Roderick Russel Purdy

Roderick Russel Purdy, aged 88 years of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 22nd, 2016.  Born in Wiseton, SK on May 6th, 1927, Russel grew up in Saskatoon, SK.  There he met his wife Zella and they married in 1952.  In 1960 they moved to Moose Jaw where Russel started his career at the Saskatchewan Technical Institute in the position of Instructor in the Electrical Department.  He worked in various positions at the Institute, including going to Ghana, West Africa for four years on a government project for the Institute.  He finished his career at the Institute in the position of Vice Principal in 1984.  He took early retirement in order to do contract work for Technical Institutes in Sri Lanka and Pakistan.  Russel had many interests and hobbies throughout his life, and always had a project on the go.  He was very involved in Judo, attaining his Black Belt, assisting in the development of the Judo program in Saskatchewan and spending years in Judo instruction.  Some of his other hobbies and interests included working on his house, garden and beloved fish pond, travelling, photography, music, poetry, philosophy, computers and electronics, and spending time with his family.  Russel was a strong, kind and compassionate man with a wonderful sense of humor.  Respected by his peers and loved dearly by his friends and family, it was an honor to have him in our lives.  He was predeceased by his mother, Irene [MacAskill] Purdy and father, James Purdy.  Russel is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Zella (Thomson) and their six children: Laurie (Rudy) Muzzo and their children Nicole (Stu), James and Nathan; Richard (Leslie) and their children Jason (Melissa) and Jessica; Robin (Marvin) Macauley and their children Erika and Kyle; Douglas (Colleen) and their children James (Sharon), Russell and Christine (Cody); David (Robyn) and their children Matthew and Kaitlyn (Daniel); and Marian (Jay) McIntyre and their children Ryan (Melanie) and Joelle (Kyle).  He is also survived by his sister, Doreen (Otto) Reinke of Calgary, AB; eight great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  The family would like to thank the staff at the Moose Jaw Hospital, Regina Pasqua Hospital, Providence Place and Moose Jaw Extendicare for their care.  In keeping with Russel’s wishes, no Funeral Service will be held.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 175 – 1st Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK S6H 0Y9 or to a charity of your choice.  Condolences may be made by visiting the Moose Jaw Funeral Home website.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Calvin Gammel, Funeral Director 306-693-4550