Harold Edward Purvis 1920 ~ 2010
Harold Edward Purvis passed away August 26, 2010 in his home in Sandy, Utah encircled by loving family members and friends. He was born November 8, 1920 in Toulon, Illinois to Jesse Bradley Purvis and Pearl Ruth Elliott Purvis. He married Mildred Mae Ragland on June 28, 1945. They later divorced. He married Caroline Augustus Ward on March 4, 1963. He served in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. Following his discharge, he worked as chief engineer on the President Van Buren and sailed around the world many times. After completing that career, he worked as chief engineer for the City of San Francisco, retiring at age 71. He was a Mason for 51 years. His interest in geography and the cultures of the world enriched his life and lives of all who knew him. Harold was a great storyteller and had countless tales of his youth and travels around the world to share. Each story was a gift to enhance our daily lives. Harold is survived by his daughter, Pamela L. Purvis Pitts (Paul); and granddaughters, Kaija Asha Purvis and Emily Dawn Purvis. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mildred; his second wife, Caroline; his son, Bradley Ragland Purvis, and his sister, Irene Van Meir. Graveside services will be held on Monday, August 30, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. at the Murray City Cemetery, 5600 South and Vine Street (700 East). A viewing will be held at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street in Midvale from 1:00-2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 30, 2010 prior to the graveside services. Great appreciation from the family goes to Steven Rocha, Harold's business associate and good friend for many years. The family also wants to express deep and heartfelt gratitude to Harold's devoted caregivers: Maribel Cabrera, Shelly Christoffersen, Sandy Daniels, Cookie Gallardo, Teresa Gallardo, Stacie Garrett, Rosemary Silva, Charlotte Wallace, and Carlos and Luz Zuniga. They contributed so much to the quality of his life in recent years and they have become more than friends; they are members of our family.