Robert Hart Purcell Jr. "Bob"

Robert Bob Hart Purcell Jr. passed away on June 8th 2013, 86 years young, following an accident.

He was born February 5th 1927 in El Paso Tx. to Josephine Wyatt Peach & Robert Hart Purcell Sr. Bob spent his early childhood years in El Paso then moved with his family to Denver Co. In his younger years Bob was a good church going member, but he did have a childhood mischievous side most do not know about! Like the time he used sling shots to shoot cherry bombs over the neighbors fence or using his trusty six shooter squirt gun on the unsuspecting car stopped next to his mom's car. As a young teen Bob gave up his squirt gun and became an Acolyte for his church and his strong faith continued until the day he passed.

Bob became involved with the Boy Scouts of America at a young age and became one of the youngest members to attain the rank of Eagle Scout, he was only 15! This was just the beginning of Bob's incredible drive and strong desire to achieve everything to his absolute best abilities!

After graduating from East High School in Denver Colorado at the early age of 17 Bob enlisted in the Army during WWII, where he served 2 years ending as a Technician Fifth Grade at the Fourth Army Headquarters; receiving an Honorable discharge in 1946.

Bob then moved on to college, graduating from University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering in Dec of 1948 followed soon after by his Masters. While at the U of C Bob joined the Acacia Fraternity in Jan 1948 and was elected to the position of Secretary of the Chapter that spring. He became well known throughout the Acacia circuits and was one of the Colorado delegates to the National Conclave at Chicago in the Summer 48. Bob was affectionately known as Percy to his brother Acadians', he was a water polo player for his fraternity and was awarded the Honor of the Outstanding Senior Acacias in spring of 1949; he had distinguished himself as a scholar and in service to his Acacia Fraternity. In addition in recognition for his fine scholastic record he was also selected to two honoraries: Tau Beta Pi and Alpha Chi Sigma. But that was not the end of Bob's educational learning. He continued to go to school while working in Richland and obtained another Masters this one in Business from the University of Washington.

The University of Colorado was also where, while being a Gentleman and escorting a family friend to a girl's basketball game, he laid eyes on his future Sweetheart & Bride, Rosemary. Bob could still remember that exact date and time when he first saw Rosemary! It was so sweet!

After completing college, Bob re-enlisted with the Army Reserves as an Officer, where he served another 28 years mentoring many young soldiers and once again retired with Honors and the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Bob moved to Richland in 1950 with his new bride Rosemary. They had only planned to be here a year or two but the shallow roots they planted took a firm hold in the Tri-City soil and 63 years later they were still a part of their temporary town. They started their new life with Bob working for GE, then transferring to Battelle when they took over. He then helped start up Jersey Nuclear, which soon became known as Exxon Nuclear and once it was up and running they offered him a permanent position, which he gladly accepted; he continued his career in the Safety & Security of the Hanford site until retirement.

In their early years Bob kept busy with the Richland Light Opera Company, starting in 1952. As a cast member Bob played a serious Government Official in Lil Abner, Imagine that! But found his niche as a director and producer working on well over 50 productions; the most memorable one being a production of Carousel. Not only was this one of his favorites, but it was an entire family affair! Bob was the producer, Rosemary was working the business & tickets sales, Cynthia was in the cast singing and Rick was working the lights and stage crew. Bob also served as RLOC Business Manager, President of the Board, he ran and coordinated auditions, and he continued to audit the books for RLOC until 2012. He was considered the "Johnny on the spot get it done Guy!" Bob made many lifelong friends through RLOC and so loved his time with everyone in RLOC!
He and Rosemary were also early founding members of All Saints Episcopal Church making numerous contributions to help their little beloved church grow from a small little chapel to the beautiful church it is today.

Once their children Cynthia & Rick were born Bob did not slow down he just continued to add more to his ever growing plate! When Cynthia became a competitive speed skater; Bob, knowing nothing of the sport, threw himself into learning everything he could. So much so, he became a well known and respected judge at the State, Regional and National levels. I do believe they were happier to see Bob at the skating meets than they were to see his daughter compete.

