PURVES, Frank Gibson – August 6, 1930 – January 2, 2021
Married to the love of his life, Frances (Wood), for 62 years until her death in 2012, they divided their time between his garden in Richmond Hill and the cottage on Lake Memesagamesing. He could be difficult, stubborn and charming, had a heart of gold and more stories and adventures than the average 90-year-old. Frank became legally blind at 57 and had to retire from the North York Fire Department where he had faithfully served as Firefighter, Captain, District Chief, and Platoon Chief. He began his career with North York Fire on Jan.01,1954, and Retired on May,29 1987, after 34 yrs.
Losing his sight slowed but didn’t stop him. He continued to garden and build projects using a table saw(!). He bought a water slide for his 75th birthday and used it through his 80’s. At 85 he broke a leg jumping from a zip line (he misjudged the distance) and moved to Gravenhurst. At 89 he accidentally dove, headfirst down a flight of cement stairs, buck naked; at 90 he was diagnosed with and quickly succumbed to lung cancer.
He will be sorely missed by his children (who claim his adventures would be much funnier if he were someone else’s father) Wendy (Bob Lambie), Rob (Caroll), Susan (John) and Lynn Newton. Grandchildren Kelly (Jake), Cheryl (Kyle), Elisabeth (Andrew), Jack (Sandie), Joanna, Anthony, Shihan, Lindsay (Chris) and Mitchell and by great grandchildren Sevrin, Fergus, TBD (due February), Lily and Kate.
A celebration of Frank’s life will be held once restrictions have eased. Should you wish to make a charitable donation in memory of Frank, the CNIB or Doctors Without Borders are suggested.
For assistance in making a donation, to leave a message of condolence for the family, or for more information, please visit www.paulfuneralhome.ca or call 705-724-2024.
To send flowers to Frank’s family, please visit our floral store. https://www.paulfuneralhome.ca/obituary/Frank-Purves/sympathy
Our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends from all our Fire Fighter Retiree Groups.
In Solidarity, Retired Toronto Fire Fighters Association I.A.F.F. Local 3888