Obituary of Robert Calvin Purdue

Obituary of Robert Calvin Purdue

The passing of Robert Calvin (Bob) Purdue of Fredericton, NB, husband of Frances Evelyn (Short) Purdue, occurred on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional Hospital in Fredericton. Born on November 26, 1932, in Smiths Falls, ON, Bob was the son of the late Joseph Francis Purdue and Florence (Ellison) Purdue.

Bob's parents had moved from McAdam to Smiths Falls during the Great Depression, returning to McAdam when Bob was very young. He spent his formative years in McAdam which was a bustling railroad hub. There he developed a lifelong love of trains, WWII planes, and cats & dogs.

Following in his father's footsteps, Bob began working for the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) as a machinist on steam locomotives. After marrying the love of his life, Frances, the couple moved to Montreal, where Bob worked as a CPR diesel mechanic before eventually transitioning into a role in the drafting department. In 1962, Bob and Frances settled in Fredericton with their young family when Bob accepted a position with the newly established ADI Limited. He worked there as a Mechanical Technologist (CET) for the next 30 years until his retirement.

During retirement, Bob rekindled his love of oil painting and learned to play the piano, adding it to his existing musical talents on the trumpet and accordion. He also joined a dedicated group of retirees in restoring a WWII Grumman TBM Avenger airplane, now proudly displayed at the Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum near Halifax. Though musically gifted, Bob was also deeply technical and detail oriented. There were few problems he couldn’t solve or gadgets he couldn’t fix or improve. He was kind and loving with a great sense of humour and was not above pulling the occasional practical joke.

Above all, Bob was a devoted family man, happiest when surrounded by Frances, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Bob was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his loving wife of 70 years, he is survived by his children: Robert Purdue (Angela), Greg Purdue (Diana), Susan Smissaert, and David Purdue; his grandchildren: Jackie, Alyson, Laura, Jennifer, Mike, Emily, Maggie, Elizabeth, Michael, Julie, Sarah, and Joseph; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his siblings: Kenneth Purdue, Pauline Baltus, and Ronald Purdue.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to the in-home care workers and the staff of 4SW at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital for their kindness and compassion during Bob’s final weeks.

A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church, Main Street, Nashwaaksis, on Saturday, July 12th at 11:00 AM. A private interment will follow at a later date. For those unable to attend the service but wishing to visit with the family, a visitation will be held at the church on Friday, July 11th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.

For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Fredericton SPCA, the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be shared online at www.yorkfh.com.