Obituary of Rev. Ray Purchase, Glace Bay

Rev. Ray Purchase

Glace Bay / Ottawa

 

With deep regret, the Purchase family acknowledges the death of Rev. Samuel Raymond Purchase on June 10, 2018 in Ottawa, at the blessed age of 100.

Born September 23, 1917 in Charles Brook NL, he was called to the ministry at an early age and went on to serve many United Church congregations in the Atlantic region, Glovertown, Curling, and Bay Roberts NL, Newcastle, Woodstock N.B, Glace Bay and Sydney River N.S. 

He was a renaissance man; a free thinker, jack of all trades.  He freely supported interdenominational, inclusive worship, same sex marriage, and gender equality, in a time when such ideas could divide a congregation. He was a poet, artist, musician, gardener, salmon fisherman and avid reader. Rev. Ray was known for his ability to get the utmost attention from his congregation with his impressive 15 minute sermons.  He loved the church, and with Elsie, shared a profound love for the people of the communities they served.

Rev. Ray is survived by his children; Elayne Bonnell (Ray) Ottawa, ON., Peter Purchase (Flora) Goose Bay, Labrador and Joanne Renaud, Mahone Bay, NS. He was blessed with grandchildren: Aaron, Evan, John, Mark, and great-grandchildren: Dahlia, Owen, Penelope, Christopher, and Pauly Jordyn.

He is also survived by nephew Franklin Purchase (Cathy) and great-nephews Craig Purchase (Julie), Kevin Purchase in NL, and Sister- in- Law Grace Harris, N.B. 

He is predeceased by his wife Elsie (2001), son-in-law Maurice Renaud (2015).

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Knox United Church, Glace Bay, N.S. on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. We welcome memorial donations to Knox United Church or the Mission and Service Fund, United Church of Canada. 

Cremation has taken place. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at the V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home Website, Glace Bay: www.vjmcgillivray.ca

 

“One day when my journey is done,

when by the power of the sun,

I am carried forth as snow or rain

to mountain top, or low terrain,

there, I will experience second birth.

Another chance to renew the earth”.

 

Rev. S.R. Purchase 1991