Michael A. Purington

Michael A. Purington

Colrain, MA - Michael A. Purington, 75, of Colrain, MA, passed away peacefully on February 27, 2026 surrounded by his wife and two children.

Born on April 6, 1950 in Greenfield, MA, Michael was the son of Walter and Lillian (Joy) Purington. He grew up in Colrain, attending Colrain Central School, Arms Academy, and was a member of the first graduating class of Mohawk Trail Regional School in 1968.

Enlisting in the Navy in 1968, he served 3 years, mostly on the USS Ajax battleship and the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. He was able to enjoy visits to Japan and Hong Kong while overseas. He returned home to work at Kendall Mills for many years. Afterwards, he was employed in jobs where he could enjoy nature; logging, stonework, tree work with Blue Sky, among other opportunities.

Michael has always had a deep love and respect of nature. He knew the expansive woods behind his family home intimately. On a walk, he often pointed out specific landmarks with a story or memory. He could see the beauty in nature and produced natural stone birdbaths and beautiful wood turned bowls. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was certified as a Maine Guide during his few years living in Ripley, ME. He carried fond memories of fishing in Homer, AK with his father and Uncle Richard as well as bear hunting in MI, VT and MA. Long rides by muleback, whether for hunting or pleasure, allowed Michael and others to go far off the beaten path bringing him great joy.

Since retirement in 2018, he spent a great deal of time feeding and watching the birds as well as working in his garden, including tending his beloved fruit trees. He loved to share his passion for gardening projects, especially biochar and bark mulching. He also enjoyed sharing any plants or produce with others.

Michael leaves behind his wife of 38 years, Jana (Gallup) and children, Ellen of Ashfield, MA and Lou of Brooklyn, NY.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Lillian, and his brother, Tim.

He is survived by his siblings, Donna MacLeay (Doug) of Colrain, Joan Powell of Shelburne Falls, Lee Purington of Fairbanks, AK, his aunt, Peggy Phelan of Dallas, OR, his uncle, Richard Purington of Homer AK, cousins and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to express great gratitude for the care given at Baystate Franklin ER, the VA Medical Center at White River Junction, and the VA staff at the Brattleboro clinic.

In lieu of flowers, we ask others to consider spending time enjoying the outdoors whether hiking, gardening, bird watching or simply sitting peacefully.

A Celebration of Life for Michael will be held on April 25, 2026 at 1pm at the Colrain Community Church, 306 Main Rd., Colrain, MA.