Obituary of Albert George PURKISS

July 4, 1929 – Edmonton, Alberta

July 9, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce Albert George “Bud” Purkiss of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020 at the age of 91 years. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. 

Bud was born in Edmonton, AB on July 4, 1929, to Kathleen (Katie) Wells and Albert (Albie) Purkiss. On July 2, 1955, Bud married the love of his life, Elizabeth (Bettylou) Bakewell.  To the family’s delight, they reached their sixty-fifth wedding anniversary on July 2, 2020.

Bud had a long and dedicated career with Imperial Oil starting at the Leduc Oil fields.  After thirty-nine years, he retired in the fall of 1986 and soon after volunteered for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. He stayed very active throughout his long happy retirement. Throughout his life, Bud took great pride in sharing his passion and knowledge of sports. As a young man he played hockey with the Edmonton Maple Leafs Athletic Club and a year with the University of Alberta Golden Bears. Growing up he was a proud member of the Edmonton School Boys Band.  He was also an active curler, golfer and loved both hockey and football.  He coached hockey and soccer for years and mentored young curlers at the Edmonton Hillcrest Curling Club and the Calgary Curling Club among others. A proud curling experience occurred in 1982 when Bud won the Canadian Senior Men’s Silver medal in Charlottetown, PEI. He held the position of president with the Calgary Curling Club in 1989. He also spent many years associated with the Southern Alberta Curling Association including holding the position of president in 1995.  He attended as many sports events as possible to cheer on his children and grandchildren. He was their number one fan! Over the years, Bud was actively involved with the Esso Annuitants Club. Hiking in the mountains was a true passion. 

Together, Bud and Bettylou built many memories with their family, sitting around the evening campfire at Alberta Beach. They also loved to travel to Penticton in the summer and many trips to Hawaii in the winter months. A trip to Malaysia in 2008 was a big highlight for them.

Family and friends were a priority to Bud, and he leaves a lovely family legacy.  He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. We are better for having him as a part of our life!

Besides his loving wife Bettylou, Bud is survived by his children, Kathy (Barry), Jim (Barb), Gayle (Doug), Jeff (Michelle), and Mike (Dianna); fourteen grandchildren, Becca, Nicole, Rachel, Amanda, Jennifer, Jake, Jamie, Jeffrey, Luke, Matthew, Justin, Emma, Michael and Elizabeth; four great-grandchildren, Brielle, Griffin, Lawson and Sullivyn; as well as Dianna’s sons Jordan and Kaelen.

Bud was predeceased by sister Shirley Cowan in 2010. 

Due to Covid-19 and the continued health and safety of our family and friends, a private family celebration will be held.  We thank all our family and friends for their support through this difficult time. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Bud’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2V6 Telephone: (403) 243-9901, www.parkinsonalberta.ca.