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Father Dean Purdy

December-08-1935 - January-19-2024

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The Ven. Noel Wygiera posted a condolence

Sunday, January 28, 2024

My first memories of being in church are from St. Mary Anglican Church in Russell. Fr. Dean was our parish priest. I remember him giving me little jobs to do during the service. Although I am now sure that it was a distraction technique to keep me from getting into mischief, it did help me to feel like I belonged there. Perhaps it planted a seed as I myself have been a parish priest for the last 25 years. Thank you Fr. Dean. Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory. The Ven. Noel Wygiera Archdeacon of Rocky Mountain

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Marie White posted a condolence

Friday, January 26, 2024

Father Dean Purdy was a wonderful Priest and a wonderful man. We had him Lanark and he always greeted you with a smile and by name. When I moved to Perth and if he was there he would always take the time to greet you.plan on going to the Funeral and paying my Respect to him but weather was against us.Rest inPeace Father

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Bishop Peter R Coffin posted a condolence

Thursday, January 25, 2024

I have so many fond memories of Dean, as a wonderful colleague and a truly pastoral priest with a great sense of humour. He is so fondly remembered in the Anglican Parishes that he served and later in the Roman Catholic parishes. He was very much a pastor and highly regarded and loved. Helen, if it were not for inclement weather and my age I would be there for his funeral but will remember him and you and your family at the Eucharist in our parish in the Anglican Diocese of Ottawa. Thinking of you and giving thanks for Dean. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing. Peter R. Coffin - Retired Anglican Bishop of Ottawa.

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Jim & Rollie O'Brien posted a condolence

Thursday, January 25, 2024

So sorry for your loss. We do remember him very well. His positive and send of humour. Good times at family gatherings on Dempsey Ave. Jim & Rollie O'Brien

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Ellen MacLellan posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Dear Helen and family, Joe and I were saddened with the news of Father Dean’s passing. We were so blessed to have him as our priest in Spencerville and he will be forever in our hearts. He brought so much joy to our little church and got everyone singing again. May he rest in eternal peace in the loving arms of his Lord and Saviour and may our Blessed Mother comfort you and your family. Sending our heartfelt condolences. Ellen and Joe MacLellan

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Pauline Smith posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Dear Helen, We are so very sad that we lost our dear Fr. Dean and we send our deepest condolences to you and your family. He was a wonderful priest and an exceptional human being - a kind, humble and holy man and an example for all who knew him. I can still hear him singing "Praise God, Praise God" at the end of our Amazing Grace hymn at St. Laurence O'Toole. We can truly say that he fought the good fight, that he finished the race and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7). Rest In Peace in God's loving arms, Fr. Dean. You will be so missed. Pauline & Jack Smith

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John Kerr posted a condolence

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Aunt Helen - Uncle Dean was not only my "Godfather" but was always a inspiration to me during my years away at University. I will miss his smiles and quirky laugh at my bad jokes :-) Hugs John, Kim, Amanda and Melissa Kerr

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Donnalyn McClymont posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

To Helen and family, my sisters and I were very saddened to learn of Father Dean's passing. Our mother Evelyn McClymont was a childhood friend of Father Dean's and we were doubly blessed to have had him as our Minister at St. Jame's Church in Carp. I have very fond childhood memories of spending time at the manse as well as the cottage in Smiths Falls with Calvin, Jenny and Laura. The Purdy's were always very warm and welcoming - with Helen's constant patience of Jobe. I was very grateful to Father Dean for giving the supper prayer at my wedding. It meant a great deal to me and my mom. I draw comfort in knowing that Father Dean and my mom are enjoying time in Heaven, catching up on loved ones and sharing a quick wit. To the Purdy family, thank you for sharing Father Dean with his devoted parishioners. God's work is the highest calling in our earthly world but as with any true calling it requires a supportive and loving family. I remember some challenging times for our family and Father Dean did his level best to be there for us with his prayers and guidance. I hope your memories of him will provide you comfort and peace in the days, months and years to come. Love always, Donnalyn McClymont.

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Dave and Andreanne MacNeill posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

My husband Dave and myself, Andreanne, want to express our sincere condolences and prayers to the family of Father Dean. May the cherished memories of Father Dean bring you comfort during this difficult time. Reading Father Dean's elogy, I realized that he was a remarkable person who touched many lives significantly. May his spirit of love and wisdom continue to guide you, even in his absence. My heart goes out especially to his sister Dianne and her children, to whom my family was very close during childhood. We share in your sorrow and offer our unwavering support during this time of grief. Dianne, Kristine, Kimberly and David, I'm just a phone call & a flight away, please lean on me whenever you need to.

