I was fortunate to know John over the last few summers as we shared the same RV park on the shores of Lesser Slave Lake & quickly became close friends. We both shared a love of sports, especially baseball & spent many mornings over coffee re-living the few highs & many more lows of the Toronto Blue Jays recent exploits. We would discuss any topic that came up over this daily morning coffee & what impressed me a lot was even though John was very well educated if something came up he was unsure of he would research it online & report back his findings later. He was always continually learning … John's real passion in life was walleye fishing & we would get out as often as possible. His love of life & enjoying life to the fullest really came to light on these fishing trips. I remember, on some of our early trips, when the bite was on how John would react while catching fish after fish. He would guffaw, a laugh from the depths of his belly, while exclaiming "I've got another one !" There was no one else I preferred fishing with … I feel blessed for having known John Purdy & feel my life is more complete as a result of his friendship … may you rest in peace, my friend, & God Bless You.