PETER WILLIAM PURA

Condolences & Memories (25 entries)

• Mr. Pura was my math teacher in grade 10. That was almost 40 years ago!!! After that I moved away, and am currently a physician in Toronto. It is very telling that I so vividly remember Mr. Pura and his immense dedication to his students. He was kind, personable, funny and easygoing. I often thought of him over the years. How I wish I had the chance to see him again. My sincerest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Lily Cha (Student. Gordon Bell class of 1976) on: Oct 16, 2014

• My condolences to Mr. Pura's family. He cared enough to make Math make sense to his students - I always did better in tests when he was my teacher! He even convinced me to take a computer science course. He was one of the best teachers at GB and it was my honour to have him as my teacher. Jan Anderson, Gordon Bell Class of '77 - Posted by: Jan Anderson (Student) on: May 25, 2014

• To Mary-Ann and family. So sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May your memories of him give you peace and strength during this difficult time. - Posted by: Nell Ududec (Colleague of Mary-Ann) on: May 20, 2014

• Mr. Pura was one of the teachers who made Gordon Bell the great place it was to be. I ended up not choosing to pursue math or computer science after all, and became a violinist instead, but I will always remember and appreciate the wonderful classes he and Jim Ferguson gave. Class of 79. - Posted by: Maria Lewanski (former student) on: May 17, 2014

• I'm very sad to hear of Peter's passing. He was one of my favourite teachers. He was always good-natured and helpful, even beyond the high standards of Gordon Bell. He strongly motivated me to pursue a career in computer science. - Posted by: Patrick Niesink (Former student) on: May 17, 2014

• A great teacher and I did have the opportunity to meet him while having brunch at the casino a few years ago. I could say that he was my favorite male teacher at GB HS. - Posted by: Cliff Hartmier (Gordon Bell student graduated 1981) on: May 16, 2014

• What made Mr Pura special was the respect he gave everyone he contacted and his willingness to give of himself. I have often thought of him since graduation - he had that way of leaving his mark on people in that way. A great role model for young people in high school, such as we were. Very saddened to hear the news. Condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: richard pattinson (student) on: May 15, 2014

• I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing. I have been his next door neighbor in the condo for a short while but when I did sit with him and see him at the condo functions he was always so pleasant and happy to see me. I will miss him not being there! Many times in the last months I heard his family visiting him and was so happy that you were always there. May he rest in peace and blessings to his family! Lynn Douglas - Posted by: Lynn Douglas (Neighbour) on: May 15, 2014

• Thinking of you of this sad time. We hope that all the wonderful memories of your Dad will help you through this difficult time. - Posted by: Cynthia & Brent Stacey (friends of Mary-Ann & Tim Fast) on: May 14, 2014

• Peter was a member of our bowling team at St. Vital bowling. He was a really good sport, putting up with his rookie team mates. The teacher in him definitely showed up as he patiently reminded us how to throw the ball and hit the elusive pins. We will miss seeing him around our condo building. Our sympathies to the family. Ul - Posted by: Duncan and Nicky Pringle (Friend and neighbour) on: May 14, 2014

• I am sorry to hear of your loss. Peter your dad sounded like a pretty amazing father and amazing grandfather. What a gift in all your lives. He sounded like a very courageous soul. We are thinking of you on your loss. May your father rest in peace. He will always be a guardian angel over your children, and family. - Posted by: Jodine Wingate (Friend of Lina) on: May 13, 2014

• I would like to extend my Condolences to Mike and the Pura Family. Mr Pura was a Good Teacher and Great Human Being. Always had a Smile on his face and treated Everyone with Respect. He will Be Missed by Everyone that knew Him. God Bless! - Posted by: Tony Guzzi (student at Gordon Bell) on: May 13, 2014

• I had the pleasure of working with Peter at Gordon Bell for many years where he was a dear friend, mentor, supporter and trusted colleague. My deepest sympathy to the family on your loss. God Bless you and may you find comfort in the wonderful memories you built together as a family. - Posted by: Jill Stefanyshyn (Friend and coworker) on: May 13, 2014

