On July 11, 2002, Alexander (“Alex”) Robert Nesbit Purves passed away in Royal Inland Hospital at the age of 92.
Active and alert until the end, Alex’s history was intertwined with that of the North Thompson.
Born in Scotland Aug. 4, 1909, Alex came to Sullivan Valley in 1929 with his parents. In 1937 he married Roma Mary Struthers, daughter of pioneer settler James Struthers and sister to Doug, Colin and Doreen. Sister-in-law Ellen Struthers taught in Barriere for years before her retirement.
Following a long career in the dairy industry, Alex retired from the Manitoba Milk Control Board in 1975 and has lived in Barriere ever since.
Alex was predeceased by his wife, Roma, and eldest son, Ian, and is survived by son Joe, in Calgary.
A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 20, 2002, at the Anglican Church of the Redeemer, Barriere.