Ralph Purvey

Ralph’s wonderful smile, laughter, and sense of humour will never be forgotten. He passed away on February 28th at Stanford Seniors Village in Parksville, where he lived for the last three years.

Ralph was very proud to be born and raised on Vancouver Island. He grew up in Duncan and Nanaimo and, after graduating from high school and a brief stint in the RCAF, he went to work for the PGE/BCRail in the Engineering Department.

He was posted by the railway to Victoria for two years, where he met and married his beloved Barb. Ralph worked for the PGE/BCRail for another 33 years, mostly out of North Vancouver and Prince George.

Everywhere he lived, Ralph got involved with charitable organizations, including the Comox Valley Recovery Centre.

He and Barb moved to Comox after retiring in 1989. For years Ralph coached Junior B hockey but he enjoyed all sports, particularly golf, curling, and great ski trips with family to Mount Baker and Sun Peaks, and with good friends on Big White.

He and Barb travelled widely but Ralph’s favourite destination was always England, where he especially enjoyed the company of locals in country pubs.

Remembering him with love are his wife Barb, son Doug (Deb), daughter Diane (John), five grandchildren Natalie, Andrea (Dan), Ian (Chloe), Gabriel (Lauren), and Taylor (Neil), two greatgrandchildren Oscar and Maddy, his sister Brenda, and his big black cat Mr. Boots.

The family would like to thank the staff at Stanford for all the care and love they showed Ralph in his time there.

Thanks for all the happy memories you’ve given your family and friends.

No service at Ralph’s request. Donations in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer’s Society of BC would be appreciated.