Robert Purser Obituary

PURSER, ROBERT

Robert (Bob) Purser of Bellevue, September 17th. Artist, Designer, craftsman, husband, stepfather, "Pop," brother, and friend. Born1940 in Alexandria, Louisiana to artists and teachers Mary and Stuart Purser. Earned his B.A. in Art in 1962, worked in the Peace Corps in Peru with indigenous artists. Earned Masters in Art and Design from the UW and in 1978 earned a Ph.D from University of Oregon in Architecture Ed. First art instructor at Bellevue College, where he taught for over 43 years. Served as department chair; taught design, drawing, color theory, art appreciation, history of modern design and architecture, innovative interdisciplary classes. Loved the built environment and Southern vernacular Art. Devoted student of Christian Science, active church member.

Bob is survived by wife Robin Jones, sister Jeanie Cameron, nephew Chris Cameron, brother in law Bob Cameron; stepsons Asher and Nathan Jones, his wife Lettie Jones; stepsons Ian Voorhees, his wife Carolyn Golden Voorhees, their son Olle and Peter Voorhees, his wife Amy Black Voorhees, their son Asher; first wife Candace Rosovsky; mothers in law Ruth Bergquist, Diane Towne; father in law Robert Urich.

Memorial service Sunday October 25, Daniels Recital Hall, 811 Fifth Ave, Seattle, 4:00pm. To honor Bob wear bright colors please. No flowers; donations to the Seattle Architecture Foundation ((206) 667-9184) or the Christian Science Monitor Endowment Fund (1-800-456-2220).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Gainesville Sun from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Purser

11 Entries

Patty Price

August 30, 2010

Today, August 30, I was talking to a sales person from Peru and it made me think of Robert Purser.....I was a stitchery student and then teacher, and he came to our group when teaching in Bellevue, explaining how in Peru, he tried to get the ladies to knit hats for him to sell in the States....but he had difficulty explaining what he wanted. He finally got them to weave "fabric" from their wool, taught them the chain stitch so they could create stitchery pictures on their weaving. Common motif was mountains, fishermen and the sun. These he sold here in the US and the Smithstonian started carrying them.....I'm a bit blank about the rest of the details but would like very much to talk to someone who remembers this art form also. He was truly enterprising and interesting. Thank you. Patty Price here in Seattle, 206-546-6717.

Florence Baker-Wood

November 27, 2009

Today, I was sorting through some old art materials and came across Bob's name. Remembering what a special person he was and how so very helpful he was to me when I was just beginning to wet my feet in the teaching world, I googled his name. I was so very saddened to learn that the world had lost this wonderful man. Since moving away from the area, I have been out of touch with some for whom I hold cherished memories. I will always treasure having known Bob Purser. Robin, I extend my extreme heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You and Bob were always a couple I "just liked" as soon as I met.

May Solace be Yours,

Shafiqa Darani

October 28, 2009

I miss Bob.......I worked with him to redesign his website purserstudio.com recently. He was such a nice person to work with and also as a friend. May you rest in peace

Lue Palmer-Isaac

October 27, 2009

I remember how I gasped, the first time I saw Bob's hot pink house...nestled in the woods in staid old Bellevue! The world needs more teachers, more playful manipulators of their environment; our world is poorer for his passing. Rest in Peace, my friend.

Peter Melvoin

October 25, 2009

This is sad.
I worked with Bob for 40 of his 44 years.
His office was one I passed daily on the way to my classroom which was in the Art Building on the Bellevue Community College campus, now Bellevue College.
A ready smile and his good nature made the connection always enjoyable.
His collegiality matched his artistic talents.
I shall miss him.

Lynn Di Nino

October 24, 2009

Well, I've known Bob practically forever. Because we were both artists working in the 'found object' vein we shared great enthusiasm around the goofiest aquisitions. He gave me a heavy spool of rusted barbed wire which I treasure. We were both esctatic over that wire. I reserve it for only very special projects. Bob's work was immaculately crafted and he worked in many mediums over the years using a wide variety of tools: anything that would help create the vision he held in his head. He was more inventive than most artists. How I loved him - his enormous kindness for everyone, his generosity, his knowledge of architecture, and for his modesty. I am so sorry to lose him. When he married Robin everyone was so thrilled for them. Of course I am REALLY sorry she will not have Bob to play with. You could see how they delighted in each other.

Margaret Jones McBurney

October 24, 2009

Candy and Family, So sorry to read of Bob's passing. Just wanted you to know I'm thinking about you at this sad time. It has been a long time since our paths have crossed but I have happy memories of the deadend gang growing up. May God Bless you and your family.
Margaret Jones McBurney

Pam Derry

October 23, 2009

I am one of Bob's many former students at Bellevue Community College. He was a wonderful mentor and friend. In addition to encouraging my career aspirations in architecture, he introduced me to the Seattle Architecture Foundation. His enthusiasm for architecture was delightful and inspiring. I feel fortunate to have both taken architecture tours from him and later on to have given a tour with him.

Pam Mannino

October 22, 2009

Bob's legacy to me is that buildings have a soul, they speak to us. We can read textbooks and do research all day long but it's also necessary to sit quietly and listen to the unique voice of each space. I'm thankful that I experienced his architecture class, his genuine love of teaching, and his sly, dry wit!

Tracy Tucker

October 20, 2009

I had the honor to have worked with Bob at Bellevue College. His joy and passion he had for his art and students was wonderful. I knew every Valentine's Day, that Bob would give me a Valentine. Bob was always supportive of me professionally. When I think of Bob, I think of Bob sharing his inner happiness with everyone he met.

Shay McBride

October 19, 2009

Bob was my Art teacher at BCC and as I remember, a stickler for details. He was appreciative of ALL points of view, whether he agreed with it or not. He was a gentle man and he dearly loved his job. I will keep what I learned from him forever.

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