Frank Prowse
December 12, 2024My Father, the Frank in Frank Prowse Hi-Fi was farewelled 6 years ago today, having passed away at 88 years of age. His family, friends and a huge contingent from the Perth Hi-Fi scene were on hand to celebrate a great life, not only as the true gentleman and the dedicated family man that he was, but also a great ambassador to the Audio Industry here in Perth.
We are delighted to still be continuing his legacy based on the groundwork that he established through his years of dedication to the Hi-Fi enthusiasts in Perth.
Frank started selling sound equipment in the 1950’s in the UK with the transition from Mono to Stereo in full flight. Our family emigrated to Australia as 10-pound poms in 1964.
Once arriving in Australia, Frank took up where he left off, initially working at BOANS Department Store in the “Brown Goods” department (Funny name, but basically TV’s and Audio) but his focus on Hi-Fi intensified when he joined the Alberts Hi-Fi Group in 1968. (Alberts Hi-Fi, Leslie Leonard Hi-Fi and Perth Hi-Fi)
I recall assisting him while still in primary school at the Perth HiFi store in Hay Street behind the Wesley Church.
Having been heavily influenced by a love of music I stepped into the Hi-Fi industry in November 1976 the day after completing high school.
We both developed a longtime passion for Hi-Fi and sometime later of course Home Theatre as well, but really it was a wish to provide a big smile to all the clients that we provided equipment to over the years. It was always one of the great joys of this job that we both appreciated and that was improving the leisure time of our clients and their family and friends.
We both worked in the Alberts family until 1989 when Frank left to consider the prospect of his own business, and in 1990 purchased Bob Jones Audio in Mosman Park and changing the name to Frank Prowse Hi-Fi in 1991 when I joined him.
Over the years, we both witnessed the various audio formats that arrived on the scene and while some stuck and remain with us, in some cases they quickly disappeared as well (other than collectors) and some made a comeback and others appear to be making a comeback as well.
From Vinyl, Pre-recorded Reel to Reel tape, Quadraphonic, Compact Cassette, 8 Track Cartridges, DAT, Mini Disc, Elcaset, Beta and VHS video tape, CD, HDCD, Laser disc, DVD, HDDVD, SACD, the many various Digital formats, BluRay and 4k Ultradisc BluRay.
We have seen great brands come and go as well and many also be reinvented and reimagined some with great success others less so.
Many brands sold or absorbed into other companies and some sold into investment company ownership where the lack of passion and research has often been questioned.
Like Frank, I get great pleasure doing what I do and I thank my father for passing this passion on to me.
We miss him dearly, but celebrate him having been in our lives every day.
Our wish for you Dad is that you are enjoying Hi-Fi Heaven and turning it all the way up to 11.
RIP Francis Terrence Prowse 1930 – 2018
Happy Listening.