Paul Purcell

Paul Purcell

Paul Purcell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jun. 8, 2010.
PURCELL , Paul David 1955 - 2010 It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Paul David Purcell. Paulwas born in Halifax, N.S. to Patrick and Verna Purcell. He resided in Calgary, Alberta since 1980, after completing his electrical engineering degree at the Technical University of Nova Scotia and has held various positions in the oil and gas industry. Paul's passion was the great outdoors and being active. He enjoyed hiking, skiing, running, getting out on his bike and capturing those moments through his love of photography. Paul participated in several marathons including the Boston Marathon in 2001. Also, he was an avid sailor, once spending twenty-one days crossing the Atlantic Ocean. His recent trip to Thailand reawakened his love for scuba diving. He was looking forward to a retirement of sailing and travel. Paul loved catching up with his nieces and nephews and being surrounded by his family. He was caring, considerate, very generous, always putting others before himself and will forever be in our hearts and with us always. Paul was predeceased by his father and his grandparents. He is survived by his mother, Verna Purcell, brother Marc Purcell, sister and brother-in-law, Krista and Judson Virtue and his nieces and nephews, Sasha, Melissa, Christopher and Nathan, and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A Memorial and celebration of Paul's life will take place at St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 1102 - 23 Avenue N.W., Calgary, on Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, and in celebration of Paul's life, tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society at 403-205-3966 or email: donorservices@ cancer.ab.ca . Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca . FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM. Telephone: 403-297-0888 Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial

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June 17, 2010

Patsy Jacobs posted to the memorial.

June 14, 2010

Kent Black posted to the memorial.

June 13, 2010

Elva Purcell posted to the memorial.

62 Entries

Patsy Jacobs

June 17, 2010

Dear Verna,
Patsy Jacobs here in Halifax.We just heard of Paul's passing from Gary and Helene.My heart goes out to you for this loss.I can't imagine it's pain and immense weight. I remember your gentle and effective ways at the old Grace and the comments I read here about Paul remind me of you.Please know that many people you both have touched over the years wish they/we could help and can't ,except to pray for you to find what you need to get through this.

Kent Black

June 14, 2010

I first met Paul in the mid 1980's on a company ski trip with Dome Petroleum where we both worked. Over the next 25 or so years I grew to know him professionally and personally, working closely with him as his District Manager for a time with Crestar Energy. Paul was devoted, caring and conscientious both on and off the job. An immensely talented yet so very humble man who's "light up the room" smile and laugh will leave a void in all of our hearts. Farewell my friend, go sail the open seas.

To the Purcell and Virtue families, my heartfelt condolences for the loss of this treasure of a man.

Elva Purcell

June 13, 2010

Verna, Marc and Krista;

My thoughts are with you at this sorrowful time. Paul was a fine person and will certaintly be missed by all.

Sharon & Clary Croft

June 13, 2010

Dear Verna and family:

Our heartfelt condolences to you from some of your family in Nova Scotia. From us all .........

Sharon & Clary Croft

Anne Hazelton

June 11, 2010

Aunt Verna, Krista and Marc;

I was so shocked and saddened to learn of Paul's passing. My hope is that the collective thoughts and prayers sent your way give you some comfort at this very difficult time.

Gord Slemko

June 11, 2010

My sincere condolences to Paul's family. Paul was the newest member of our team and was always happy to help a coworker through a tough project. I had the pleasure of spending a couple of weeks with Paul on a course and he helped organize and keep it on track. He was always willing to sacrifice his time to help the rest of us out.

I wish I had known sooner what an accomplished runner he was. There is much marathon wisdom I would have liked to have learned from him and I am certain he would have been happy to tell. That was the way Paul was - soft spoken and never boastful, even of such accomplishments as running the Boston Marathon and running the Royal Victoria marathon in under 3 hours.

Paul was one of the few people who laughed at my jokes. I'll miss him for that, as well.

My thoughts and prayers are with all the Purcells, Virtues and rest of Paul's family. God Bless.

June 11, 2010

Verna, Marc, Krista, Family, may you have an Angel to give you strength and courage at this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with you, Hold on to all your beautiful memories ! Love and Hugs Mike , Debbie and family, Nova Scotia

June 10, 2010

In memory of a dear young man; our deepest sympathy and condolence. - From Mr. Clifford Cromell Waymth, N.S & Ms. Gaylene Smith (Cromwell)

Bob Wetmore

June 10, 2010

Dear Aunt Verna, Mark and Krista,
Linda and I Cheryl, Roddy and Justin was saddened to hear of Pauls unexpected passing. He was a fine member of our (The Purcells) family and an accomplished engineer like his dad.
He is safe and with his dad now. We are sorry we were unable to attend the funeral. Our thoughts and prayers are with you..God Bless..
The Wetmore Family

Gary Burns

June 10, 2010

Hello Verna, Marc and Krista, our hearts and best wishes go out to you during this time of great loss. Paul was ever the truest and kindest of friends and his unexpected passing has left us much saddened. He was the best man at our wedding, and from all accounts has remained one of the finest men we have had the good fortune to know. We will miss him but will recall him often when walking the forest or watching the waves on the shore.