• Mary-Ann, although I never met your father, I know the dedication and love that you had for your father, especially through the end of his struggle with cancer. This is testimony of a strong and loving family and although he had such a difficult time he left knowing the love from his family. Thinking about all of you - Posted by: Glenda and Les Markiewicz (Friends of MaryAnn and Tim Fast) on: May 13, 2014

• My condolences and prayers are with you all. May the good memories support you through your loss. - Posted by: Phyllis Jensen () on: May 13, 2014

• Mr Pura was one of my favorite teachers. I struggled with math in high school an he was always available to help explain things so I could understand it, and more than once provided me with extra credit work to make sure I attained my credits. He truly cared and was always there for me and many others. Out of the classroom he could always be counted on to keep a light sense of humour with some of my shenanigans, and always knew when to turn a blind eye and also when to drop the hammer. You will be missed Mr Pura. The education system lost a great and caring educator today. My dearest condolences to his family. - Posted by: Phillip Listmayer (Student at Gordon Bell High School) on: May 12, 2014

• Mr Pura was a teacher that went the extra mile. I wasn't particularly interested in math as a high school student but I remember in my final year excelling at math under his tutelage and realizing that I wasn't so bad at it. I share my condolences with you as you mourn his passing. He will be remembered by many! Esther Dyck GB Class of 77 - Posted by: Esther Dyck (Student of his at Gordon Bell) on: May 12, 2014

• Condolences to the Pura family. What a wonderful teacher. What I remember the most about Mr Pura was his gentleness. He always displayed such great patience with all of his students. We were very lucky to have him in our lives. - Posted by: Kelly Holmes (Student) on: May 12, 2014

• Our deepest sympathy to the McElhoes and Pura families. We are thinking of you on your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Liz Thompson & Bob Phaneuf - Posted by: Liz Thompson & Bob Phaneuf (Friend) on: May 12, 2014

• Wishing the McElhoes & Pura families peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. - Posted by: Rick Romanowski and Family (Friends in Australia) on: May 12, 2014

• Peter was a very honest, hard-working staff member. I enjoyed my time working with him. CB - Posted by: Clay Bottrell (Colleague) on: May 12, 2014

• We taught many years with Peter and respected him for his dedication and commitment to teaching. The students valued his unique and good natured approach in the classroom. He will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Our sympathy and prayers go out to all the family members. Rest in peace Peter. - Posted by: Bruce & Pat Clark (Friends) on: May 12, 2014

• My deepest sympathies to Mr. Pura's family. Mr. Pura was my all-time favorite teacher, cultivating my interest in math and computer science at GB back in the mid 70s - long before tablets, laptops, personal computers, and the Internet! Mr. Pura was the most down-to-earth and unassuming teacher you could imagine, undoubtedly a product of his upbringing and unique journey to becoming a teacher. He was always keen to give us a hand, and point us "experts" in the right direction to learn more and challenge us beyond the classroom. Mr. Pura went beyond what we expected of teachers, regularly driving a bunch of us after school to Daniel Mac where we'd run our computer card decks (before GB got its own card reader and teletype). He'd spend hours helping students learn to debug their programs or flesh out a mathematical proof long after class ended. He even took some of us after school to the UM for a tour of the main campus, including checking out the student computer areas, mainframe machine room, library, UMSU bldg and best of all, Pony Corral for dessert! I had the good fortune on several occasions after graduation to thank Mr. Pura for all he did for me and chat with him as a friend, most recently at a GB reunion a few years ago. Although I type this with deep sadness upon the news of his passing, I'll cherish forever so many wonderful memories of my teacher, mentor and friend - thank you again Mr. Pura! Dennis Bayomi, GB Class '77 - Posted by: Dennis Bayomi (Student) on: May 12, 2014

• Deepest sympathies to the McElhoes & Pura families, we are thinking of you at this time for you loss as our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Tom & Lisa Hrechkosy and family - Posted by: Tom & Lisa Hrechkosy (Friends) on: May 12, 2014

• Mr. Pura Dear family I was Proud to have a teacher like you. You were Always there for me and everyone Who needed your help. May you rest in Peace and take care of your students and friends and family from heaven - Posted by: Leon J Formela (Student) on: May 12, 2014