We are heartbroken to share news of his passing at Matthews House Hospice Alliston, peacefully with his loving family by his side, on September 7, 2026. John Purchase at the age of 80 years, was a dedicated father to Emily and Gillian and dearest Poppa of Owen and Morgan. Sadly missed by his sister Elizabeth Bingham (Robert), fondly remembered by his nieces Erin, Katharine, and Rebecca. Forever in the hearts of his extended family, friends, and his family dogs Scout and Savi.
John was born on March 12, 1946 in Mumbles, Wales to Arthur and Molly Purchase. Emigrating in 1957, the family settled in Etobicoke. John majored in history at Wilfred Laurier University and received his degree from Lakeshore Teacher’s College. Always going above and beyond, in class and in extra curriculars, most of his over 25 years of teaching career was spent at Greenholme Junior School in Rexdale where his commitment to his students created a positive influence that was immeasurable.
John and his new family moved to Tottenham in 1977, becoming an active participant in the community including the Blackhorse Theatre while maintaining his passions for rugby, fishing, gardening, and golfing with dear friends.
His love and devotion for his family was beyond reproach. He fought with all his strength to stay as long as he could, and for that they will always be grateful.
The family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Sunday September 13, 2026 with the Funeral Service in the chapel at 4pm. Reception will follow in the funeral homes Cliffside Hall. Private family interment will be held at a later date in Mt. Tegart Cemetery. As a long time recipient of donations, give blood if you can. In lieu of flowers, donations in John’s memory to Matthews House Hospice would be appreciated. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Guest Arrival
Rod Abrams Funeral Home Ltd.
1666 Tottenham Road Tottenham, ON L0G 1W0
Sunday September 13, 2026
3:30pm - 4:00pm
Funeral Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home Ltd.
1666 Tottenham Road Tottenham, Ontario L0G 1W0
Sunday September 13, 20264:00pm
Jackie and Ian Logan says
We are saddened to hear of your dad’s passing Emily and Gillian and family. We have just become aware of your loss, but we knew he had health challenges over the years. His dedication to his family was so very obvious, and we remember him walking down Mill Street proudly carrying Owen on his shoulders! Always friendly and engaging, a good father and neighbour.
We wish you all peace and great memories going forward.
God Bless
Ivor & Ginny Cathcart says
Dear Emily, Gillian & family, we are so very saddened to hear of John’s passing. We did not get the notice of his passing and are very sorry to have not attended the visitation or service. Both of us have many wonderful memories of John. We shared the stage with him at the BVP and there were lots of fun times. Pleaswe know we are holding ypou all in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Arwen Tiessinga says
Dear Emily, Jillian and Morgan
My deepest sympathies for all of you. I have fond memories of your Dad/Grandfather while at Blackhorse. And later he would always stop to chat and catch up whenever I would run into him around town; he was so proud of all you.
My condolences,
Arwen Tiessinga
Tania Crane says
My deepest sympathy to you and your family Emily.
Tania Crane
Barb says
Dear Emily, Owen and Morgan:
I was so very saddened and surprised to read today about the loss of your precious Dad and Poppa. He was an incredible person and I remember well my visits with him at your home. He was the proudest Father and Poppa and adored his family. I know he battled many hurdles with his health in the past and got over them through his sheer determination to have more time with all of you. This is a devastating loss for you all I know. May you take comfort knowing he is always with you and will live on in each of you and those memories you have with him will live on forever. Sending you all strength, love, light and prayers during this difficult time. ❤️
Nurse Barb
Betty Kahn says
Dear Gillian and Family,
Our deepest sympathies about the passing of your father. In this difficult time, please remember that you are in our thoughts…always.
Much love,
Chris and Betty
Bruce Bushey says
Dear Gillian and Emily, I am so sorry for your loss.
John and I met at Heatherbrae Middle School in 1969 and enjoyed many years of camping and canoeing, golf, and hockey and life. Though time and distance grew between us over the years the memory of times together has not dulled.
Goodbye my friend.
Linda Hostrawser says
Sending condolences and prayers for peace to Emily, Gillian and family.
I taught for 7 years with John at Heatherbrae School in Etobicoke. Lots of great memories during that time.
I would often meet John when I taught at Tottenham Public School. He would wheel his grandson over to the school at a recess. He liked his grandson to see all the kids playing.
