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Violet Grace McKinnon née Purdy was born in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan February 2, 1931 and passed away peacefully in her sleep surrounded by the love of her family November 18, 2016. Violet leaves behind her loving husband Hugh after 58 years of marriage. They lived happily in their home in Comox for the past 23 years. Vi was a lively, talented lady who loved travelling, sewing & crafts, the arts, and live theatre. She was very active in this community with the Comox Valley Probus Club, the Newcomers, Elder College, the Cheerful Ladies Book Club, and as a founding member of the Celtic Club.

After high school & business training, Vi moved to Calgary, met Hugh at International Harvester, and married in 1958. They moved to Edmonton where they had three children before moving to Terrace, BC in 1966, where Hugh started Terrace International Truck and Equipment. Vi became secretary manager of the Chamber of Commerce, planning the BC Centennial, and setting up the Tourist Bureau. They moved to Burnaby in 1980 when Hugh started Vancouver Freightliner, and Vi worked as an executive secretary at Vancouver Community College for over ten years. They retired to the Comox Valley in 1993, becoming very involved in service organizations and social clubs, and making many new friends.

Beloved wife of Hugh McKinnon, Violet is lovingly remembered by her sons Fraser (Aileen): grandchildren Ian, Jane, and Robbie, youngest son Spencer (Sheilagh), grandchildren Niamh & Lachlan, and her daughter LeAnne (Dale). Vi was born to Clara & Wesley Purdy with seven siblings: Dorothy Duchak, Jean Simpson (Calgary) Florence Klepacki (Windsor, Ont.) and Andrew Purdy (Chilliwack); and deceased Lloyd (London, Ont) Earle (Calgary) and Harold (Nova Scotia).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Comox Valley Hospice Society. A funeral will be held at the Comox Valley Funeral Home on Ryan Road, Saturday November 26, 2016 at 1 pm. Many thanks to all for support in her battle with cancer, Vancouver Island Health Authority Home & Community Care-Home Support and Dr. Stuart Gray.



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