PURCELL, Robert Edward - With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Bob (also known as Bobby) Purcell at the age of 84. Bob passed away peacefully at home in Elmsdale on November 5th, 2025, with family by his side. Born in Halifax on May 1st, 1941, Bob was the son of Edward Anthony and Mary Frances (Forbes) Purcell.

Bob had a remarkable career, working on a variety of Canadian Merchant Navy Ships as an able body seaman, and with the Canadian National Railway as a Steward. The majority of his career was spent in the hospitality industry, hotel and club management, as well as catering operations. Some highlights of his career include working with Restaurant Associates in New York at the US Tennis Open. He also worked as a private contractor overseeing the food, beverage and catering operations of various golf clubs in the Charlotte, NC area. Bob was a former Manager of the Dalhousie University Faculty Club and member of the Association of Faculty Clubs. This gave him the opportunity to travel to various universities throughout North America making lifelong memories and friendships.

Being a life long hard worker, Bob spent 20 years working for a car rental company as a "tripper" with several other retired men and women picking up and returning cars around the Maritimes. He truly enjoyed being on the road, finding hidden gems along the way and making some wonderful friendships. Bob was known for being a storyteller whose memory and recall of people, places and events was amazingly accurate. His passion, however, was his love of family and the time spent with friends, whether at the hunting camp or at his and Bernadette's winter home in Florida and attending dance competitions of his precious granddaughter.

Bob will forever and lovingly be remembered by his wife, Bernadette; daughter, Allison (Ryan) Pryor; son, Anthony (Jessica) Purcell; chosen daughter, LyAnn Hanham; granddaughter (Papa's Girl), Amelia Pryor; sisters, Colleen Mitchell, Alice (Bruce) Graves; brothers, Ted (Nancy) Purcell, Rick (Susan) Purcell; and children from a previous marriage,

Robert (Robin) MacDonald and Tracie (Jose) Hann, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Aside from his parents, Bob was predeceased by Tobie MacDonald; twin brothers, Donald and Dennis Purcell; and sisters, Marilyn Purcell and Gaelene Tufts.

The family would like to extend their warmest gratitude to the amazing teams at the Medical Day Unit at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, and to the Victorian Order of Nurses. If you are a blood donor, thank you; if not, please consider becoming one.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Ettinger Funeral Home.  A funeral service will be held at 10am at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Enfield on Thursday, November 13th, 2025. Interment to follow in the Church cemetery. 

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Bob can be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com