HAROLD (HAL) LAWRENCE PURDY

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HAROLD (HAL) LAWRENCE PURDY April 23, 1915 - April 9, 2003 Peacefully on Wednesday, April 9, 2003, at Deer Lodge Centre, with family at his side, Harold Lawrence Purdy, passed away at the age of 87. Dad was born on April 23, 1915 in Winnipeg where he resided most of his life. He participated in numerous sports beginning with track and field in his high school days at Gordon Bell, leading into a year of professional football with the Calgary Bronks (later to become the Calgary Stampeders) and continuing into his later years with golf and league bowling. While in Calgary, he also worked on the team, which built which built the Alaska Highway and a part of the Trans-Canada Pipeline. Upon returning to Winnipeg, he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force. During the Second World War he flew as both a Navigator and a Bombardier, based out of Dumfries, Scotland. With his marriage to Helen Margaret Van Every on October 5, 1949, his priorities quickly shifted to centre around family. Together they raised Robert, Thomas and Lorelei at 1206 Lorette Ave., where Dads ever-changing gardens became a highlight in the neighbourhood. After retiring from the City of Winnipeg Planning and Zoning Department in 1980, he and Mom sold the cottage they built at Falcon Lake to enjoy several winters in New Port Richey, FL. Harold is survived by Robert and Kasia Purdy; Tom and Ivy Purdy; Lorelei and Bryan Fenton; grandchildren, Christopher Purdy, Nicholas Purdy, Jerome Chouinard, Celeste Chouinard, Heather Purdy; as well as his sisters, Pearl Nancollas and Margaret Purdy. He was predeceased by Helen in 1992; his parents, Wilhelmina and James Purdy; two brothers and one sister. We extend our sincere appreciation to the staff at Deer Lodge Centre, especially the wonderful staff of T6, who helped make his room feel like home for the last three years. A memorial service celebrating Dads life will be held Monday, April 14, 9:30 a.m. at Neil Bardal Inc., 984 Portage Ave., Aubrey Street entrance. After a brief reception, interment will follow at Brookside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations in Dads memory may be made to a charity of ones choice. NEIL BARDAL INC. 949-2200

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 13, 2003