Long time accordion supporter, Eric Taylor, born March 11th, 1925 passed away in Dargaville, Northland, New Zealand on July 12th, 2024.

Eric was involved with the annual New Zealand Accordion Association competitions and festival since its inception in 1971. Eric designed and organised the judge’s microphones and “on stage board” when judges listened to competitors from another room. This was so the audience knew which competitor was performing. (Nowadays all competition classes are sight judged).

Many of Eric’s family have been involved with the accordion movement in New Zealand as follows:

• Daughter Christine Johnstone : teacher, orchestra conductor, Treasurer of the North Shore Accordion Orchestras (NSAO), playing member of the NSAO, Accordions Worldwide News Editor and Life Member of the New Zealand Accordion Association.
• Grandson Mark Jeffries: past member of the North Shore Accordiana Orchestra.
• Granddaughter Renee Jeffries: past member of the Auckland Accordion Symphonetta, assistant tutor of the North Shore Music Makers Accordion Orchestra and New Zealand Accordion Association Competitions Secretary.
• Grandson Shane Adams: past member of the North Shore Accordion Orchestra
• Two great granddaughters and four great grandsons have also been members of the North Shore Accordion Orchestras.

A ceremony for family and friends to bury Eric’s ashes along with his late wife, Dorothy has just been held. May they rest in peace.