Russell Garcia: A great run

A legendary composer who worked with the greats of 20th century music and film has been farewelled at a service in Kerikeri attended by about 500 friends and fellow musicians.

Russell Garcia died at home in the Far North town on November 20, aged 95. Even in his 90s he remained in demand as an arranger and had been due to start a concert tour of the US until falling ill earlier this month.

Described as "the most famous guy you've never heard of", Mr Garcia combined an eight-decade career working with stars such as Louis Armstrong, Charles Chaplin, Ella Fitzgerald and Judy Garland, with a humble life in New Zealand volunteering at Far North schools.

Singer Tim Beveridge, best known for his lead role in Phantom of the Opera, described him as a "warm, funny, irreverent, naughty man" with an unending supply of amusing anecdotes. He recalled hearing about the legend who lived up north 10 years ago - "back then he was just a whisper in the hills, a bit like Yoda" - and set out to find him.

"He made me feel worthwhile as a musician.He never worked a day in his life. He just wrote music and people gave him money. He had a gorgeous Italian wife, he slept in and stayed up late every day. It was a dream life for a musician."

To illustrate Mr Garcia's musical influence, Mr Beveridge read out entries in the late legend's address book: Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie.

Retired opera singer Carol Maher spoke of Mr Garcia's volunteer work with local schoolchildren, and how he encouraged young talent. For example, a 13-year-old girl from Broadwood, debuted in one of Mr Garcia's musicals. Now Joanna Foote sings opera in London and Paris.

A friend and fellow member of the Bah?'? faith, Lian Brott, spoke on behalf of Mrs Gina Garcia: if her husband had been at Sunday's service at the Turner Centre, he would have looked around and said: "Wow! Have all these people come for me?". He was known throughout the world but was always humble. "Yes, we did lead such a charmed life," she said.

Born in Oakland, California, in 1916, Mr Garcia started writing and arranging music while still a boy. He composed for radio and television including Rawhide and films such as The Time Machine (1960). He moved to the Bay of Islands in 1970 after sailing the Pacific for several years.

Music at the service included Mr Garcia's favourite song, All the Things You Are, sung by Tim Beveridge; his neighbour Barbie Davidson singing On a Clear Day with Mike Nettmann on piano; Mike Riwai singing Unforgettable; and a recording of Mr Garcia's famed arrangement of Summertime for Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.