Ellsworth D Purdy

Ellsworth D Purdy

Ellsworth Purdy Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Feb. 27, 2016.
ELLSWORTH D. PURDY of Vancouver, WA died February 27, 2016 at the age of 91. He was well known in the funeral and cemetery industry as a progressive leader and advocate for change. Understanding that consumer needs were evolving, and that the industry needed to listen and seek creative answers to better serve, he devoted the better part of his career in search of those answers. He served as a board member and president of the Cremation Association of North America in 1987-1988. A third-generation funeral director who was not content to simply follow in the footsteps of his family, he consolidated numerous family holdings into a regional company Uniservice Corporation in 1968. Over the years it became the leading funeral and cemetery operator in the Northwest with over 30 firms. He retired in 1995 as the chairman and CEO, when Uniservice merged with SCI.

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November 4, 2023

Don Kermeen posted to the memorial.

March 19, 2016

Nanette Scarpelli Walker posted to the memorial.

March 18, 2016

Steve Collins posted to the memorial.

Don Kermeen

November 4, 2023

I had the pleasure of meeting him and later visiting his wife and himself. I worked for SCI a Texas good old boy conglomerate. Els was a gentleman with a sense of humor.

Nanette Scarpelli Walker

March 19, 2016

I was a lucky kid to have the Purdy's as neighbors on Buena Vista Drive. I was close in age to Peter so we and the "gang" palled around often at the Purdy's beautiful home. I will always remember the French doors leading out to the view! Having now lost both parents also I send my hugs to Nancy and Peter. Your parents and you were special friends. They were part of why we felt safe playing hide and go seek until after dark, playing softball in the empty lots and generally doing whatever we wanted all day on Saturdays! Such a great set of memories. I hope you are all well and happy.

Steve Collins

March 18, 2016

Peter, Nancy, and families,
I'm sorry for your loss of your dad, grandpa, great grandpa,
He was, like his father a wonderful man.
Peter, I still talk about our fishing trips with your grandpa. I remember talking with you and your dad the last time at your grandpa's funeral and we were laughing together at the Reception about what was missing....the Walla Walla sweet onions. Your family and mine were bound together with laughter, respect, kindness and love of friendship. I regret not getting down to the reception for your dad, but I have trouble traveling to far, but there in spirt. Feel free to contact me if you wish. Skwirl @outlook.com
Steve

Betty Ann Smith

March 15, 2016

The Purdys lived almost directly behind my parents' home while I was growing up. My mother belonged to the same Garden Club as Elenora. Mr. Purdy was the soul of compassion so many of us in Portland leaned on in times of family grief. He helped me when my father, and later my mother, passed away. There was never anyone more kind or reliable in his profession. Surely the way he lived has brought him joy eternal.

March 15, 2016

I remember Mr. Purdy (& Mrs. Purdy) with much fondness. I was Nancy & Peter's babysitter when they lived on Buena Vista, mainly during the year that he was Prime Minister of the Royal Rosarians. He was always a kind & classy gentleman & it was with pride & much happiness that I was able to serve them & their 2 much-loved children. My condolences to them & their families. Judy(Kidwell)Scott Vancouver, WA

Richard & Patty Keller

March 13, 2016

We live in the home the Purdys built on Buena Vista and have wonderful memories of their visits and their kindness. Els was particularly proud of his beloved bar, and the swimming pool where he would place a drink at the far end as an inducement for exercise. Two originals, and we're grateful to have known them.

March 12, 2016

Great guy, will miss his wit, many thanks.
Craig Osbeck

Rick Carlson

March 12, 2016

OSU Theta Chi will miss him

Gary and Debbie Lundberg

March 12, 2016

Long time family friend.

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Sign Ellsworth Purdy's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 4, 2023

Don Kermeen posted to the memorial.

March 19, 2016

Nanette Scarpelli Walker posted to the memorial.

March 18, 2016

Steve Collins posted to the memorial.