tne society. Mr McAlpine was a skilled amateur wine maker and both he and Mrs McAlpine were interested in Nature reserves and birdlife. Mr McAlpine was a former committee member of the North Canterbury branch of the Canterbury Aero Club, and was an enthusiastic glider pilot in recent years. He was a founder member of Rangiora Sailplanes Company, Ltd, based at the Rangiora Airfield, developed to facilitate gliding for its members. He was the group’s secretarytreasurer in its formative stages and then from the establishment of the company more than four years ago until his death in a gliding accident. Mr and Mrs McAlpine are survived by a son and two daughters.