Thomas Brymer Purchase was born November 19, 1941, in Buchans, Newfoundland, the son of Thomas and Elsie Purchase. Brymer grew up in Buchans where he played baseball, attended school, and attended church, where he met the love of his life Shirley Woodland. Brymer and Shirley were married December 30, 1965, and had one child, Roxanne.
Brymer went to work for Canadian National Telegraph Company as a Messenger boy at the young age of 16. He worked there until he was old enough to go to work for ASARCO, the mining company in Buchans. Brymer worked for ASARCO until the mine closed in 1985. He then moved to Ignace, Ontario and worked for Mattabi mines. When the mine closed in Ignace in 1991, Shirley and Brymer moved to Winnipeg where Brymer worked as a security guard at the McPhillips Street station casino. Upon his retirement in 2001, they moved back to Ignace to be closer to Roxanne, Ralph and his grandchildren. Brymer then went to work as a guard at the police station, a job he took very seriously. Brymer was a very devoted family man who worked hard to ensure his family was provided for. He also loved a good party, a drink of rum and a few dances. He was a man of few words, until he got a few drinks in him, and then he was the life of a party.
In July 2022, Brymer’s health started to fade and he ended up in Dryden hospital. He was then transferred into long-term care in January 2022. He was very happy when the love of his life Shirley joined him within a few months. They spent lots of time together and their love for each other was very evident.
Brymer was pre-deceased by his wife, Shirley in September 2022. He is survived by one daughter, Roxanne and son-in-law, Ralph Cox, two grandsons, Joshua (Emily) and Jordan (Jeanine), three great grandchildren Jackson, Amelia and Ellie, a very special sister-in-law, Donna (Michael) and their sons, Steven and Justin. He also leaves to mourn one brother Roy (Jean) who resides in Hamilton, Ontario. Brymer was predeceased by his parents, sister Lillian, and brothers Clayton, Norman, and Frazer. He also leaves to mourn members of the Woodland family as well, as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
YOU WERE LOVED BY MANY AND WILL BE MISSED.
Condolences(2)-
-
Jean Bailey Burry says
January 3, 2023 at 4:50 pmRoxanne and family. Purchase and Woodland families. Another of your family has been taken away. This has been a sad and difficult year for you. However, as you know they will always be with you in your hearts and in your many precious memories. Being a fellow Buchaneer I have known Brymer and Shirley and their families for many years. At one time the Woodlands lived across the’ “garbage street” from us, the Bailey and we were all good friends. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. My sincere condolences to all. God bless you all.
Laura (Higdon) Williams says
January 3, 2023 at 6:53 pmRoxanne, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father so soon after losing your mother. It is especially difficult when you are an only child. Fortunately you have grandchildren and great-grandchildren to support you. May God give the strength and courage to carry on as both your father and mother would want you to do, God bless you and grant you peace in the storm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Princess Court DECO, Box 725, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z4.