Coping with Grief
We would like to offer our sincere support to anyone coping with grief. Enter your email below for our complimentary daily grief messages. Messages run for up to one year and you can stop at any time. Your email will not be used for any other purpose.
A Celebration of Life
for Dave Purvis will be held on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
The gathering will take place outdoors at the Salmon Bay Park Boat Launch (off Goose Cap Crescent, Barrie Island).
This will be a come-and-go event for friends and family.
Along with a chair to relax or fishing pole to cast a line if you'd like, please also feel free to bring a favourite memory or story to share. Light Lunch and a sweets table filled with Dad's favourite treats will be served.
In Loving Memory of
Clarence David Purvis
Better known as Dad, Papa, Dave, Purv, Purple Bear
September 23, 1953 - November 3, 2025
Peacefully, but still tough as they come, our Dad passed at the age of 72, at Health Sciences North, with family by his side.
Beloved father of Christopher Purvis (Becky) and Kelly Harper (Don).
Adoring Papa of grandchildren Briar-Anne, Brennan, Elyse, Charlotte and Emerson.
Born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, the youngest son of Albert Purvis and Alice McGill (predeceased)
and brother to Donald Purvis (predeceased).
Dearly missed by cousins and numerous friends.
Dad spent most of his working life with Purvis Bros. Fisheries, a member of the Auxiliary Coast Guard during his many years as captain. In the time before and after fishing the waters of Georgian Bay, he worked for H&R Noble. Dad also co-operated Graham's Septic Business for a period of time and spent a couple of years out west, working in the potash mines.
An avid hunter and fisherman, we also remember many mornings Dad spent at the Manitoulin Country Club, enjoying a round of golf. Dad was a hobbyist carpenter, crafting beautiful pieces of furniture we use proudly, and an enthusiast of sports and fast cars, especially his Corvette!
He was able to share his love of sports, fishing, history and geography with his grandchildren, proudly watching his family grow through them.
We will miss our personal weatherman, predictor of the seasons, and the steady force that was our Dad. In the memories of his booming laugh, quick wit, and his stern yet caring wisdom, he will carry forward with us always.
A Celebration of Life will be held in early Summer of 2026.
Details to be shared at a later date.
In memory of Dave, memorial donations may be made to
The Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (OFAH)
by cheque to: 4601 Guthrie Dr., Peterborough, Ontario K9J 0C9
or online at: https://theontariofederationofanglersandhu.my.site.com/donation/
or to VON Manitoulin
by cheque to: 5 Duke St., Mindemoya, Ontario P0P 1S0
or online at: https://von.ca/en/donate-von
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clarence David Purvis, please visit our floral store.
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters
4601 Guthrie Dr., Peterborough ON K9J 0C9
Tel: 1-705-748-6324
Email: foundation@ofah.org
Web: http://www.ofahfoundation.org
VON Manitoulin
5 Duke St., Mindemoya ON P0P1S0
Tel: 1-705-377-4225
Web: https://von.ca/en/donate-von