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Elaine M. Rakchaev posted a condolence

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Dear Helen and family. I was so saddened to hear of Fr. Dean's passing. On the other hand it was a passing not just from this life but into the next. I remember when he first came to Sacred Heart of Jesus parish in Lanark. His homilies seldom needed notes as he truly spoke from the heart. He was always so excited to share his joy in the Lord and it became his trademark to keep his watch nearby so he wouldn't run into too much "overtime". His love of the Lord and Mary were always evident and now he is rejoicing in Their gentle arms. My prayers are with you as you mourn your loss. Elaine M. Rakchaev

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Huguette Hanrahan posted a condolence

Monday, January 22, 2024

Dear Helen and family,My deepest condolences to you on the loss of such a faithful servant of God.He was an example as a priest.Sending my love & prayers to your family.

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Tony Noonan posted a condolence

Monday, January 22, 2024

Dear Lady Helen and family, we were so sorry to hear about Father Deans' passing. We have wonderful memories of both of you with the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus and especially with Fr. Dean when he was a Parish Priest at St Vincent du Paul Church , Bathurst. His sharp wit and infectious smile and laugh will be always remembered. He was a kind soul and generous to all people that he touched in his lifetime. You are in our prayers and thoughts. Sir Knight Tony and Lady Jackalyn Noonan Former Master 1st Ontario District and P.F.N. of Archbishop J L Wilhelm Assembly 2783, Smiths Falls, On. Knights of Columbus

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Mark Ruckpaul posted a condolence

Monday, January 22, 2024

Fr. Dean was a good friend... a faithful and humble soul... a beautiful soul. Of course, he still is, only more so than ever. I consider myself greatly blessed to have known him and Helen in this life. I feel sorrow for his departure, but am glad that he now rests in the Father's embrace. Pain, sorrow, and trouble are a thing of the past. His immense newfound joy is one more reason to look forward to the eternity of God's heaven. Blessings and condolences to Helen and the family. Fr. Mark, JMJ

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Carol Stanzel posted a condolence

Monday, January 22, 2024

My memories of Father Dean go a long way back, when I joined the Anglican Church in 1968. Then, in 2001, I decided I would like to pursue the dream of becoming a Roman Catholic, and Father Dean was, by that time, a Catholic himself, and was there to assist Father Brian McNally in bringing the Catholic Faith, and all the beautiful traditions and practices, to life for me. I will always remember Father Dean for his tremendous faith, his genuine love for all human beings, and his quiet sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. My condolences go out to you, Helen, and your family, in this time of great loss. But I know that your faith will carry you through, and that Father Dean's reward will be great as he goes to his promised inheritance.

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Pauline Aunger posted a condolence

Monday, January 22, 2024

Helen, and family - our sincere condolences on the passing of Father Dean. His faith was amazing and we mourn his death but are comforted in knowing that he is with the Lord - Pauline & Peter

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Doris Quinn posted a condolence

Monday, January 22, 2024

My most sincere condolences go out to Helen and all the family in their sad time with the passing of Rev. Father Dean. Father Dean was our much loved Pastor at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Lanark and often at St. Patricks Church in Ferguson’s Falls. Father Dean always took time to hear you, a great listener. A Shining Star now at rest in the arms of our Saviour.

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Lorne G Sheridan posted a condolence

Monday, January 22, 2024

We both want to express our most sincere condolences to Helen and all of her and Dean's family on this very sad news. On a personal note Dean helped me turn my life around with recruiting me into being a server and his Young Peoples club where I first met my now present wife of 18 years. I have always felt that Dean was always there to listen. May Dean rest in peace. Very sincerely Lorne Sheridan and Marian Clark

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Sharon Buffett posted a condolence

Monday, January 22, 2024

I knew Fr. Dean through my position as Assistant to the Chancellor, at the Archdiocese. I wish to extend my deepest sympathy to Helen, his children and grandchildren, and all his fellow priests. May he rest in eternal peace and may perpetual light shine upon him. Rest in peace, Fr. Purdy. Sharon Buffett

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Don & Elaine Smith uploaded photo(s)

Sunday, January 21, 2024

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Father Dean will forever live in our hearts and in our memories. Here are a few special photo memories: The Cornwall Farewell at Good Shepherd Hall (2), Don & Elaine's farewell dinner with Dean & Helen (2), Dean's (Catholic) Ordination (4), Cornwall Rosary Group gift at Ordination Reception at the hall (2) and the Cornwall guys at the Purdy residence after the Ordination (1).

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Michael Quigley and the Quigley Family posted a condolence

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Thinking and praying for Helen and the Purdy family with Fr. Dean's passing. He worked tirelessly to fulfill his faithful duties in our community. We will continue to feel the long lasting impact of his generosity and faith. God bless you Father Dean.

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Shelley Stepanuik posted a condolence

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Helen, please know I am praying for you all. My sincerest condolences to you...even in the joy of knowing where Fr.Dean has now gone, there is the very human grief and loss still to walk through as those left behind. Please reach out anytime. My email is the same. Hugs and prayers to you. xo Shelley

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Brenda posted a condolence

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Sending many hugs full of condolences and love from Stephen Brenda Brad and Kendall Kerr

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The family of Father Dean Purdy uploaded a photo

Sunday, January 21, 2024

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