1 Feb 2011
Pierce was a highly regarded bookseller, firstly in Opotoki and then for many years owner of Brooke Anderson Bookshop in Whangarei.
He was a member of the Council of the Booksellers Association of New Zealand (forerunner to Booksellers NZ) for 20 years from 1969 to 1989, Vice President in 1979 and President from 1980-82
“He was a great champion of the book trade,” commented another former President, Pat O’Sullivan.
“He was very highly regarded as good president of both Booksellers and Book Tokens Ltd. He was also a Booksellers Fellow”
Pat also noted Pierce’s support of the Book of the Month programme and his leadership of trade missions to the United Kingdom.
Current Chairman of Booksellers NZ, Hamish Wright expressed the condolences of the Board at the news.
“We are very sorry to hear this news. Pierce was one of the key personalities in the trade.”
Pierce is survived by his wife, Nadia.
Further information funreral arrangements will be provided once they come to hand.
Photo circa 1989.
The Bookman has many happy memories of working with Pearce on the Council of the then Booksellers Association during the 1970's. He was a thoughtful man with a keen sense of humour who always looked out for the underdog.
Others on the Council in those days included Roy Parsons, Gordon Tait, David & Peter Emanuel, Lou Bennett, Bob Stables,Ray Goddard, Lewis Carthew, John Griffin and Ian Thomas
Sad indeed.
ReplyDeleteLovely man and so nice to reps in town offering the back room for coffee, stowing bags etc. And so interesting and supportive of the trade.
I have fond memories of Pierce. He was very supportive when I first joined the Bookseller's Council all those years ago.
ReplyDeleteDavid Hedley