Thomas William Purcell

PURCELL Thomas William After a fall, followed by pneumonia, Tom Purcell slipped away on January 14, 2009. Tom was born in Paswegin, Saskatchewan on November 27, 1914. Tom was predeceased by his parents Rose and George Purcell; his two sisters Rosalind Townend (Fred) and Georgia McQuire (Andy); his two brothers John (missing off the coast of Norway in WWII), and Ted Purcell (overseas WWII). He is survived by his son Gerald (Jerry) Purcell of Laughlin, NV and several nieces and nephews. As a young man Tom enjoyed sports - especially baseball and hockey. Being Irish he loved to sing and dance and he belonged to a square dance club in his eighties. He taught school in Saskatchewan, then joined the RCAF in 1941, served overseas, discharged in 1945, then taught school in Coquitlam, BC. In 2001 Tom moved into the George Derby Centre, was soon introduced to the craft room and weaved many beautiful place mats, scarves, runners and cushions. He met many fine people and even had the occasional game of pool. He soon called George Derby Centre his home and was grateful to the staff and workers for the care he received. He reciprocated with generous donations to the Centre towards the purchase of much-needed mobility equipment. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, February 12, 2009, in the Chapel at the George Derby Centre, 7550 Cumberland Street, Burnaby, BC.