Public memorial likely for Turpie

A public memorial is likely to be held in Melbourne for Australian entertainer Ian "Turps" Turpie who died on Sunday.

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A public memorial is likely to be held in Melbourne for Australian entertainer Ian "Turps" Turpie who died on Sunday.

The 68-year-old - most famously known for his stint as host of the game show The New Price is Right - died peacefully surrounded by his family following a year-long battle with cancer.

Turpie's last official public performance was in March last year as compere of The Go!! Show Gold reunion concert at Melbourne's Palais Theatre.

Dennis Smith, producer of the reunion concert, told AAP Turpie was scheduled to appear at another Go!! Show in Melbourne on Friday night.

"Johnny Young, who was one of the other hosts of the Go!! Show on stage, just said to the audience that Ian's not well enough to be on the show ... so we recorded the show and all the audience turned to the cameras and blew Turps a kiss," Mr Smith said.

"So we had a little farewell to him," he added.

Smith said Turpie was a Melbourne boy and a public memorial in the city is something he would certainly want to do.

"It would be a public service for all his friends down in Melbourne to say goodbye to him," Mr Smith said.

He said he saw Turpie a couple of weeks ago and mentioned the idea of a memorial to his wife Jan at the time.

The Go!! Show hit television screens in 1964 and became the must-watch music show for teenagers of the day.

The program hosted by Turpie featured names such as Olivia Newton-John, Young and Normie Rowe.

Turpie is survived by his wife of 44 years and children Michelle, Sacha and Joshua and three grandchildren.

"He adored his family, friends, co-workers and fans over the past 50+ years," a statement from the Turpie family said.

"He was so grateful for the many well wishes he received from so many."




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Source: AAP


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