In
Memory of
Michael Purser
1952-1990
An open letter from Charles Shreve to Michael Purser...
Dear Michael:
I really cannot believe that I am writing this letter, as I never dreamed that you would be leaving us so early on in your life. In fact, being contemporaries, we used to joke with one another how we were growing "old" together in the stamp business, despite our "thirtysomething"ages. We even wondered whether we would still be in the same business thirty years from now...
I hope you do not mind me sharing some of my thoughts about you so openly. There are a number of our clients who knew you well and I believe they share very similar feelings.
It is hard to imagine I will ever meet someone who has the integrity, or who will display more professionalism than you, Michael. You were respected by all of your business associates because of these unwavering qualities. And combined with your ever-friendly personality there is no telling where your career might have taken you.
And even more special to me was the fact that you were a true friend, in every sense of the word. You sincerely cared about me personally, about my family, my business and all those who worked with me.
You always placed my needs before yours and you were someone who I could count on for unbiased advice, without having an ulterior motive. I do not know if I will ever find a friend quite like you again.
You should have comfort in knowing that you are survived by your brother Jeffery, and your sister-in-law Melissa, who are equally as well-liked and respected by all of us in the industry, and specifically by those of us at Ivy, Shreve and Mader. We will enjoy working with them more closely and getting to know them even better. But, it somehow will not be exactly the same. You will be missed...
Michael Purser was a principal in Purser Associates, one of the leading philatelic auction agent firms in the country. Both his brother and sister-in-law will continue operating the business, which they have always been involved with and are key factors in the success of the firm
With respect and affection,
Charles F. Shreve
