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Gerald B. Purvis

Gerald B. “Gerry” Purvis, 66, of Old Saybrook, passed away at home on Dec. 17. He was the son of the late LTC Gerald W. Purvis and longtime Niantic resident Betty Wise Purvis. He was born July 18, 1956 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and grew up in Niantic, graduating from East Lyme High School in 1974.

He was a skilled welder at Electric Boat, but his quest for adventure led him west to Washington and then Alaska, where he graduated from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks in 1984 with a degree in geology. While in college, he was Captain of the university’s rifle team, qualifying for the Olympic trials in skeet-shooting.

Combining his welding and geology skills, he formed a partnership in the Eagle Creek Mine near Anchorage, Alaska, and spent three years mining gold, making the 4,000-mile journey back and forth from his home state of Connecticut in his vintage Cessna 170-B with his golden retriever, Nugget, as his co-pilot.

In 1987, he married Julie Rhodes of Old Saybrook, daughter of Elton and Dorothy Rhodes. They lived in Old Saybrook ,and raised their four children there. He was employed at Dominion Energy for 25 years.

Gerry is predeceased by his wife of 30 years, Julie Rhodes. He is survived by his children: Elizabeth Couture of Preston, Marilyn Marencik of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania; Elton Purvis of Hamden, and Margaux Purvis of Philadelphia; his mother Betty Purvis of Waterford; and sisters, Jill Cleaver of Pensacola, Florida, Joy Timbs of Panama City, Florida, and Cheryl Bechtold of Alexandria, Virgnia; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in honor of Gerald’s sister Cheryl, who is currently battling colon cancer. No services are planned. Condolence cards may be sent to: Betty Purvis and Family, 1 Beechwood Drive, Apt. 236, Waterford, CT 06385.