Willard Dale Purnell

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!!

Willard Dale Purnell

December 27, 1931 - May 1, 2013