PROF. LUCIEN NEEDHAM of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the age of 83 years. Lucien Needham went to Winnipeg in 1956 as the organist at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, conductor of the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir from 1956-60, and vocal coach to many private students. From 1960-69, he was the Vocal Coach at Brandon University School of Music. He was highly regarded by students and colleagues for the high standards he demanded. His wife Louise Chapman Needham was a highly accomplished pianist, also on Faculty at Brandon at that time.
Lucien then joined the U of Lethbridge in 1969 as one of the first professors in the Department of Music. In the community, Lucien conducted The Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra for several years. At University, Lucien taught voice, piano, conducting and a myriad of music courses, and conducted the University Choir for many years. His leadership helped the fledgling Music department thrive. However, even more, Lucien impacted the lives of his students by, in many cases, being their mentor. He took a personal interest in each student and together with his late wife, Louise Chapman Needham, provided a nurturing, supportive environment – a feeling of family within the institution. Lucien was much beloved by students and staff alike. Lucien was passionate about tuning and rebuilding pianos and his home usually had a dissected piano(s) somewhere. Another interest of Lucien’s was sailing. With his late wife, Louise, Lucien enjoyed the St. Mary’s Sailing Club and the friendships, which continue to this day. When Lucien retired, in 1987, he and Louise moved to Victoria. After her passing, Lucien returned to Lethbridge, where he has since resided in his own home.
The past weeks at the hospital often seemed a reunion of sorts – former students and faculty, and many friends. Lucien will be dearly missed and remembered by his family and friends. God bless you dear Lucien. Lucien was predeceased by his beloved wife Louise. He is survived by his daughter Pamela Rose of Calgary, son Christopher Rose of Calgary, sister Julianne Osborne of Perth, Australia, his nephew Stewart Hammond and niece Janet Osborne of Australia.
A Memorial Service was held on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411 11th Street South, Lethbridge, with Canon James Robinson, officiating.