When Rick was old enough to join Boy Scouts Bob eagerly jumped back in as a Webelo Leader, helping Rick and many others through the ranks to achieve their Eagle. Once his son was through Scouts; Bob so Loved the Scouting organization that he decided his next calling was to stay and help other young boys achieve their rank of Eagle. He reviewed and processed hundreds of Eagle Scout applications and became a driving force for the Blue Mountain Council. He continued his own advancements in Scouting at the Scouting Leadership level and was awarded the Order of the Arrow's Vigil Honor.
Bob became the District Commissioner for the Blue Mountain Council in 1978 then became Council Commissioner 1983 continuing until 1999. While serving at the Council level, Bob also served as a member of the Western Regional Executive Board from 1995 to 2005. During all this time Bob also served on Wood Badge Staffs, Commissioner College Staffs and the National Jamboree Staff, attending 2 National Jamborees where he was director of the Action Center Archery Range in 1989 and Western Region Administrative Assistant in 1993.Bob also represented the Western Region Board as a member of the Philmont Scout Ranch annual appraisal team and served Area 1 as a member of the camp appraisal team that evaluated the facilities and programs at cub Scout & Boy Scout camps. Bob was such an influential part of the Scouting world that he was recognized for his work in International Scouting by the International Division of the BSA with the "International Scouter's Award"; by the National Eagle Scout Association as a "Distinguished Eagle Scout"; by the Blue Mountain Council with the "Silver Beaver Award" in 1982 and by the Western Region of the BSA with the "Silver Antelope" in 2005, being only the fifth Scouter in his council's history to receive this honor. These last awards are two of the highest awards ever given to adult Scouting leaders; he was so very honored by these awards and grateful to all his friends and family who supported him in Scouting. Bob & Rosemary were Preeminent Benefactors of the Council and the Council's endowment fund; they are members of the 1910 Society, the Founder's Circle, The Heritage Society and were the first "James C West Fellows" within the Council. On October 26, 1996 in tribute to all they have done; The Blue Mountain Council Dedicated "Purcell Park" and proclaimed October 26th to be Bob & Rosemary Purcell Day in the Blue Mountain Council! Bob continued his service to the Boy Scouts until just 6 months ago, in December of 2012; Bob hung up his Boy Scout Neckerchief, retiring after 38 years of service!

Bob's Love for family didn't stop with his own children, his door and home were always open and his family hosted many exchange students from different countries, some for a few weeks, some for a year. He had a tremendous giving heart!

One of Bob's more recent passions was in Genealogy. With the knowledge that his grandfather was one of 13 children Bob set out to find all of his long lost cousins in the Purcell Family Tree, and he did! Bob became such an avid genealogist he located relatives all across the Country and traced his ancestry clear back to Westminster Abby in London England, where he took his family to see the grave of the great English Composer and Great Uncle, Henry Purcell. Unfortunately it was during the 1982 Hyde Park bombings; but we made it through with another great story to tell. Bob spent many a vacation scouring cemeteries all over the United States finding grave markers and buying others for those whom were missing. Bob became incredibly active in the Purcell Family of America Genealogy Society and joined the board of PF of A by holding the positions of Secretary & Treasurer simultaneously. Bob attended and helped plan several of the Purcell Family Reunions held all around the country. In 2000 Bob became the Editor for the PFA quarterly journal for six years. The PFA Journal is one of the longest running Genealogy journals in U.S. History and he was very proud to be a contributing part of it.

Bob had many other interests he loved old trains, was a CB radio enthusiast in the 80's, boating with his children when they were young and camping on the Snake River. He was an avid bridge player; he and Rosemary had monthly bridge games with the same 6 couples for over 30 years and they were also part of the couple's bridge group at Meadow Springs Country Club, where he was a member; he was also an accomplished pianist & loved playing the organ too.

All we can say was when ever Dad did something he gave it 210% He was quite the over achiever!! Bob will be forever known as a kind, caring, giving man who Loved his family, friends and life to the fullest!

Bob leaves behind his beloved wife Rosemary; Daughter Cynthia; Son Richard Jennifer Grandchildren: Amanda, Jason, Marcus, Codie, Alina & Olivia & Greatgrand's; Phoenix & Daphne; along with Cousins, Nieces and Nephews, who all Love him dearly and miss him deeply!!

Memorial Service & Celebration of Life will be held at Einan's Sunset Memorial Events Center on Friday June 28th, 2013 at 2:00pm

Donations can be made in his name to the Boy Scouts of America Blue Mountain Council or All Saints Episcopal Church Richland Wa.