Gary Purser

SMITHFIELD, UTAH: Gary Purser, 80, was born on June 7, 1935, and passed away peacefully at the Logan Regional Hospital surrounded by his wife and children on Friday, August 21, 2015.
Gary was the youngest of four children born to Christina Avon Woolf and William Villis Purser of Hyde Park. He grew up in Hyde Park running around with his many friends and cousins, enjoying life in a small town. He attended schools in Hyde Park, Smithfield, and high school at North Cache.
Lois Jessop, of Logan, caught his eye and they were married on August 30, 1952. On June 20, 1956, they were sealed in the Logan LDS Temple. Next week would have marked their 63rd wedding anniversary.
Gary and Lois resided in Hyde Park and raised their family there for fifty years. He was a capable and worthy provider and taught us all how to be committed and good workers. His life’s occupations were at Jack’s Tire and Oil until 1959, and thereafter, he worked at Thiokol/ATK for 36 years.
As an elder in the LDS Church, Gary served as a ward clerk, in the Sunday School, and as a home teacher for many years.
He was a homebody and always spent hour in his yard and garden trying to make his world around him lovely and beautiful. Gary didn’t have to travel far to enjoy life, so pulling his trailer a few miles to Twin Lakes, Beaver Creek, or Bear Lake gave him the relaxation and satisfaction that he enjoyed. He delighted in conversation with people and he and Mom enjoyed entertaining friends and family in their backyard and home.
After fifty years of life in Hyde Park, Dad and Mom, sold their home and moved up the road to Smithfield where they have resided in the Smithfield Eighteenth Ward. Over the last few years he enjoyed the beautiful scenic view of his Cache Valley from his kitchen window. We are grateful to have been a part of his life and to be blessed with such a wonderful and caring husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa.
Gary is survived by his wife, Lois, his five children, Scott (Carrie); and Sandy (Mahmood) Akhavan, of Logan; Jeff (Paula) of Hyde Park; Calvin (Pauline) of Kaysville; and Melanie Pace of Logan. Nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive. One brother, Ramon (Marge) Purser, and one sister, LaConna (Brent) Hoggan also survive him. He was preceded in death by his parents, a stillborn daughter, Laurie, and his brother, Ronald.
Many thanks to the caregivers of Access Home Health, Legacy House, Logan Regional Hospital, and Dr. Nash for their tender and loving care during his final months. Your time with him is cherished.
Funeral services for Gary will be held at noon on Wednesday, August 26, at the Smithfield Eighteenth Ward located at 625 E. 600 S. in Smithfield. A viewing will be held that morning from 10:30 until 11:30 a.m. A viewing will also be held at Allen-Hall Mortuary at 34 E. Center St. in Logan on Tuesday, August 25, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Interment will take place in the Hyde Park Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.net