PURCELL, Wayne Francis

1944 – 2026

Wayne Francis Purcell of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at the age of 81 years. Wayne was born on Thursday, September 21, 1944, to Vincent and Daisy (nee Woods) Purcell in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Wayne grew up in Halifax and Beaverbank, Nova Scotia where he was always rescuing animals and bringing them home, much to his mother’s chagrin. After completing high school, Wayne went on to attend St. Mary’s University where he completed two bachelor’s Degrees and a Master of Science. Following his education, Wayne began his career as a high school teacher where he taught various science courses for over thirty years at St. Patrick’s and Queen Elizabeth High Schools in Halifax. Wayne met Sandra (nee Illsley) at a dance in the mid 1960’s, and they were married on August 15, 1970, settling in Hammond Plains, Nova Scotia. Their family was completed with the birth of their daughters, Kerry-Anne and Erin. As a family there were many camping trips throughout Nova Scotia, especially to their favourite place, Kejimkujik National Park, and across North America. Sailing was one of Wayne’s passions, even having a hull shipped from England and finishing the remainder of the sailboat himself – the Waysan 2, which may still be sailing in the waters off Nova Scotia today. Many hours were spent in rinks, as Wayne was always a staunch supporter of his daughter’s Ringette careers, he hardly missed even a practice. After retirement, Wayne and Sandra continued their camping, travelling across Canada many times to visit their daughters out west, wintering in Arizona, and exploring Nova Scotia. In 2012, Wayne and Sandra moved to Red Deer, Alberta, to be closer to their soon to be arriving grandchildren. They continued camping, exploring the Prairies and west coast, with their daughters and camping group. After Sandra’s passing in 2023, Wayne continued camping, visiting with family, and enjoyed watching his grandchildren in their activities. Wayne will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Kerry-Anne (Gordon Neiman) Purcell of Millet, Alberta, and Erin (James Schinkel) Purcell of Humboldt, Saskatchewan; his grandchildren, Olivia, Zachary, and Alexander Neiman and Matthew Schinkel. He will also be sadly missed by his brothers Donald (Carole) Purcell and Dennis (Jean) Purcell; his sister Betty (Cecil) Pothier, all of Nova Scotia; his sister-in-law, Marian Illsley of Florida; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Wayne was predeceased by his Wife, Sandra (Illsley) Purcell; his parents Vincent (Frank) and Daisy (nee Woods) Purcell; his step-father, William Bell; and his brother-in-law, David Illsley. A Funeral Service in Wayne’s honour was held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67A Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. A Reception followed. Memorial donations may be made in Wayne’s honour to the Canadian Cancer Society. The Service will be livestreamed at https://www.parklandfuneralhome.com/live-stream. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-01-29
• Location : Parkland Funeral Home (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com