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Sunset View Mortuary
Friday 9/18,
11:00 am
Sunset View Mortuary
Friday 9/18,
10:00 am
Cemetery
Sunset View Cemetery Association
(510) 525-5111
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Thursday 1/1
Robert Wright Purdie passed away peacefully on September 9, 2015, at the age of 94. Robert was born in 1920, in Berkeley, California, and was the only child of Robert and Carol Wright Purdie. He grew up in Hayward and spent most of his life in Berkeley, where he attended the University of California, graduatingContinue Reading
Robert Wright Purdie passed away peacefully on September 9, 2015, at the age of 94. Robert was born in 1920, in Berkeley, California, and was the only child of Robert and Carol Wright Purdie. He grew up in Hayward and spent most of his life in Berkeley, where he attended the University of California, graduating with a Civil Engineering degree in 1943. He was one of Professor Charles Gilman Hyde’s “boys” while studying with the eminent professor, who is considered the founding father of sanitary engineering.
Following graduation, he served in the Navy submarine service, where his final assignment was abord the USS Cavalla (SS-244), which later won a Presidential Unit Citation. After the war, he pursued a career in civil and sanitary engineering at the office of Clyde C. Kennedy in San Francisco. During his 40-year career with the company, he was involved in a wide variety of civil engineering projects in California, as well as in Colombia, and extensively in Asia. He won industry recognition for his dedication to sanitary engineering.
Robert fell in love with his high school classmate, Clara Elizabeth Uhrine. They married in 1946 and enjoyed 66 years of joyous union. He is survived by his two sons, Robert Jr. and Ross, and by Robert Jr.’s wife Cheryl and his stepson Micah. Robert was a well-read, compassionate, giving, adventurous, nature enthusiast. Gifted with tact and humor, he delighted in making people feel comfortable in any social situation. He was a great inspiration and mentor, and will be missed by many. A celebration of his life will be held at Sunset View Cemetery, at 101 Colusa Avenue in El Cerrito, on Friday 18th, at 11:00 AM, with viewing starting from 10:00 AM.
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