Memorial for Rob Purvee

Robert Grant Purvee was a Burlington native. He was a fixture in town, and an integral part of the community. When he left us on November 14th, 2017, the Purvee family lost a son, a father, a brother, and an uncle; innumerable people lost a dear friend. Those of us who grew up with Rob feel like we've lost an essential piece of what made our hometown home. 

One of the universal descriptions of Rob is how he made everyone he encountered feel loved, accepted, and special. When you ran into him - which everyone did, all the time, because he was everywhere, and he knew everyone - his face would light up; he was always happy to see people he loved. As you talked to him, his attentiveness and enthusiasm made you feel like the most important person in the world. 

We want to honor Rob's ubiquitous presence, his gregarious spirit, and his kind and generous heart. We want to keep his light alive, and provide places for the many people who loved him to remember him, and feel connected to him. We also want to properly acknowledge his importance to the Burlington community as a whole. There have been several ideas about how to best do that, among them being a paver on Church Street, and a bench outside City Market.  Ultimately, it will be up to Rob's family to determine the most fitting tribute. This campaign is an opportunity for those of us who loved him to contribute to whatever memorial they decide upon.