BAYSNEWS: This month we’re talking to Paul Purvis, for those who don’t know you, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
PAUL: I am a retired pharmacist, live in Elvina Bay with my wife Pamela and enjoy every minute of life.
I bought a home on the island back in 1978 and in the years between 1978 and 1994 I used the home, together with my family, as a ‘holiday home’ although ‘holiday’ often extended to weeks on end.
The house burnt to the ground in 1994, to be replaced by a lovely home designed by Peter Paine. Offshore life has always been my preference and remains so today. The privacy, the view, the wonderful neighbours, the wildlife and did I mention the view?
BAYSNEWS: What made you choose the offshore life?
PAUL: It really just grew on me. First as a simple weekender, then because my children loved sailing and fishing. I was very fortunate to have wonderful staff in my various pharmacies who seemed to perform far better when I was not present.
BAYSNEWS: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
PAUL: A spring morning about 6am. Cool and clear with promise of a great day. Mushrooms in the pantry. A Riesling in the fridge. The tax bill settled. Good health and a sense of wellbeing. The prospect of a group of friends enjoying a meal together at the weekend.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest fear?
PAUL: I won’t even mention the greatest fear, but I can say that I’m not that keen on swimming with sharks. Running out of UHT milk. How shallow is that fear!
BAYSNEWS: What is the trait you most dislike in yourself?
PAUL: I do worry about having sufficient financial reserves to be able to live in the manner to which I have certainly become accustomed. I have four wonderful children and a bucket of grandchildren and really, I should have no fears.
BAYSNEWS: What is the trait you most dislike in others?
PAUL: Selfishness is my number one dislike. I believe in being as generous as possible to others, particularly with my time.
BAYSNEWS: Which person (living or deceased) do you most admire, and why?
PAUL: I know it is a little politically insensitive, but I really admire John Howard. History will treat him kindly, I am sure. He believed in Australia, and I know of nothing that he did in his public life that improved his personal possessions. I may or may not agree with his policies, but I do think he cared for Australia.
BAYSNEWS: Which person (living or deceased) to you most despise, and why?
PAUL: This man is living, is not Australian and lives in a country with a lot of states. He has unusual hair.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest achievement?
PAUL: I am so fortunate to have been born at a time where the horror of two world wars had faded. I was able to achieve happiness in my life because of the strength of two wonderful women and the support and affection of my lovely children. Economic security came easily to me, partly due to the relative peace of our planet. Even the errors seem to turn back on themselves.
BAYSNEWS: What is your greatest regret?
PAUL: I recognise that it is a simplistic statement but really, I have no regrets. There have been moments when I have regretted a word expressed or an action denied. But overall life has been good to me.
BAYSNEWS: Which talent would you most like to have?
PAUL: Easy question! I would have loved to have been able to play the piano. I know some will say it was lack of application, but I was never able to prioritise the ability to read music. Strange as music is a great love of mine and there is always streaming music playing somewhere in my life.
BAYSNEWS: What is your motto?
PAUL: Esse quam Videri. Look it up! Certainly not vini, vidi, vici.
BAYSNEWS: (Personal question … passions in life etc.
PAUL: Passion is my middle name. Music of course. Food naturally. Wine of course. I would like to think I expressed passion to my wife. She is nodding… Fast cars are not on my list, big boats unimportant. And this was chosen not for the cleverness of the phrase but because it is true. Passionfruit.
Note: This Q&A was adapted from Antionette Faure’s 1886 questionnaire. It was made famous by its first contributor, Marcel Proust, and is now known as the Proust Questionnaire. Of course.