Obituary of Gary Donald Purser
It’s with heavy hearts that we announce that after a brief illness, Gary Donald Purser passed away on Monday, January 22nd, 2024 at 4:20pm.
His legacy is carried on by his Bride, Debra and his 4 amazing Children, Brody Purser (Alison), Matthew Purser (Nicci), Sarah Wasiukow (Mike), and Tyler French (Sheri). His Grandchildren, Ryan, Caitlin, Meghan, Myla, Nolan, Carter, Cooper, Eric, and Shelby will forever miss their “Papa”. Also survived by his big Brothers Alan Purser (Judi), Stuart Purser (Alice), his mother-in-law Emma Van Kruistum, and 5 nieces, 2 nephews and their families. He is predeceased by his loving parents Jack and Ilene (Petch) Purser.
Gary was born in Toronto on January 9th, 1954, where he lived until moving to Mount Brydges in 1982.
Gary spent 40 years as a respected insurance claims professional, retiring in 2019. We can’t begin to explain how many lives he touched in the course of his career.
He cherished his many, many friends. His kindness and loyalty created lifelong friendships. You know who you are, and you all made his life richer.
Gary loved to play hockey and was well known for waiting in front of the net to slip in a goal. His friends from the Old Bulls and Mount Brydges hockey will always remember the laughs they shared in the locker room. He was a passionate follower of the Toronto Maple Leafs and would have appreciated another Stanley Cup in his lifetime.
He was devoted to music and playing his guitar “Larry”. Friday night jams were treasured and his fellow musicians in Tequila Mockingbird and The Undecided, will forever miss hearing him sing Pretty Good Guy.
Gary leaves behind a multitude of friends from across Canada and the U.S., as part of the Fred Head family. Thank you for the memories. Remember that when you sing, you pray twice.
Thank you to Heidi and Dr. Taylor at the Southwest Medical Centre and Dan at CDS Pharmacy. Also thanks to the caring staff at Strathroy General Hospital and the Palliative Care Team.
We are eternally grateful to Gary’s liver donor and to Dr. Paul Adams and Paul Myers at the Multi-Organ Transplant Unit at London Health Sciences Centre. Thank you for the Gift of 10 wonderful years that we would not have had if not for you. If you are not an organ donor, please consider it. You can save up to 8 lives through your generosity.
At Gary’s request cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Gary’s Life will be held on Sunday, January 28th, 2024 at The Royal Canadian Legion Br. 598, 11577 Longwoods Road, Delaware from 1 - 4 pm.
Donations gratefully accepted to the Multi-Organ Transplant Unit at LHSC, London Health Sciences Foundation 747 Baseline Rd. E., London, ON N6C 2R6, www.lhsf.ca –“Be a Hero”, or the charity of your choice.
Elliott-Madill Funeral Home, Mount Brydges 519-264-1100 entrusted with arrangements. www.elliott-madill.com
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