PURVES E. WILLIAM passed peacefully in his sleep on January 13, 2023. (86yrs) He was preceded in death by his beloved wife and best friend of 27 years, Margaret. Loving father of Timothy (Nina), Steven (Tracy) Slater, Lisa (Jim) Harner, Jason Slater, and Laura. Loving grandfather of Michael Harner, Nicholas Harner, Patrick Sayers, Bryce Slater, Megan, and Lance. Companion and dear friend to Basha Szematowicz. William was preceded in death by his siblings Elizabeth Reppuhn and Charles II and survived by his brother Thomas.
William “Bill” was loved by everyone who knew him; he spent most of his working profession as a civil engineer for the Michigan Department of Transportation. He was also the leader of Boy Scout Troop #189 of Clarkston, MI, for several years. He was an avid sportsman, enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, and was a long-time member of the Oakland County Sportfishing Association. A dedicated history buff who spent much time reading about and visiting civil war battlefields.
Closely aligned with his interest in history, he spent many hours working on genealogy and researching the family’s roots as far back as the early 1800s. Bill always enjoyed sharing fond memories and humorous stories of growing up in the small-town Owosso, MI, with his siblings. He enjoyed and looked forward to weekend breakfast with his son Timothy and discussing and watching sports with Jason. His family and friends will most remember Bill as a kind, considerate, and compassionate individual, and he will be deeply missed.
We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed by all here at the Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club.