Rich Purvis Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Rich Purvis, 100, of Traverse City passed away April 29, 2021 at the family farm in Good Harbor. Rich was born on March 4, 1921 in Traverse City to Robert E. and Blanche (Wright) Purvis. Rich attended GMI in Flint where he learned valuable skills as a welder. He then enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as an aviation metal smith from 1942 until he was honorably discharged in 1945. On April 3, 1948 Richard married Clara May Nelson at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Leland. He then started his own business, Purvis Brothers Steel Fabrication and Repairs. He truly loved welding and even after he sold the business he helped many people around the community. His front porch was always open for drop offs and repairs. He worked on many of the area harbors and on the Central High School Tennis courts. Rich also taught welding at both the Career Tech Center and at NMC. He served on the board for over 25 years at TBA and was honored to serve as President for many years. Rich was very active in the community. He served on the city commission and was the Mayor in 1972. He also was very involved with the Boy Scouts as a Scout Master, Scouting Commissioner and a friend of the scouts and was awarded the Silver Beaver in 1973. Rich and May were faithful members of Central United Methodist Church. In the late 1960's they received the Family of the Year award. In his free time, Rich also enjoyed several hobbies including cutting wood, hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. Above all else Rich will be remembered for being a great family man and a wonderful friend to the community. Rich was preceded in death by his parents, brother Frank; half sister Jean Waterstripe and granddaughter Kimberly Forsyth. Rich is survived by his wife of 73 years, May; children Steve (Andrea) Purvis, Christine (Gordon) Forsyth, David Purvis, Deborah (Paul) Newhouse and Mark (Pamela) Purvis; grandchildren Kelly Forsyth, Maria, Neil and Richard (Erin) Purvis, Lisa and Callee Newhouse, Emily (Jordi) Llore, Nicole (Billy) Beecher and Andrew (Cindy) Purvis and great grandchildren Dawson, Gavin, Lilly, Finn, Max, Mario, James, Colin, and Walter. The community is welcome to attend the graveside services at Swedish Mission Cemetery in Good Harbor on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Military honors will be provided by the United States Navy and by the Cherryland VFW honor guard. Please bring a folding chair if you would like. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Career Tech Center Student Scholarship Fund for the Welding Program (880 Parsons Road, Traverse City, MI 49684). The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to sign his online guestbook and to share your memories with the family. As Rich always said in parting: "Keep em Flyin!"

Rich Purvis

March 4, 1921 - April 29, 2021