ROY VANCE PURVIS

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ROY VANCE PURVIS April 1, 1934 - November 1, 2005 With deep sorrow, Roy's family announces his sudden passing at his residence when his heart suddenly failed him. Predeceased by his parents, Roy and Winnifred Purvis, Roy is survived by his sons, David (Karen), Kevin (Pamela), Fletcher (Trena), and their mother, Stephanie. He knew he was blessed by his sons and their wives. He was also a doting grandfather to his four grandchildren, Jack (8), Ethan (4), Camryn (2) and Ben (1 1/2). He is also survived by Stephanie's brother Wayne (Betty) Jones, her sister Elaine Byers, nephew Paul (Cindy) Zechel, niece Laura (Todd) Cook, numerous great nieces and nephews, and cousins from the Vance and Purvis families. Roy's intelligence, creativity, and interest in the world could be seen in his numerous career paths and his dedication to his community. Roy began his career as a social worker. His love of history led him to leave social work to become a high school history teacher. As much as he loved teaching, he then took on the challenge of school administration as a vice-principal and principal. When he left the public school system, he continued to work within the educational community teaching administration courses to nurses, working at the Department of Education, substitute teaching, and finally sitting as a school trustee. Because of his love of education, he obtained two Masters of Education Degrees, one in Foundations and one in Administration. Roy's career in social work and counselling led to a lifetime commitment to mental health. Thus, he worked as an administrator in the Department of Psychiatry at St. Boniface Hospital and with the registered Psychiatric Nurses Association. He donated much time and effort to the Canadian Mental Health Association in both Selkirk and Winnipeg as well as Village Clinic (now Nine Circles). Roy's keen interest in the past was evidenced by his collections of photos, mementos, and personal stories of the Vance and Purvis families. It also led him to become treasurer of the Board of Governors of the Manitoba Museum. Roy had always had an interest in politics from his days in Youth Parliament to his active involvement in the provincial NDP, where he had worked on many election campaigns, organized annual conventions, and acted as president. It was with much regret that his health forced him to withdraw from the above activities as well as others that he enjoyed so much. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Gilbart Funeral Home in Selkirk, 309 Eveline St. on Tuesday, November 8 at 2:00 p.m. The family will inter the ashes at Little Britain with his parents at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba (CE 501, 840 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1S1). The family selected this charity to honour Roy's love for his grandchildren. Roy, you have touched the lives of so many. You will be missed. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 05, 2005