A Tribute to Robert Purves

We are in a time when we feel close to people with whom we have spoken no word; whom we'd not recognize on the street, but who, by their presence have filled a basic human need: kinship. However esoteric our connection, many of us feel connected to many others on this list, through their contributions, their forbearance, and their sly hints at humanity. Our computers are replete with that modest '"rp" seen in so many files. Eternity, or heaven, in one of its many forms, is to be found there. Bless you on your journey, "rp", as you have blessed us.

Biography of Robert Dudley Purves

Born: 16th June 1947 Died: 2nd June 2012

Robert Dudley Purves was born in Dunedin on the 16th June 1947 to Daphne and H.D. (Dick) Purves,. He was the youngest of three children, preceded by his two sisters, Hilary (born in 1941) and Elizabeth (in 1943). His parents were a brilliant young pair, Dick with a Honours degree in Chemistry as well as a Medical degree, and Daphne with an MA (Hons)(1st class) in English and French. The family lived in a house designed and built by Daphne and Dick in Falkland St, Maori Hill.

Robert’s early education was at Maori Hill Primary School and later at Otago Boys High School, where he definitely wasn’t one of the rugby-playing boys. One of his special interests was music, and in 19 /// he attended the Cambridge Music Summer School where he met many of those who were later his closest friends. Robert played the horn, and always loved to listen seriously to music – but beware anyone who put on the music and then left the room or began to talk over it! He graduated runner-up to Dux at Otago Boys High, and we wonder who can have been smart enough to pip him at the post. Most likely – they just did a bit of study, which Robert generally didn’t find necessary!

Later, Robert studied Medicine at Otago University, completing his clinical years in Christchurch. However, he knew from the start that he wanted to do research, rather than be a practicing medical doctor. To this end, he used one of his medical electives to visit the University of Melbourne, and was invited to undertake a PhD under Professor Geoffrey Burnstock in the Department of Zoology. Robert became an extraordinarily good electrophysiologist – studying the electrical signaling within cells of the nervous system, and also the pharmacology of the synapses. He completed his PhD within 2 1/2 years, taking only 6 weeks to write the thesis; he could always write beautifully and apparently effortlessly. Very soon after, he was offered a post at University College London.

Shortly before leaving for London however, Robert attended the annual Zoology Department end-of year party, where he met Marilyn Duxson, a Masters student in the Department. Robert and Marilyn became close, and kept in touch after Robert left for London. Eventually, about a year later, Marilyn too went to London, and they married in May 1978, when Robert was 29.

In London, Robert was a Senior Lecturer in Anatomy, teaching Medical students, running his own small research group, and the long hair and jeans had now been swapped for a neat haircut and sports coat. He was a popular lecturer, very organized, clear and concise, but his passion was the research lab. Over his research career, Robert produced many scientific papers, published in journals such as the Journal of Physiology , the Journal of Theoretical Biology and Nature, and his book ‘Microelectrode Methods for Intracellular Recording’ was eventually published in three languages.

1983 saw a return for the family to Dunedin, with Robert taking a position in the Department of Pharmacology, and in November the next year, Ian Andrew Purves was born. Although Robert and Marilyn sadly separated a few years later, they were proud that for more than 20 years they were able to share the love and care of Ian, even after being told by a local lawyer that ‘shared custody doesn’t work’.

Robert spent many happy years in the Department of Pharmacology, but eventually became tired of increasing bureaucracy within the system, and left to take up a position with ADI instruments. Robert told us that the 5 years spent here were among the happiest of his work life, where his many skills – in physiology, electronics, computing, modelling and teaching – seemed to come together. And there was wonderful freedom of endeavour. He left the job only when he was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer, and had to undertake massive surgery to remove the cancer, and almost two years of recuperation before life came somewhat back to normal.

In February of this year, Robert realized he had secondaries from his cancer, but kept it to himself for a long time. He knew the prognosis immediately, and did not want useless treatment or platitudes. However, he had the love and care of many old friends, and of Ian over his last months, and for that he was enormously grateful, and touched.

Robert – there is a hole in our life where once you were. Wherever you are now, go peacefully.