REV. FR. CLAYTON DAVID PURCELL

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REV. FR. CLAYTON DAVID PURCELL February 21, 1933 - June 3, 2006 Peacefully, on Saturday, June 3, 2006, Clayton left us for his eternal home. Remaining to forever cherish Clayton's memory are his sister Lillian Wilkes; his cousin Frances Cover of Edmonton; his fellow priests of St. Boniface Archdiocese; as well as the numerous friends of his St. Boniface College and Seminary days. Added to these are the countless friends and associates whose lives he touched through his pastoral and professional work. He was predeceased by his parents, Michael and Marie (née Giroux) Purcell. Clayton was born in Sudbury, ON on February 21, 1933. He arrived in St. Boniface in 1940, attending Le Jardin de L'Enfance Langevin and Provencher School. In 1945, the family moved to Terrace Bay, ON and returned to Winnipeg in 1950. He continued his studies at Holy Cross High School, Provencher Collegiate and St. Boniface College for preparatory studies leading him to St. Boniface Major Seminary as of 1956. Clayton was ordained on June 11, 1960. He served as pastor in various parishes of the Archdioces: Carman, Fannystel and Starbuck, Garson and Ladywood and Steinbach. After gaining his M.S.W. degree from the University of Windsor, Clayton became Director of Social Services at Riverview in Windsor, ON, where he founded a Day Hospital for the chronically ill ....among one of the first in Canada. Returning to Winnipeg, he served as Chaplain at St. Boniface General Hospital and then as Director of Pastoral Care at Misericordia Hospital. Although ill health obliged him to leave Hospital Ministry, Clayton, nonetheless, continued to serve at a parish level. As well as a recognized preacher and liturgist, he was a member of the Ethical Committee of the Catholic Health Association of Manitoba and Misericordia Hospital; he was an NLP Practitioner as well as a Registered Holistic Health Practitioner. Schooled in so many disciplines, theology, social work, pastoral care and holistic health, Clayton......Renaissance Man that he was, read also in art, history, cultural sociology, music, ethnic culinary arts and photography. Clayton remained active during his retirement at Villa Cabrini, where he directed the Cabrini Belles Choir. He will be long remembered for his valuable contribution to the enhancement of the many programs and services of the Villa. So full a life was recognized in 2002, when he was awarded the Governor General Medal for distinguished services to his community and country. God Bless you, Clayton. Mass of The Resurrection will be celebrated on Friday, June 9 at 2:00 p.m. in Cathédrale Saint-Boniface, 190 Ave de la Cathédrale with His Grace, Mgr. Emilius Goulet, p.s.s., presiding. Entombment will follow in Green Acres Cemetery, Trans Canada Hwy. No. 1 East at Navin Road. My dearest brother, Clayton, how can I say goodbye? No sister could have had such a loving, confidant buddy..your silent patience, your laughter when I knew your heart was heavy..you were always there for me nonetheless. The only consolation is that your suffering over these past years is now over. God saw you had enough. It was time for you to go home. Words will never explain how I shall miss you. May God take you in His arms and comfort you with joy and peace. Just Me Rev. Fr. Purcell's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2006