Michael Gillis Purcell
It is with broken hearts that we say goodbye to Michael Gillis Purcell who passed away suddenly April 16, 2017 at age 57
Michael was born and raised in Montreal’s West Island, where he developed a passion for the Habs and the Expos, a flair for speaking French and an appreciation for fine food and beautiful women. Upon graduating from Concordia University he followed in his father’s footsteps and began work in the paper business, which brought him to his adopted home town of Toronto, and closer to the Purcell fishing cabin at Eels Lake, where many memorable experiences unfolded.
He impressed clients with his enthusiasm and unfailing dedication to customer service. With his warmth and humour his many clients became longtime friends. Michael was known for his generous nature; he would go above and beyond to help friends who needed a shoulder to cry on, or a good laugh. In his younger years Michael was an avid curler, although he was better known for his after-game celebrations than his on-ice performance. Michael always looked at the bright side of things and never dwelled on the difficulties he was facing.
Michael was predeceased by his father Peter. He leaves to mourn his mother, Barbara (Morrison), his sisters Kelly (Danny O’Gallagher) and Kathy (Mike Phipps), his brother Kevin (Susan Bozyk, and ‘big sister’ Auntie Kate (Cathie Sabourin) as well as his son Forrest Andrechuk , his niece, nephews, aunts and cousins. Please join the family in sharing stories and celebrating his life on Saturday, April 29th from 2-4 at Scott’s Funeral Home (420 Dundas Street East Mississauga). The family wishes that in lieu of flowers, that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in Mike’s memory.
Adam Kedzierski
I’m so sorry to hear that Mike is no longer with us. He has been such a good person with extremely good personality and heart.
J.P.Renaud
To Barb and the whole family,
Denise and I offer our deepest condolences and wish for the greatest of courage to all in this shocking situation. He will be in our prayers for the rest of the week.
J.P.
Diana Simas
To the whole family, my deepest condolences.
Diana (Estacio) Simas
Ben Robillard
I was taught how to play hearts by Mike and Kevin while sitting around the Purcell family kitchen table. There may have been a few beers involved.
My sincere condolences to the entire family and may Mike rest in peace.
Tony and Jan Stavert
Our prayers are with you. Tony and Jan Stavert
Maureen Robertson
So many good memories of this fun loving man. Good times in BC with mom Barb and little sister Kathy. Condolences the the entire family. Robert and maureen and family
Ryan Reid
Having had met Mike through a friend, we spoke only a dozen times times but I can tell you that nobody could ever deny what a wonderfully kind man he was. Very sorry to hear of your loss.
Gerry Routledge
I am so sorry to hear about Mike’s death. His curling career in Montreal will always fill me with wonderful memories. Rest easy my old friend. I hope the family can take solace in the fact that no one can think of Mike without a smile on their face.
Sheri Ann Ramana
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.
Mike was a very good and special friend to me. He was so kind and generous to us here at APP Canada. He had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone if they asked. He was honestly the person that would give you the last $20.00 in his pocket if you needed it.
Mike we love you buddy and you will never be forgotten. APP Canada will not be the same without you. You truly will be missed. May you rest in peace!
Steve Mills
When I met Mike at Abitibi Price in Toronto in early 1983,it was clear that he was a unique and special individual.We have all lost a great man and friend way too soon.My condolences to his entire family.
See you at our next stop buddy!
Steve Mills
Derek Thompson
Mike was a Great Person and he will be Missed by the entire IOP Team.
Bill and Jackie (Gregory) Culbert
To Barb and family. We offer our sincerest condolences. Bill and I both knew Mike through the fine paper business and no only too well what a happy and kind soul he was. He was a fantastic dancer as I recall him on the dance floor at our Barber Ellis Christmas parties. He will be dancing around heaven now and having a great time. Thinking of you all at this time. Jackie and Bill. ????
Angel
My deepest sympathies to Mike’s family. It is always painful to lose someone we love but you can be comforted with the thought that Mike was well-loved by everyone who’s ever known him.
