ROSS CHARLES PURSE

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ROSS CHARLES PURSE Born September 10, 1918 in Roland, Manitoba, passed peacefully on August 31, 2008 in Nanaimo, BC. A man of true honour and integrity, who lost his sight during the Second World War, Ross worked for 33 years with the CNIB, and retired as their National Director in 1981. He served as an executive of The World Council for the Welfare of the Blind , as chairman of its North America-Oceania Region, served on the Executive Boards of the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind, the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and was founding chairman of the Canadian Coordinating Committee for Blindness Prevention. The Ross C. Purse Doctoral Fellowship is awarded annually through the CNIB. Ross belonged to the Masonic Order for over 50 years, and was an active member of many service organizations including the Lions Club of Regina and Rotary International. In 1993 he became a member of the Order of British Columbia for his distinguished service work. He became the first legally blind real estate agent in BC and retired after a successful second career at age 75. He is survived by Vivian, his wife of 63 years; sons, John, Bob (Colleen) and Steve (Kathleen); five grandchildren, Rob, Chris, Tiffany, Shannon and Nadia and four great-grandchildren. He will be missed by all that knew him. At the request of family, no service will be held. Donations to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. TELFORD'S MID-ISLAND MEMORIAL SERVICES 1-866-503-5553

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 03, 2008