Don Carlos Purcell

Obituary Don C. Purcell Don C. Purcell quietly passed away on Friday, August 2nd, 2013. We will miss his wicked grin, penetrating insight and unique sense of rhythm. Born July 2nd, 1933 in Missouri Valley, Iowa, to Don C. and Helen Cox Purcell, he was the youngest of three sons. He became a standout high school football player and was recruited by the University of Louisville, where he played for the Cardinals with Johnny Unitas. During a stint in the army, he learned to play guitar and discovered a lifelong love of literature and poetry. He received his Master's in Education from Northern Illinois University and became an exceptional elementary school teacher. Don attended Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music learning the 5-string banjo and a repertoire of songs to share with family and friends for the rest of his life. In 1959, he met and married Sondra Williams who became a willing partner in their life adventures. In 1969, they moved their family of five to Holland where Don taught at the International School of The Hague for three years. Then on to Germany, where he was Director of the Overseas Education Association, negotiating union contracts with DOD. Don and family traveled the continent, camping extensively, visiting museums, cathedrals, pubs and an occasional emergency room. After Europe, the family landed in Tacoma where Don joined Sondra in their firm, Purcell Advisory Services. Living downtown for 15 years, he was renowned for the daily walks he took with his beloved dog, Marijke. Don was a truly generous and loving husband, father and grandfather. He amazed with his musical memory, playing and singing for hours. A dedicated book-lover, he passed his love of reading and music to all his family. He unwaveringly believed that a good meal should be shared, a bad pun should never go unspoken and a trip without adventure or mishap was hardly worth taking. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sondra, their three children, Aaren (Andy Bartels), Ryan (Melissa), and Evan (Ellen Norton) and grandchildren, Brett, Marissa, Hiatt, Isaac, Silas and Liza. The family is grateful for the love and kindness given at the Weatherly Inn. A memorial celebration for family and friends will be held at the Point Defiance Pagoda, August 26 at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation.