Farrell Lamar Purcell

FARRELL LAMAR PURCELL

Purce passed away in Eureka in the loving arms of his daughter, Moki, February 6, 2008, after an extended illness. He was a quiet, sensitive, and loving father with a great appreciation of nature.

He was the third of six children born to Thelma Lovelace and Roy L. Purcell, in Mammoth, Utah, on September 9, 1921. His father was sent to Brigham Young University as the son of the ruling family (Alii) in SAMOA. He became a great orator and debater, whose picture still graces the yearbooks of BYU.

At age 17, Daddy joined the Army. He was stationed in Honolulu and survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1942. After the war, with the GI Bill, he was accepted to the University of Utah and graduated with a Teaching Credential. There he met and married Beverly Thomas and had two daughters. In 1953 Daddy went to work for Eureka City Schools, teaching history and coaching the Eureka High Swim Team to victories all over the State. He finished his teaching career at Zane Jr. High in the P.E. Dept. where he will be remembered for his 21 undefeated teams and his gift of coaching young men and women to be the best.

His son, Farrell Jr., was born on Mothers’ Day, 1961, and was his pride and joy.

Daddy was a 50 year member of the Arcata Masons and helped to build their present building. But one of Daddy’s greatest loves was BOWLING! He was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame and has three beautiful rings for his three perfect games of 300!

He is survived by his present wife of 30 years, Ruth (Luka) Purcell; her children, Pat Viser, Marge Lawrence, and Rich Whipple and their families; his daughters, Moki Valerie and her husband Mario Aguero, and Samantha Keats; his grandchildren, Gina Beattie and her husband Troy, and Alex Keats; and his great grandchildren, Mason and Madilynn Beattie. He also had a wealth of nephews and nieces and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son, Farrell W. Purcell; his brothers and sisters, Wesley, Luana, Lucky, Carol Jean, Kline and ArtisRey; and a nephew, Ted Purcell.

There will be a celebration of his life at 2:00 PM on Wednesday February 13, 2008, at the Banana Hut at Redwood Acres in Eureka. All of his friends, family and former students are invited to gather and share stories. He will be laid to rest at the Veterans Cemetery, Punch Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii at a future date. Arrangements are under the care of Paul’s Chapel in Arcata.

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