Purkis, Ernest Alfred

Ernest Alfred Purkis 1939-2025

Peacefully in his sleep, in his 87th year while looking forward to the coming holiday visits with family.  Son of Ernest Alfred Purkis Sr. and Winnifred Paine, the oldest brother to his sisters Mary (dec.) and Barbara, Ernest is predeceased by Margaret, his wife of 59 yrs whom he met on a blind date in 1966.  

Ernie began his career as an accountant in 1960 with Harbinson Glover, later becoming partner at MacGillivray and Co. in 1969. He continued his career with various firms culminating with him being elected a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 1982. In 1987 Ernie made the move to the corporate world joining Black & McDonald as Vice President-Finance and Chief Financial Officer until his retirement in 2004. 

Ernie was also a dedicated and generous member of the communities where he lived. He volunteered in several organizations including Scouts Canada as a troop leader to Chairman of the Finance Committee for the Province of Ontario, and Rotary Laughlin Centre Toronto as Chairman of the Finance Committee.  In retirement living in Creemore, Ernie continued to contribute to the community volunteering both politically and for organizations including the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital.  Additionally, ever the fan of ledger paper, mental math and percentages (no calculators allowed by the way), he supported various local businesses and individuals with his breadth of accounting experience and prowess with T forms.

Ernie is survived by his four children Mark (Alix), Greg (Liza), Amy, and David (Laura) and eight grandchildren: Nigella, Melody, Ethan, John, Avery, Zach, Mackenzie, and Logan. A short ceremony will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday November 29, 2025, at Fawcett Funeral Home, 182 Mill St. in Creemore ON, with a burial at Creemore Union Cemetery immediately after. Donations can be made to the Collingwood General and Marine Hospital Foundation. Friends may visit Ernie’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com