With prayers and love,
Gary and Helene Burns

June 10, 2010

We had the pleasure of being Paul's neighbour for 12 years and were saddened to hear of his untimely death. Our thoughts are with Verna and the other members of his family. He was a fine person and will be missed.
Joan Gallaway / Brian Wesley

Rev. George Macdonald

June 10, 2010

Verna, Krista, and Marc:
Please know that you and those you love are in my thoughts and prayers.
God bless.
George Macdonald (Rev.), Halifax

Gordon Reich

June 10, 2010

Paul was one of the `pioneering engineers` that wasn't afraid to move out to the field to get the experience needed to become a trusted & respected engineer. He was a group of 4 in our engineering staff w/ Dome Petroleum in High Level in the early 80's and was a pleasure to work with. He was always eager to learn and never afraid to ask. He will be sadly missed. R.I.P.

June 10, 2010

Dear Purcell Family:
I've been recently aware that Paul passed away and want to express our heartfelt thoughts to your family and will catch up with you soon. Our deepest sympathys go out to you all.

Robyn Purcell

Lisa Miocevic (co-worker, ConocoPhillips)

June 10, 2010

There are no words to express my sadness at the sudden loss of Paul. I had the great fortune of working with Paul in the Central Plains Team at ConocoPhillips and will also cherish the great times we shared on a field trip to South Carolina. I will cherish Paul's kindness and humbleness as an example for my own life. Paul's smile at the end of each day, in the elevator, with his backpack on, ready to head home, and wishing me a great night will be with me forever... You'll be greatly missed, Paul.

Della Clarke

June 10, 2010

Dear Mrs. Purcell, Marc, and Krista,

I was so sorry to hear about Paul. Although I hadn't seen him in almost 30 years, I remember him exactly as he has been described--such a great guy!

My condolences,
Della Clarke

Annabelle Cameron

June 10, 2010

Thinking of all of you at this very sad time. It was nothing short of a pleasure to have met Paul and spend even the short time we did together. A life worth celebrating.

Kevin Mullie

June 10, 2010

Paul, I always respected your opinion as "the old guy" in our youg team at Crestar. I learned a lot from you.

Rest in Peace.

Kevin and Barb Mullie and family.

Carol Secord

June 10, 2010

Dear Verna and family:
We were saddened to read of Paul's death and wanted you all to know you are in our thought and prayers at this time. With love, Clarence, Carol, Rick & Chris

David Yee, Derek & Rich Holst & Staff of PHH

June 10, 2010

We were shocked and saddened to hear of Paul's passing. He was a good friend of ours and the company and we will miss him dearly. Our sympathies to the family.

Eric Kennedy

June 10, 2010

Although I only met Paul a couple of times, I could tell he was a great man. His heart was filled with love for family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. My deepest condolences.

Mary (Brunt) Purcell

June 10, 2010

Dear Verna, Mark, Krista and Jud:
So very sorry to hear about Paul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. For the short time I knew Paul, he was always very kind and considerate. In keeping with the rest of his family. So sorry for your loss.

Michelle & Curtis Atkinson

June 9, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I hope the happy memories of Paul will bring you some comfort.

John Cameron

June 9, 2010

Dear Verna and family,
I was saddened to hear of Paul's sudden passing. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Al Hollett

June 9, 2010

"Hi Mark and all .. feeling sad for you here as well .. hope you're making out ok .. take care .. Al, Darlene, Sara ..."

June 9, 2010

Paul was a valued member of our work team. We admired his dedication and commitment. He was a kind and trusted co-worker and friend and we will dearly miss him. Our deepest sympathies to his family.

The Battle River Team
ConocoPhillips

Brad Braun

June 9, 2010

I want to pass on my sincere condolences.

I had the pleasure of getting to know Paul back a long time ago. We both worked for Amoco. I was a production engineer, Paul was my reservoir engineer. Paul was always a quiet, competent, diligent co-worker. He was the consummate nice guy!

Paul got me into running. Paul was always faster than me. If I pushed the pace, he would always match it. We had fun. I looked forward to going out for a run with Paul.

I am a better person for knowing Paul. He always brightened my day. He was smart, insightful, kind, caring and considerate. He was a wonderful man.

I’ll miss him.

