Norman Purdie

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Norman Joseph Purdie, B.A, M.Ed
February 17, 1931 - December 1, 2024 

After a life well-lived, our father, grandfather, husband, principal, teacher, and friend passed away peacefully in his 94th year at Weston Terrace Care Community after a slow decline in health. 

Childhood friend of his wife of 65 years, Eileen (nee Kelly), devoted father to Anne Morash (Rob), and Mary Stewart (Jeff). Proud Papa to Katherine, Nicholas and Alexandra Morash and Emily and Abigail Stewart. 

He was predeceased by his son, James Purdie (Annie Montrose) and his parents, Thomas, Sr. and Anne (nee McGinley) and five siblings: John, Francis, Thomas, Jr., Rose, and Anita. He is survived by 24 nieces and nephews and his brother-in-law, Fr. Timothy Kelly. 

Born in Amherstburg, Ontario in 1931, Norm graduated from St. Rose High School, University of Windsor, and University of Toronto. A respected and lifelong educator, he taught at St. Michael’s College, Thistletown, Etobicoke Collegiate, before becoming principal at West Humber, Burnhamthorpe and Kingsmill. As a master carpenter, he was proud to win Canadian Home Workshop’s Woodworker of the Year (2004) - a passion he passed onto many either by teaching them or creating for them. Norm and Eileen travelled the world and instilled that curiosity to the rest of the family. Norm taught us to be honest, fair and to work hard at what interests us. He loved his wife and family, was a gentleman and was generous with his time to help others.

The funeral service will be held on Monday December 9th, 2024 at 1:30 PM in the chapel at Ward Funeral Home, 2035 Weston Road, Toronto, with a reception to follow. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, Norm would appreciate knowing that you quietly went on to help another, or if desired, a donation to VOICE for Hearing Impaired Children.   Click Here to Donate. 

Keep the Faith, Papa.