Mike, I will miss your cheerful greeting every time we saw each other. May the good Lord grant you eternal rest and may His perpetual light shine upon you.
Karen
Our sincere condolences to Kathy, Barb and family. Sending love and strength to you all.
Karen, Shawn, Logan and Laurel
Rob Burrows
So shocked and saddened to hear this news. Haven’t seen or talked to Mike in almost 40 years but he is fondly remembered. He always had a big heart and a bigger smile. His “after curling” activities are legend. RIP Buddy. Rob Burrows
val
My condolences to the family. I have many great memories. His kind acts that made some great stories. His story making will be missed at our get togethers. Always fighting for the under dog.
Will miss you
Val
Marina Orlovski
I worked with Mike at Unisource and we curled together as well. Big smile, bigger heart.
Ian Robertson
As Rob Burrows stated it is amazing that it has been almost 40 years. However almost never went a year with out thinking about him. Those junior curling days? Always remember him smiling almost never in a bad mood. His family will miss him. However he left us all with many memories.
Rob Maclean
Barb,Kelly,Kevin, Kathy
So sorry to hear about the untimely passing of Mike. So many memories of Mike in our youth, curling, playing cards, out having a drink, baseball, new years eve parties at the Purcells. He was someone you could always count on and was always the one that got a party started turning frowns into smiles. Will always miss that smile knowing that he is looking down and watching over us today. I will miss him
Rob and Darlene
Mike Patterson
So shocked and sorry to hear of Michael’s passing.
I have many fond memories of Michael: his sunny disposition, welcoming smile and great laugh. How adept and at ease he was with French, which showed me and other West Island Anglophones that being bilingual was feasible. Michael was the first guy I knew who could type, and I can still remember the relief I felt when he would drop everything to type my last-minute CEGEP assignments. Michel served me my first whisky in his back yard while celebrating his parent’s wedding. Even though I almost choked to death on the spot, I learned to love whiskey … so thanks for that Michael!
We didn’t go to school together. We didn’t curl together. We didn’t work together. In fact, I hadn’t seen or talked to Michael in 30 years. But like others who knew Michael, I was touched by his goodness and his joie de vivre. I miss him already!
My deep condolences to Barb, Kelly, Kevin, Kathy and the rest of the family.
Mike Patterson
Jim Prosser
My deepest condolences to the Purcell family on the passing of Mike. Mike was a fine young man.
I knew of Mike many years before working with him at APP Canada in sales. Mike was incredibly thoughtful, generous to a fault and an overall great guy who will be missed.
I will always remember the jolly Santa with a smile.
Although I only saw Mike a few times in the last three years since departing APP, we had many late night conversations figuring out all of the issues of the world. Mike knew there was much more to life than his work, which he loved, and tried to enjoy it all.
Rest in Peace Mike, Love ya bro’, you will be missed.
JP
Dave and Laureen Elliott
Barb, Kelly, Kevin, Kathy and family:
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Michael’s sudden death. We will always remember the happy little boy then the teenager that every woman would want as a son-in-law. Michael was unique and so much like his Dad. We were all proud of Michael’s achievements. We will always think of you, and know that you will be very missed by all your family, friends, colleagues Michael. Rest in peace.
Dave and Laureen
Kate Andrews
My condolences to Mike’s family.
He was a good man and always wanted to make people ‘happy’. We worked together, in the same tough industry for some 15 years or more. Mike always had a ‘smile’ and a ‘chuckle’ to share. He should have had more time.
Sincerely,
Kate Andrews
Joanne, Samantha and Sofie
Our sincerest condolences to the family. His big heart will be missed.
Diane Hatton
My deepest sympathy to the family. Mike took a piece of our hearts when he left. He was a good friend to all who cherished him and will be greatly missed. This man lived in the moment and I think that he would be glad to know that his compassion, love toward others and his sunny outlook has left a legacy by which we can also carry with us in honor of his memory.