Love John, Cindy & Ryan MacKay

June 9, 2010

Aunt Verna and family
The saddness and lost you are feeling now must be very overwhelming and our hearts out to you. Even though we can't be there please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Love John, Cindy and Ryan MacKay (Truro, N.S.)

Lisa Purcell

June 9, 2010

Dear Aunt Verna, Marc, Krista and family;

There are no words at this time that could possibly ease your pain and confusion but please know that Paul has been in my thoughts since I was informed of his passing.

Although a 'little cousin', I remember many happy times in the Cove that not only involved my siblings but also involved my cousins including Paul. I remember playing 'kick the can' in mom and dad's yard; playing red rover in Nan's yard; skating on 'Barry's Pond'; digging for cordite in 'Cordite Cove'; playing on the shore and the wreck. I remember Paul being very unassuming, gentle and kind. At the family reunion in 2002, I got to see his great sense of humour and his lightheartedness.

Embrace the memories of Paul during this difficult time. Allow yourself to greive - cry, get angry, laugh, scream....keep living.....Paul would want you to live every moment. He is with you in spirit.

All my love,

Lisa

Kelty Cusack, Geologist

June 9, 2010

I will always remember Paul as intelligent and helpful, a truly kind person. Even though he didn't work directly with me, he always took time out of his day whenever I had a question or a problem I needed help with. I hope that I can follow his example of hard work, integrity, and generosity.

Heidi Riad

June 9, 2010

I met Paul at ConocoPhillips and remember him as a gentle soul with a beautiful smile, always with a joyful spring in his step. My sincere condolences to his family.

Debbie Everson

June 9, 2010

My deepest sympathies to Paul's family. I worked with Paul a short time while he was a reservoir engineer with the Central Plains Team and remember him as such a pleasant, kind and humble man.

Sincerely,
Debbie Everson
Investment Analyst, ConocoPhillips

Trevor Marr

June 9, 2010

Sorry Paul and Family, we would always say hi when passing in the halls or elevators of GCS... he was a good person.

Anh Duong

June 9, 2010

My sincerest condolences to all Paul's family. I have known Paul since Crestar Energy merged with Gulf Canada in 2000 but I just had a chance to work with him recently. We, members of his last group at ConocoPhillips, will miss his diligence, integrity, and skills.

Mike & Vicki Wetmore

June 9, 2010

Dear Aunt Verna, Marc, Krista & Jud and family:

As I write this note it is with much emotion and deep sadness. The news that we received this week was both unbelievable and unimaginable. You must know that Vicki and I are saddened beyond belief. We can only imagine how devastating this loss must be for all of you.

To ease the sadness, I have spent the last few days reflecting on the happy times we spent together with Paul, both as children and in later life. Portuguese Cove, what a wonderful place to grow up … in the west, ski visits, Christmas holidays or just spending time together reminiscing and always with much laughter.

My reflections have also reminded me that life is so very fragile and that we must all remember to cherish each new day and be thankful for family and friends and all the blessings that have been bestowed upon each of us in our lives.

We all know that a time will come when God calls us back to help Him fulfill his plan.

For Paul, this time has come. Although we may not understand His decisions or His plans, I do know that if God was in need of a kind and gentle soul, he got his man. He was one special person and he will live on in our memories for a very long time.

Paul may have been my cousin but in truth he was our friend and we will miss him.

Rest well my friend, until we meet again…

Paul Slobodnik

June 9, 2010

I had the pleasure or working with Paul - he was really a terrific guy and will be missed! Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. Rest in Peace Paul.

June 9, 2010

Krista, Judd, Marc and Verna:

I just wanted to pass along my sincere condolences. I only knew Paul for a short time, but what delightful company he was. It was great to see him at the Purcell family reunion and to see how much fun he had being surrounded by his family (not to mention being chased by one of the local ladies). My thoughts and the thoughts of MacIntyre clan are with you.
John MacIntyre

Judy Purcell

June 9, 2010

Hello Aunt Verna, Marc, Krista, Jud, and children:

My deepest sympathies to all of you. What an extremely difficult time and I wish I could be there with you. I am very glad that I got to spend Christmas out in Calgary three years ago and enjoy some time with all of you and Paul. I especially remember his thoughtfulness when he chose a gift for Sonya and Eva. He was a great guy with a big heart. He will be truly missed by all of us. Take care,

Judy

June 9, 2010

Dear Marc, Verna and Family,

I only met Paul once over 20 years ago but it proves what a lovely soul he was as I can clearly remember his sweet manor and charm. I cannot imagine the deepth of your sorrow at this time - my prayers are with you.

My condolences,
Catherine Thompson (Renouf), Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

June 9, 2010

Dear Aunt Verna, Marc and Krista:

We were all very shocked and saddened to hear about Paul's passing.
Please know that you are all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers.
We wish we could be there with you, although the miles between us are many, in our thoughts we will be standing beside you through this most difficult time.

