JOHN 'DUNCAN' PURDY

Funeral service for the late John ‘Duncan’ Purdy, 78, formerly of Pinevale, Antigonish County, was held July 27 in St. Andrews Church, St. Andrews, with Deacon Art Riley officiating.

Mr. Purdy died July 20, 2019, in High-Crest Sherbrooke Home for Special Care.

Readers at the funeral Mass were Darryl Purdy, Shawn Purdy and Brendan Hemens. Music was provided by Dorothy Ludlow and Tyrus Wallace.

Active pallbearers were John Kenny, Moira Hemens, Rory Kenny and Shamus Purdy.

Honorary pallbearers were Ashley Purdy, Justine Kenny, Chloe Hemens, Paul Hemens, Willow Hemens, Breagha Purdy, Aislinn Purdy and Zoe Purdy.

Born in Timmons, Ontario, he was a son of the late Margaret ‘Peggy’ (MacDonald) and Robert Purdy. He had a diverse career, working as a police officer in Antigonish, a truck driver, silviculturist, school bus driver, machine operator and taxi driver. While working at Stora, he gained the nickname ‘6/49’ because of his retirement plan. Growing up on a farm, he had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley (MacPherson); five children, Shawn (Brandy Martel), Ottawa; Tracey, Limoges, Ontario; Kelly (Brendan) Hemens, Edmonton; Darryl (Stacey MacNeil), Montreal; Stephanie (Chad Fraser), Coquitlam, British Columbia; 12 grandchildren, Ashley, John, Justine, Rory, Chloe, Paul, Moira, Willow, Shamus, Breagha, Aislinn, Zoe; sister, Mary Lee, Vancouver; brother, Angus (Margie), Antigonish.

He was predeceased by brother, Gene.

Memorial donations may be made to the Antigonish Food Bank. 

Online condolences:  www.clcurry.com