Author(s): Ian Prior

Biographies & Memoirs

This is the story of two unusual families who came together in 1946 with the marriage of Elespie Forsyth and Ian Prior in Dunedin. Elespie was a grand-daughter of the renowned arts patron Willi Fels, and a member of the Hallenstein dynasty. Ian came from a family steeped in Methodist missionary work, medical and humanitarian values. What followed was a wonderful fifty-six year union, characterised by Ian's groundbreaking work in epidemiology, and his and Elespie's support of the arts to a degree seldom seen in Aotearoa New Zealand. Another aspect of this family story is their courageous involvement in campaigns for health and social justice, the enviroment, nuclear disarmament, peace, and Maori and Pacific issues. The foundation of it all is the rich heritage of two families and the enduring love of Ian and Elespie.