LEWIS CARL PURCHASE

Condolences & Memories (22 entries)

• The last time I saw Karl was in March of 1961. We lived in Corner Brook then. On January 26th of that year our house burned down and we were homeless. Karl’s father Frank took all of us ..... two parents and four kids into the Purchase home where we stayed until our going to Ireland in March. The scale of this generous act only fully dawned on me in adulthood. Such kindness is in the character of the Newfoundlander. I have thought of it often and appreciated it many times up to now. I remember Karl’s interest in trains and that he was an excellent shot with a pellet gun. Frank had built a terrific sled and Karl and I would drag it over to Cobb Lane from the Purchase home on East Valley Road for some thrilling sledding. Although I lost touch with the Purchase family I have never forgotten their kindness to my family in our time of need. Karl’s obituary is a summary of a life well lived. - Posted by: Tom O'Leary (Friend ) on: Jul 29, 2020

• “Moose” Purchase, I will always remember you as a kind, funny and lovely young gentleman who hung around with my brothers Dare and Roy. Always very nice to my parents and me (I was 11 years younger). The boys went their separate ways after high school and lost touch but many years later I watched a news item regarding his model railway hobby which was shown on CBC. I was working as a C/M with the R.C.M.P. at the time in Corner Brook and sent Carl an email to say hello from us and comment on his new fame. The heading read “Hi, Moose!”. He replied to me and said that it got his attention right away. It had been a long time since he had been called by his old nickname! God Bless Karl. Rest Easy Moose. - Posted by: Mary Powell (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2019

• My sincere condolences to Kathy, Family, Friends and Colleagues. May he Rest In Peace. - Posted by: Nuno Camara (Acquaintance ) on: Jul 17, 2019

• It saddens me to hear of Karl's passing. He was a fine person and an excellent model railway practioner. I totally enjoyed his company on a number of occasions be it swapping stories or "acting" as my lawyer in court in Selkirk. I will miss him. My condolences to his wife and son, Cathy and Matthew. John Morris - Posted by: John Morris (Friend and fellow Modeller) on: Jul 14, 2019

• So sorry to hear of Karl's passing. My sincere condolences to all the family. A great guy who leaves behind many a fond memory for all who knew him. God Bless - Posted by: Vicki Hayter (nee Burton) (Friend) on: Jul 14, 2019

• During my relations with Carl at the hobby shop I enjoyed his sense of humour and his passion for his hobby also the many visits with his dog. - Posted by: Gary Gooch (Customer relationship) on: Jul 13, 2019

• It is with great sadness I noticed Carl's passing. He was a special guy, the greatest. He always had a great story and a great smile and one great member of the force. I knew he was ill but his passing was a surprise. I know the guys from D Division and everyone who knew him will mourn his loss as will his lovely wife and son. God speed Carl. Norm - Posted by: Norm Milne (Friend) on: Jul 07, 2019

• My sincerest condolences to you Kathy and to your family on Karl's passing. I hope your friends, family and memories help you at this difficult time. Karl was always the same person...no pretense or hidden agenda. His sense of humour was enjoyed by everyone who knew him. May he rest in peace. - Posted by: Jim Hislop (Colleague) on: Jul 06, 2019

• I have known Karl for over 50 years having worked with him in the paper mill in Corner Brook in the 1960s and while also serving in the RCMP in Manitoba. Karl was always a dedicated, hardworking person who treated everyone he meet with respect. My condolences to all his family. - Posted by: Dave Smith (Co-worker) on: Jul 06, 2019

• We were shocked and saddened to learn of Karl’s untimely passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cathy and Matthew and of course his entire family. To refer to Karl as a first class act would be a disservice because he was beyond that. The mould was broken. We trust Cathy’s strength and enduring memories of her life with Karl will help her navigate through this challenging time. - Posted by: Don & Gwen (Friend) on: Jul 06, 2019

• Cathy and Mathew I was truly saddened to hear of Karl's untimely passing. Karl's wonderful sense of humour was a treasure, he's love of family, including the RCMP Family and friends was always evident in any interaction with Karl. Karl will be in our daily thoughts and prayers and our condolence's to both of you and your entire family during this difficult time. - Posted by: Tom Forbes (Colleague) on: Jul 06, 2019

