Richard Purdie

Dick Purdie was born in a farmhouse in Wells, Minnesota on May 24, 1926, to parents William Thomas and Bessie Custer Purdie. This farming family also included older sister Wilma Purdie (Mohr). Little brother Jim arrived a few years later. Dick was a happy child who loved tinkering with anything that had parts. He loved to drag out tools, hardware, and other items from the barn and take them to his play area, leaving exasperated Dad to put them away over and over again.

Even as a little boy he was adventurous. One of his earliest memories was from the age of four when he climbed a ladder to the roof of the barn where he sat enjoying the view of the lush Minnesota fields. Suddenly he became aware of a soft voice—almost a whisper— “Dick?” before being gathered into his father’s strong arms and taken back down the ladder to consequences not recalled.

Sadly, Dick was only five when his father died.  Bessie moved to Mason City, Iowa (the inspiration for Meredith Wilson’s River City in “The Music Man”) where she raised her family during the Great Depression by working as a hospital cook and taking in boarders. Even though everyone was poor in those days,  there was joy for Dick in growing up in a small Midwestern town. He had many friends, especially his cousin Hilbert Lahs in Albert Lea, Minnesota, who stepped in as a role model and helped guide him to manhood. As a teen, Dick had a paper route and other part time jobs.  He played coronet in the school band and developed a lifelong affection for music, especially jazz. He and his buddies hung out at Birdsall’s Ice cream Parlor and the  Pleazol Pool Hall. And he kissed a few girls along the way.

In June, 1944,  Dick and his friends left high school graduation and enlisted for military service. Only some of them made it back to exchange war stories at a high school reunion many years later. Dick was sent to basic training at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, before shipping out to France and Germany where he served honorably in the U.S Army field artillery. As part of the occupation forces, Dick met many wonderful people in both countries. He made friends with several farmers with whom he would trade American cigarettes for wine and schnapps and swap stories.  His memory of beautiful cities reduced to ruins recently reappeared  on the heels of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  He forever carried the vision of death camps. Despite  the horrors of war, Dick found beauty in the European countryside. Once, when things were slow, his sergeant gave Dick permission to take a Jeep and go exploring for a few days. He returned to find that the sergeant had been transferred and that he was in a heap of trouble.

Dick returned to the United States in 1946. In New York City, he was given a donut, a carton of milk, and a bus ticket back to Mason City. Once home, he attended Mason City Junior College, married his first wife Marjorie Murren, then moved to Chicago where he studied Photography in preparation for what was to become a uniquely successful career  He also became Dad to Rebecca who now lives near Prescott , Arizona. In the 50’s Dick moved his small family to Denver so he could work in commercial photography. By 1960 he had two more daughters: Mari Purdie who now lives in Portland, Oregon; and Kathleen Kucma who lives with her husband Les in Evans, Colorado. Dick’s talent behind the camera was noticed by someone at National Geographic and he was asked if he would consider a career in international photojournalism. Instead, Dick accepted a position as the University of Denver Photographer where he was given artistic freedom as well as tuition benefits for his family. He enjoyed his work in this stimulating academic environment and was able to photograph many high profile visitors including world leaders, writers, philosophers and actors.

A devastating divorce in the early 60’s created new challenges for Dick. Saddened by the loss of his home and family, he found solace in working on a cabin that he had been building in Summit County. On weekends he explored the Colorado mountains and backcountry, photographing many historic sites and developing an enhanced appreciation and love of nature. In addition to his work at the University, Dick’s reputation as an outstanding theatre and fine arts photographer flourished. His interest in original and obsolete photographic processes was reflected in his prints.  His award-winning work was exhibited at Foothills Gallery in Golden and other venues.

In 1964, Dick met and fell in love with Carolyn Sue Counts, a student intern at his office.  Sue introduced him to the joys and sorrows of pet ownership and the importance of celebrating  life’s  meaningful  events.  Dick and Sue were married on November 24, 1967. For Dick, their home in Washington Park became a calm and peaceful refuge, enhanced by frequent celebrations with family and friends and the devotion of pets.  Dicks ability as a carpenter is reflected throughout.

As he aged, Dick’s health declined due to injury and disease. He was forced to retire at age fifty nine when crippling arthritis made it impossible to continue the physical exertion demanded by photography. Heart disease required that he not spend time at high altitudes so the cabin was sold. Macular degeneration affected his ability  to read and work crossword and jigsaw puzzles.  Nevertheless, he followed the news of world events with interest and felt special solidarity with those affected by the war in Ukraine. Up until the end he continued to enjoy music,  television, and naps.

As he had wanted, Dick passed away quickly and peacefully at home on March 24, 2022. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, three daughters, five grandchildren, two great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and a host of wonderful friends. He had a fine life.

The Liturgy of the Word Service for Dick, will be livestreamed

Please click on the link below to join the livestreaming of the Service

https://bxcited.com/richard-purdie/

The United States Army will also be present at the start of the Service to Render Honors to Dick.