Our Love to you all!

Donna, Linda, Marion Lee, Barry, Debbie and Wendy (Purcell)
(Don and Marion Purcell's children)
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Danny Purcell

June 9, 2010

Hello Aunt Verna, Marc and Krista. We are deeply saddened by this tragic, unexpected loss of Paul. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult, confusing time. Take care of one another.

Love Danny, Tina and Emelyn

Margaret Vrielink

June 8, 2010

I knew Paul for only a short time years ago, but his generosity of spirit & kindness left an imprint on my soul. He was a bright light on the earth. My deepest condolences to your family.

June 8, 2010

Dear Verna and Marc,

We're sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Helen & Yvon Morissette (Ann's sister and brother-in-law)

June 8, 2010

Dear Marc, Verna , and family,
I walked yesterday evening, between Duncans Cove & Portuguese Cove, and my heart & thoughts are with you from here,
xox Dominique
talk to you soon

Mark & Christie Chalmers

June 8, 2010

Please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss.

Audrie Cossar

June 8, 2010

Dear Verna:
I was very sorry to hear of Paul's death. May our God of comfort hold you close in these days. Deepest sympathy.

Kyle Durocher

June 8, 2010

Paul was a great friend and colleague. He'll be missed by all who knew him as he left an indelible positive impression on everyone who's path he crossed. Thanks for the memories and rest in peace Paul.

Mert Brown

June 8, 2010

Very sorry to hear this news. Paul was fun and plessure to work with. He was the type of engineer that you enjoyed doing projects with. Sorry for your loss.

June 8, 2010

Dear Verna: I was sadden to hear of your son Paul's passing. Words fall me at this time but you and your family will be in our prayers. May God surround you with His love. Carolyn & Don Woodrow

June 8, 2010

Dear Verna, Marc and Krista,
No words can convey how sorry I am to hear of the loss of Paul's life. Although I only met him a couple of times, I knew he was a bright light here on this earth. His spirit will live on.
With deepest sympathy,
Karen Simpson ( Lee's sister)

David Schoderbek

June 8, 2010

Paul was a superior engineer, generous and productive teammate, and a fun fieldtrip companion. His passing is a terrible loss, but know that he was loved and respected by many friends.
Vaya con Dios, Pablo!

The Rennick family

June 8, 2010

Dear Verna, Krista, Judd and Marc. It was with very great sadness that we learned of Paul's passing. He was such a kind person and gentle soul, and wonderful caring Uncle to Sasha and Melissa. I know they will miss him very much. Please accept our deepest condolences. The Rennick family

Phyllis Lindsay

June 8, 2010

Paul touched my life through work and running.

Crestar Alumni

June 8, 2010

It is with great sadness we hear of your sudden loss. A number of us worked closely with Paul at Crestar in his variety of technical roles and his charm, friendliness and generosity will be sadly missed.

Sincere condolences go out to his family and friends as our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

With Sympathy ..
from all of us

D M

June 8, 2010

Paul, may you rest in peace.

Connie Hutchison

June 8, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man, and a professional in all that he did. He will be missed.

John Campbell

June 8, 2010

My sincere condolensces to all Paul's family. Paul and I were in the group that left Amoco to form Crestar Energy. I worked alongside and directly with him for many years. We will all miss his quiet diligence, his integrity and ability.

Sherelanne Purcell

June 8, 2010

Hello Aunt Verna, Marc, Krista, Jud and kids:

If it's any consolation, Paul could not have been blessed by a more wonderful and caring family. As good as he was to all of you, I'm sure he experienced the same in return.

I think of him everyday in this very difficult period and hope that all of you are healing and are able to concentrate on the best of Paul's life. What I remember most about Paul was his quiet humour and his ability to make everyone he encountered feel special.

Take care,

Love Sherelanne

June Hamm

June 8, 2010

Dear Paul,
I miss you already. I was so fortunate to have you as my friend. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.

ian greig

June 8, 2010

Hello Mark This is very sad news, please come by to vist if you're down home this summer...ian

Van Verbecky

June 8, 2010

Paul had many friends all over the country. He will be missed by them all.It's great to see enjoyed life, this should be an inspiration to us all.

Joanne Fawcett

June 8, 2010

Aunt Verna Krista and Mark..I was so sad to hear of Paul's passing...I have so many fond memories of him as we grew up together and so wish I could be with you..Jack and I would like you to know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time .

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June 17, 2010

Patsy Jacobs posted to the memorial.

June 14, 2010

Kent Black posted to the memorial.

June 13, 2010

Elva Purcell posted to the memorial.