Willard Dale Purnell
December 27, 1931 - May 01, 2013
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Willard Dale Purnell
December 27, 1931 - May 01, 2013
Obituary
Our father and brother, Willard D. Bill Purnell, made his final journey into the silver lining of the mountains ridge in the early morning hours of May 1st, 2013. We are proud to say that he was a man who followed his dreams and spent his life building foundations for the future.
Bill graduated from the University of Washington in 1957 with a B.S. in Engineering Geology. His hands helped to craft our Pacific Northwest. From the Seattle Space Needle foundation to geotechnical projects on Kodiak Island in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and California, his work supported our transportation systems, wetlands, homes, schools, dams, and the breakwaters that calm our harbors. He had a great love and passion for our wilderness. His company, W.D. Purnell & Associates, worked toward managing and preserving the land that he so loved. The mission of his company was closely aligned with Bills beliefs on the importance of education, preservation, and renewal.
Throughout his life, Bill felt a strong responsibility toward his community. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War; was a member of the American Legion Posts in both Carnation and Bellingham, Washington; he was elected to and served on the King County District 47 School Board while living in Carnation, Washington. He was a founding and active member of the A.E.G. (Association of Engineering Geologists), helping to take its membership to an international level. He generously contributed to The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in hope of preserving the Elk Habitat in the Western United States.
Bill is survived by his son, Marcus Purnell; His daughter, Angela Purnell-Singh and her husband, Rakesh, of Chicago, Illinois; his 3 grandchildren, Javas Marcus, Tejal Kathleen, and Kavita Christina; his younger brother, Richard Daniel “Dan” Purnell and wife, Donna, of Chimacum, Washington; and many well-loved nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his brother David F. Purnell in March of 1997.
Our father stood strong behind us, regardless of his personal beliefs. To those of us whose lives he touched he encouraged to become anything which we believed we could be. We will forever love our father and brother . . . .
See you back at Camp, Dad, — Keep the campfire burning bright!!
7 responses to Willard Dale Purnell
Kyle Haggith says:
May 1, 2013
I have always enjoyed working with Bill throughout the years. A advocate for Engineering Geologists Kyle
Mrs. Thu-Lan Fick says:
May 1, 2013
To Mr. Purnell FamilyMarcus and Angela
My deepest sympathy to the loss of Mr. Purnell. I only met him briefly while visiting with Helen; he was a great man.
I’m an old friend of Helen when I lived in Bellingham (we moved to Vancouver WA in 1985). Helen and I lost contact before Bill passed away. I only learned of the sad news while trying to find Helen on the internet.
My husband has a business meeting in Bellingham and I’m trying to get in touch with old friends while we are here.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Helen used to keep me posted on what was going on with Marcus and Angela.
Best regards,
Thu-“Lan”
Cretia Olsen says:
May 1, 2013
Bill..cousin.. You were so great at sharing family history with me and encouraging me as I worked on our mutual relies..I appreciated you very much and wish that we had been able to get together in Bellingham ..when you see our relies tell them for me that we would like to find their documentation..so we can prove who they are..Will miss your help..
Barbara Kohl says:
May 1, 2013
I’ve known Bill since 1948/49. We rode our horses together. We went to different high schools, but re met through Classmates.com.in 2002. He was a really nice boy and when we met again at the age of 76 hewas still a really nice and interesting person. We were in contact via the internet since 2002. While hunting in the Okanogan we met in Omak for lunch and had a wonderful time “catching up” on the intervening 58 years. It was a long lunch. I will remember him fondly. Rest in Preace, Bill. Barb
John Cooper says:
May 1, 2013
It has been an honor to work with Bill through the years. As the Geologist with Skagit County Planning and Development Services, I had multiple opportunities to work with Bill and share his passion for geology and the outdoors. His contribution to the County, the quality of his work and his sparkling personality will be greatly missed.