PURVIS, Richard Anthony
September 23, 1943 – December 8, 2011
It is with a heavy heart that family and friends announce that Rick has passed away, peacefully and in his sleep on December 8, 2011.
Rick was predeceased by his parents and his step-mother Shirley. He leaves to mourn his brother John Purvis (Shannon) of Ontario, two beloved children Andrew Purvis and Stephanie James and spouses, and their children, Ryan, Ashley, Danyelle, Tim and Natalie, all in Ontario. He will be very deeply missed by his dear friend and companion of many years, Vickie Timmers, her daughter Gwilyn Timmers (Travis Cote) and their son, Rick's 2 year old “grandson”, Sylvain.
Born England, Rick was raised in Ontario and joined the Canadian Military in a peacekeeping role in the middle east. He spent many years on military boats, cooking and baking. He was very well travelled through those interesting years, and many stories to tell.
After leaving the military, Rick continued as a baker in a number of small bakeries, the last being a number of years at the Courtenay Bakery and the Strand Bakery in Comox. While by career he was a baker, his heart was in wooden boat-building and he handcrafted with great skill quite a number of sailboats, small to very large, with precision and attention to detail. Many of his beautiful handcrafted sailboats are sailing in the coastal waters today. He loved the sea, and his other interests included wilderness camping, his beloved pets, an interest in reading about history, particularly middle-eastern. He had plans to travel to the Philippines in the New Year.
Rick had a number of health challenges over the years, and special thanks go to Dr. D. Bowler for his kindness. Rick will be deeply missed by his loved ones as well as many friends and extended family.
No service by request. Cremation to follow. Donations may be made in Rick's name to the Comox SPCA.