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Brian Purcell Obituary
born January 5, 1973 in Marin Co., California, passed away unexpectedly in Phoenix on Feb. 23. This is a case of an extraordinary man, who faced a difficult battle with depression from which he struggled to find relief. He was a brilliant lawyer, a star athlete, was a proud graduate of UCLA and earned magna cum laude honors from the University of Arizona Law School. He was fun, funny, witty, smart and wonderful with children, especially his nieces and nephew. Charismatic and generous to a fault, he was a pleasure to be around even as this illness slowly eroded his dreams. His death is shocking and indescribably sad for all of us, family, friends, and casual acquaintances alike. He leaves behind his mother, Pamela Ord (Rod), his father, William Purcell (Janet), his brother Jeff Purcell (Lisa), his sister, Lani Vendrick (Marty), his sister Lesli Sims (Mike), his uncle, Steve Purcell, his uncle, Eric Ord (Jenny), his aunt, Suzanne Ord, his aunt, Holly Burgess (Marty), several cousins, nieces and a nephew, step siblings and countless loyal friends who loved him like a brother. We all know that the passage of time will help us feel some semblance of normalcy, but for now we are grieving and praying for some relief from the pain that accompanies the loss of a precious child. There will be a casual celebration of Brian's life on Saturday, March 11, from 10 am until 1:00 pm at Messinger Mortuary, 7601 E. Indian School Rd., Scottsdale. There will a second celebration of life in California where he grew up at a time TBD.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Purcell
Sponsored by Brian's Family.
Laddie Watson
February 25, 2021
My memories of Brian are from my time as a teaching assistant in his 6th grade class at Kenwood School. We were also neighbors! His wonderful mother, Pam, actually let me know about the job opening at the school. We didn't realize that the job would inspire me to pursue a meaningful teaching career! Brian will always be present in my memories as a young man gifted with intelligence, energy and a loving, irrepressible spirit. I would not have expected that depression would
haunt him so deeply in his later life, because he was so outwardly joyful. It is so sadly ironic to realize that Brian could brighten the lives of so many of us, and yet face such a painful inner struggle. I honor that struggle and pray that it awakens compassion in all of us, who were so profoundly touched by Brian's loving heart.
He was a true blessing in this world. I pray he is at peace.
Laddie Watson
February 25, 2018
It was about a year ago that I saw Brian's photo in the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, sharing the sad news of his passing. As a teacher's assistant in Brian's 6th grade class at Kenwood School, I knew Brian as a young man with great personal character and charm. He was bright, kind, and talented, a natural leader among his classmates. As I remember him today, my heart is full of warmth. I so appreciate the openness of Brian's family in sharing his struggle with depression. Brian was a warrior, achieving so much personal success, while carrying the burden of this very challenging and serious illness. I will remember Brian with great love and respect. I send my deep sympathy to Pam and Jeff, and to the rest of Brian's family and friends. I know that Brian's beautiful spirit is alive in all of you.
Susan Kohi
January 17, 2018
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to Brian's family. It is my hope that yu find comfort and healing in the expressions of love from his friends and the memories that will keep him alive always.
Colleague
April 25, 2017
I worked with Brian, and he was as described -- witty, generous, and bright. My sympathies to his family.
Lisa Embury (Shawn)
April 18, 2017
Dear Bill and family, My heart goes out to you as you grieve the loss of your son. He sounds like an amazing person who.touched so many. I hope you are able to find comfort from the wonderful memories you shared together. Condolences, Lisa Embury (Shawn)
Eric Branch
March 16, 2017
I am deeply saddened by Brian's passing. He was truly kind -- such a special quality -- and had a great wit. Praying for his family and many friends as they grieve.
Robin Curley
March 13, 2017
Prayers for moments of comfort in these days. A former Redwood parent -
Hope
March 12, 2017
A colleague and friend at Broening Oberg, a sharp mind matched only by his wit and kindness, and above all else, integrity. Exceptional virtues for an attorney. He was a good guy. My heartfelt sympathy to his family. Brian was special.
D and S T
March 11, 2017
Brian touched many lives, and we are very sorry that he is gone. May all that grieve his loss find peace during this difficult time.
March 11, 2017
Bill, we hold you and your family in our hearts. Brian's loss is too enormous for words. Sending hope for peace and healing.
Tracy Caton & Howard Cummings
Shanelle Hinke
March 11, 2017
My deep condolences to your family.
Chad Beretta
March 11, 2017
From my family to yours we send all our thoughts and prayers. I will never forget all the years spent playing shortstop next to one of the best 3rd baseman I ever played with. Brian is one of the easiest going but hard workers I ever knew. Everyone loves Brian! I have received emails from some friends as far as Australia who remember how great it was to meet Brian and how he touched their lives also. Brian will always be with us RIP brother!
Charitie Hartsig
March 11, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I met Brian several times through friends, and he was charming and funny. My thoughts are with your family.
Matt Werle
March 11, 2017
RIP Purcell. Love ya brother
March 10, 2017
My heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones that we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Larry Davis
March 10, 2017
Bill and Jan, we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with your families.
Larry and Laura
David Smith
March 7, 2017
Bill, I am so sorry. Words cant convey the loss you must feel. I hold your family in our thoughts. Carry the good with you.
Troop
March 7, 2017
Brian was one of my best friends. He was a brilliant person and one of the funniest people i have ever met. I loved being a teammate of his from rvll days to baseball at SRJC. I am deeply saddened by his passing as we all are. He was very well loved by all that knew him. To his family i can only imagine how you feel and i send you all my prayers. He will be missed but never forgotten. I will get a plaque made in his honor to be displayed at RVLL alongside the other great people who left us way too soon. Until we meet again Bri.
Glen Dickey
March 4, 2017
Bill,
I am so sad to hear of your son's passing. It is not right for one to outlive one's offspring! I am very sorry for you on this occasion and can't even imagine the pain of your loss. You are heavy on my mind and in my prayers.
Glen
Alphonso
March 4, 2017
To the family of Brian William Purcell, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm sure you will miss him dearly. Please find comfort in knowing one day we will see our loved ones again. John 6:40. Matthew 5:5.
Brian
March 4, 2017
My condolences. Sorry for your loss.
Please hold those you love close to you and be aware of the warning signs of depression.
Lisa Cicurel-Jones
March 4, 2017
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Sending love to your family at this difficult time. xoxo
Greta
March 3, 2017
I didn't know Brian but was touched by his obituary. My heart breaks for his family. People who suffer from depression truly do suffer. It is a daily struggle. My thoughts are with Brian's family and friends during this very difficult time. Peace be with you.
Julie Vu
March 3, 2017
I am very shocked and saddened to hear of Brian's unexpected passing. I remember him fondly from our days at BOWW and becoming friends with him outside of work. I will always remember his smile and laugh! :)
Gay Lynch
March 3, 2017
We, the Lynch family, hold all of Brian's family in our hearts and we send love each and every day. Gay Ord Pollock Lynch
Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results
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Memorial Events
for Brian Purcell
Mar
11
Celebration of Life
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Messinger Mortuaries- Indian School Mortuary7601 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Funeral services provided by:
Messinger Mortuaries- Indian School Mortuary7601 East Indian School Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
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