Patron Nola Speir, QSM - Tributes
from Musical Theatre NZ Members and Friends
If you would like to share your thoughts please email
Kate and she
will post them to this page
and click here for a
tribute from President John Antony
Micheal & Anne-Marie Rumbles - Surfers Paradise, Australia
So sorry to hear of the passing of a truly great lady. Nola was always very supportive of my performing in Tauranga Operatic Society shows such as The Sound of Music (my first role), Anything Goes and Big River back in the late 80's early 90's. Thanks to her encouragement in those early years I have been acting professionally in NZ and Australia for the past 15 years. Thank You Nola. My heartfelt thoughts. Adam Murphy
She was unquestionably devoted, unreservedly welcoming and supportive to everyone (and that really means everyone). She always had time for a chat, was loads of fun and was only ever encouraging. She really was the Tauranga Operatic Society to me and was a friend, not only of mine, but also to my whole family. I imagine she will be getting the best seat for the next stage - Scott Taylor Moore (Op. 1982-91)
I am so sorry to hear the news. A kind lady with a huge heart that contributed so much to Musical Theatre over the many years. My deepest sympathies and condolences to Len, and Nola’s family - Francine Stevens - Former Tauranga Music Theatre Member
I will truly miss you. Your acceptance & your encouragement with the Proscenium Junior Theatre and your enthusiasm still keep me going... makes my work worth while. Thank you - Maureen Potter, Proscenium Theatre, Taupo
Nola will be sadly missed – a gracious ambassador for musical theatre. We will miss her sense of fun and her willingness to always make you feel number 1. Our condolences to Len and their family and also to those in musical theatre who have worked so closely with Nola. From all of us at Variety Theatre Ashburton
Whilst many of Nola's achievements have been eloquently expressed elsewhere in these tributes, Tauranga Musical Theatre would like to add some comments about Nola's service to our Society. Nola has been associated with our group, under its various names, for more than fifty years - member, committee member, secretary, Vice-President, President, our Zone Rep at 'Federation' and for many years now, as a Life Member. Her contribution cannot be detailed in these few words but suffice to say it was immense. She served us well and her input will be sorely missed. Her passing will leave a massive void in our Society and our community. In talking to many members at the time of her funeral service the two most common words were love and respect. Our heartfelt thoughts are with Len and the family - Roy Eagleson - Tauranga Musical Theatre
What a wonderful tribute to Nola in your latest Newsletter that I received this morning. She really was a gracious person. I only met her 3 or 4 times at conference and was always impressed by the way she wanted to meet everybody and hear all about your society and what it was doing. She will be very much missed by everybody. Regards Barbara Hanna – West Otago Theatrical Society
Hi Kate - Marilyn Bouzaid has asked that I pass on her condolences to you all on the recent passing of Nola Speir – a special lady. Regards Wendy Eastwood Arts Co-ordinator Wairarapa College
Dear Kate - On behalf of the theatre community in Taupo we would like to express our deepest sympathies to Len and family. I had on many occasions met Nola at various events and for me Nola personified what a theatre person is all about. Her dedication and many years of work is an example to us all. I personally am much saddened by the news of her passing and know that wherever she is she is keeping the theatre alive and well. President & Committee, Centre Stage (Taupo) Inc. Regards Lynn Harriman Secretary
We at Manukau Performing Arts Inc in Papatoetoe wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to Len & the Speir family on the loss of their darling wife & mother. We remember a delightful & charming lady who performed the opening of our Spotlight Theatre in August 1990, & those members of our society who have attended the annual conferences remember Nola with much fondness. We will miss you dearly. NZ Musical Theatre has truly lost a "Leading Lady". Lorraine Simmons, Secretary, Manukau Performing Arts Inc, Papatoetoe
A much loved friend, colleague and gracious lady who will be sadly missed. Her contribution to the New Zealand musical theatre community over more than 50 years was immense. With sincere condolences to Len, and Nola’s family, from the President, Executive and Members of Musical Theatre NZ.
Hi there Kate, Thank you very much for letting us know about this sad news. We are so sorry to hear of Nola's passing, and our thoughts and wishes are with Len and her family at this difficult time. Please pass on our sincere condolences to Len, Nola's family, friends and of course the entire MTNZ family as I know she will be sadly missed. With sympathy and prayers to you all, Erin, Stuart, Nikol and the entire Hal Leonard Team
Both Graeme and I were sadden to here of Nola's passing. She will be sadly missed by everyone who came in contact with her. What a wonderful serene lady who always had time for you. It has been a privilege knowing this beautiful lady and our hearts go out to Len and family. Regards Diane & Graeme, John Herber Ltd
Dear Kate - Thank you very much for keeping us in touch in regard to Nola's condition. We were so sad to receive your last email advising of Nola's passing, and have great empathy with the huge feeling of loss that Len, family, you, and the MTNZ Executive must have at this time. She certainly was a gracious lady, so interested, inspiring and encouraging to everyone - the ideal President, Patron and representative for musical theatre. Unfortunately neither Melva nor I will be able to attend Nola's farewell ceremony, but we will be very much there in spirit - Melva and Colin Denby, Masterton
Nola traveled the length and breadth of New Zealand championing the cause of Musical Theatre. A very well respected lady- admired by many for her thoughts, words and deeds. We all enjoyed her company very much. On behalf of Theatre Whakatane may I extend our sincere condolences to Len and family. Thank you for the many, many, many times you lent her to us - Scott Jarrett, President, Theatre Whakatane Inc
We were all very sad in Oamaru to hear of Nola's passing! An absolutely awesome lady, she always made you feel encouraged in your efforts, and gave you that kick of energy you were looking for to go onto the next project! She'll be greatly missed by many throughout the country and our thoughts are with her family at this time. - Catherine Taylor, President, Oamaru Operatic
Your friendly smile
Your graciousness
Your contagious love of theatre -
Your memory will always live
for those of us whose lives you touched.
Barry (BJ) - Jenny - Ursula - Dyan
from the Rotorua Musical Theatre.
Our hearts reach out to Len and Nola's family for their very sad loss of a gracious and beautiful woman. She touched many lives in the theatre world with her generosity and warm spirit and we will always remember her with great affection. She will be sorely missed by all her friends everywhere.
Remember her when she has
gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold her by the hand,
Remember her when no more day by day
You tell her of the future that you planned:
Yet if you should forget her for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
Better by far you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad.
Our thoughts and prayers are with
you all in this sad time... President Amanda Stone and Executive -
Porirua Little Theatre.