Anton Purcha Obituary

PURCHA, Anton Frank "Tony"

The family of Tony Purcha is saddened to announce his sudden passing surrounded by his loving family on July 25th, 2013 at the age of 83.

Tony was born February 21, 1930 in Kelliher, Saskatchewan to Tom and Pauline Purcha. At a very young age, Tony moved from Saskatchewan, travelling by train to the Lower Mainland to join his Dad and brothers and to find work. At eighteen, he travelled north to Whitehorse to work for the highways department and in 1954 he met his wife, Irene, at a lodge she was working at. After several moves around the province, they eventually settled in the Okanagan Valley. After moving to Lavington, he started his own grader service and realized his dream of farming. Tony was still working his fields and the garden until his passing. He was a masterful gardener –famous for tomatoes and cucumbers. His great love was fishing and camping, but his greatest loves were his grandchildren. His storytelling abilities were legendary, (He could remember every date), and we were all entertained for hours. Tony and Irene met on the dance floor and their love of dance and each other will last forever.

Tony was predeceased by his father, Thomas Purcha, his mother Pauline (Anklewich) Purcha, and his sister, Helen Techlenborg. He is survived by his loving wife, Irene; daughters: Sheron (Kerry) Parks, Debra (Peter) Valckx, Sandra (Ray) Blair, Cindy (Bruce) Thiessen, Alison (Brad) Heinzlmeir; grandchildren: Chad, Trevor, Joshua, Selena, Kendall, Maverick, Riley, Mariah, Lucas and Taylor, as well as great grandchildren and his beloved cat, "Kitty". Tony is also survived by his ten brothers and sisters: Sophie, Phil (Alma), Steve (Mary), Ralph (Nancy), Ted, Janette (Nick), Tommy (Pauline), Virginia, Murray (Yvonne), and Lily (Hank).

The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Lawlor, Nurse Dwayne and the rest of the I.C.U. staff at Kelowna General Hospital for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers and in honour of Tony's love of all animals (except gophers) please donate in Tony's name to the SPCA.

Funeral Services were held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, Tuesday, July 30th, 2013.
Interment followed at Saint Nicholas Cemetery.