• Cathy and Family, Diane and I we were deeply saddened to hear of Karl's passing having only just weeks ago watched the CBC special highlighting Karl's achievements with his model railway. Having grown up in Corner Brook as well I was thrilled to see that he had captured a "little bit of home" in the model railway which dominated your basement. Cathy, both you and Karl were always such gracious hosts and we always enjoyed our evenings and dinners together, these memories will endure forever. On a lighter note, I am reminded of the story of Karl having received a gift membership to the Rady Fitness Centre and Karl showing up at a mutual friends house around 7 pm one evening dressed in sweats driving his Buick station wagon which had to be at least a city block long. When asked by our friend what he was up to Karl replied with a wink in his eye that Cathy thought he should get some exercise so bought the membership to the fitness centre and now every evening he had to go out and drive around for an hour. We had a great laugh over this. God bless Karl and keep watch over you and Matthew and your extended families. Love Paul & Diane Thorne Bayfield, Ontario - Posted by: Paul & Diane Thorne (Friend) on: Jul 06, 2019

• Cathy and Matthew, we are so sorry and saddened for all our loss. As I read these wonderful condolences, my heart swells with pride that he was my big brother, mentor, protector and so much more. I know and feel every one of these outstanding qualities and values that made Karl who he was. I always looked up to him and sought his advice. I will remember all these things with thankfulness that he was in our lives, and we have so many wonderful memories. We will miss him so much, but we have the love and support of family and friends during these difficult times. Our hearts are with you. See you soon. Love Derek (brother) and Susan - Posted by: Derek and Susan Purchase (Brother) on: Jun 29, 2019

• Cathy: I'm so sorry to learn of Karl's passing, he was a gentleman in every sense. There are so many good memories of Winnipeg and the lab. Take care through this difficult time and please accept my sincere condolences. - Posted by: Doug Legault (Friend) on: Jun 27, 2019

• Margaret and I were deeply saddened when we learned of Karl's passing. It was truly a privilege to know and work and become friends with him, during our time in Winnipeg. Karl was truly one of the most memorable people that I have known. A man of integrity, honor, and class, who defined the true essence of a gentleman, known widely for his love of country, family and the enduring friendships he made. May he Rest in Peace. Cathy and Matthew, we pray that your fond and lasting memories of Karl will comfort you during this most difficult time. God Bless. - Posted by: Rick Roy (Friend and Co-worker) on: Jun 27, 2019

• Cathy my sincere condolences on the passing of a life partner. I have fond memories of the early lab days and of my few interactions with Karl in Winnipeg. Wishing you strength through a difficult time. Jack Cronkhite Regina, SK - Posted by: Jack Cronkhite (Retired RCMP) on: Jun 27, 2019

• I was an RCMP pilot in Regina and flew Cathy to her court duties mainly in Saskatchewan. She was a pleasure to work with. Please accept my sincere condolences at this sad time. - Posted by: Jack Van Norman (RCMP Pilot) on: Jun 26, 2019

• Karl’s legacy in the R.C.M.P. is one of respect, honour, admiration, and good humour. He worked and lived with all the qualities that maintained everything good about the organisation. So many people still smile every time they hear his name or recall the glint in his eye—what a wonderful blessing. - Posted by: Kim McCann & Nancy Lyons (Colleagues) on: Jun 24, 2019

• I worked with Carl in Selkirk. He was a great member. A true gentleman. He had a sneaky sense of mischievous that was unmatched. I truly enjoyed working with him. My condolences to the family. He was one of a kind and will be missed - Posted by: Wayne Cameron (Co-worker) on: Jun 23, 2019

• It was deep regret that Darlene and I learned of Karl's passing. Our thoughts are with Cathy and the family, Karl had a long and successful career in the RCMP and he was always dedicated to his family and friends. He had a great sense of humour and was always someone you could count on when you needed a friend. He will be missed. - Posted by: Bob and Darlene Anderson (Friend) on: Jun 23, 2019

• Dear Cathy and Matthew, you are in our prayers during this very difficult time. Karl was a true gentleman, his spirit and loyalty to his friends will always be present. Warmest regards, Joe and Elaine - Posted by: Joe and Elaine (Friend) on: Jun 22, 2019

• Karl and I were troop mates when we joined the RCMP in Regina 1971. We were then both posted to Manitoba where our contact continued. Karl was a true friend and someone you couldn't help but like. His sense of humor and unique laugh will be treasured and a lasting memory for me. My deepened sympathy to Cathy, family and friends. - Posted by: Graham Geddes (RCMP Troopmate) on: Jun 22, 2019