Obituary of Gordon Thomas Purdue

Gordon Purdue, a long time resident of Tumbler Ridge, B.C. passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 in Tumbler Ridge at the of age 78 years after a lengthy battle with cancer. Gordon Thomas Purdue was born in Glasgow, Scotland on August 6, 1937. This is also where he met Mary Helen, and the two were married on October 15, 1960 with a young family of six children to follow. Gordon's profession back in Scotland was as a draftsman in the Glasgow shipyards. He was an extremely humorous person and loved to make people laugh. When he would tell stories of his life growing up in Scotland they were always told with his unique brand of humor mixed in making them special and unforgettable. Gordon moved their family to Canada in 1970 and had some struggles getting a career started. There were no jobs for shipbuilders in Canada. He would tell stories of working two jobs to support his young family. He eventually found a position with Aluma Systems and was able to use his abilities to read drawings and blue prints; the skills he had acquired as a draftsman. He was proud of his position with Aluma Systems and stayed with them up until his retirement at the age of 65. The fondest memory will be from his last days with his children. He was surrounded by them and made a point of letting each of them know how much he loved us. He was devout in his Catholic faith and this gives his children and family comfort knowing he is in God's hands. The Purdue family would like to thank Dr. Helm, Dr. Minsk, and all the staff at the Tumbler Ridge health clinic for their compassionate support during our father's illness. We would also like to thank those within the Holy Cross parish for their support. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, December 12, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Tumbler Ridge, B.C. Father Alvin Matias officiated. Interment followed in the Tumbler Ridge Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Gordon to the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Box 1022 Tumbler Ridge, B.C. V0C2W0. Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Mass Of Christian Burial 11:00 am Saturday, December 12, 2015 Holy Cross Catholic Church 103 Commercial Way Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, Canada