John was a very kind and caring man who enjoyed his family and friends.
Linda Hostrawser( Robinson)
Keith Budd says
Dear Emily and Gillian,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to both of you and your families.
John was a great guy to spend time with—easy to talk to and always ready with some humour. I will always remember our canoe trip along the Mattagami River and the countless trips into Algonquin Park. And, of course, there were the many rounds of golf, which could certainly be frustrating at times, but the beer afterwards was always great!
I have many fond memories of John and feel fortunate to have known him. He will be missed.
My thoughts are with you both and your families at this difficult time.
Keith Budd
Nathalie Copp says
Dear Emily-I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad and my love and condolences to you and you family in this terrible loss. Keep those memories close to your Heart. I am thinking about all of you and sorry I will not be at the service. Hugs.
Love Nat
John and Fena Van Loenen says
Dearest Emily and Gillian,
Your dad was a dear friend while we lived across the street from you for a good 35 years. I have fond memories of your dad and I golfing it was his joy to out drive me.., to bad they often went into the ruff (lol). His joy in excersise was pushing his car up the short driveway. We never could figure that out.
He was kind and always had smile and could joke around with the best of us. A friend one could be counted one. He will be missed.
Martin Melhuish says
John was the personification of the phrase “good neighbour.” He was also a friend who, no matter how infrequently we spent time together, each meet up was as if no time had passed. Besides talking the world back in line, we would often reminisce about our mutual experiences of growing up across the pond. We had a few things in common in that regard: we both arrived in Canada with our families in 1957 from Celtic areas of the U.K.; he came from Mumbles, Wales and I spent my early years in Penzance, Cornwall. Perhaps it is not surprising then that we were both enthusiastic in our on-going quest to find the perfect fish & chips. Needless to say, I will miss him. There is a void now in the neighbourhood. To Emily, Gillian, Owen, Morgan and his extended family, friends and those whose lives he touched over the years, may his memory bring a smile and comforting thoughts.
Penny Halamoutis says
Emily, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your dad. He was not only a colleague of many years at Greenholme but a dear friend as well! My deepest condolences to you and all the family for your loss! May John’s love and memory live on in your hearts forever! ❤️
Gerry Long says
Always remember the days you visit me in St.John,s NL.We certainly enjoyed your company. Rest un peace my cousin
Julie Mastracci says
John was my Adjunct Professor in 1990 when I was a student teacher at Greenholme. He was a true gentle man, a proud and committed educator who inspired his school community. I will never forget the care and dedication he displayed when he planned the yearly Remembrance Day service, a lasting memory for staff and students alike. Deepest condolences to his family.
Julie Mastracci
Linda begin says
Dear Emily and Family
Very saddened to hear about your father
Sending our deepest condolences.
Roger and Linda Begin
Elisabeth says
Dear Emily, Gillian, Elizabeth and families – so very sad to hear about John’s passing. Not only was he my favorite cousin but a good friend. We remember fondly the many visits to us here in the UK over the years – what fun we had! Sending our love to you all, we will be thinking of you on the day and sad we cannot be with you. Much love from Elisabeth, Georgie, Jon and family xxxxx
Joanne Duggan and family says
Emily, so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Joan Congdon says
Emily and Gillian, I am so sorry to read about your dad’s passing. I’m sending big hugs. Xoxo
Joan Congdon
Don & Cathy Roberts says
Sending our deepest condolences for the passing of your dear father. May the love & strength of your family, help you all in your time of great loss.
Don & Cathy
Malcolm & Elsie Cleghorn says
Dear Emily & Gillian
We are saddened to hear of John’s passing. We have fond memories of him from our time at Blackhorse. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Gordon Halbot says
I am so sorry Emeley, Gillian, Owen, Morgan and family and friends. I deeply share your loss. John and I had become very close friends over the years, firstly walking our grandkids to and from school and of course the many rounds of golf we played together. Our conversations on the golf courses would be mostly about family and golf and John would say “Gord, arne’t we lucky”. I will always remember John’s hole-in-one on the second hole at Silver Brooke Golf Club – the ultimate achievment in golf.
RIP my friend.
Joyce Kucharczyk (nee McComiskey) says
Emily, Gigi and family
I’m so sorry to hear of John’s passing
I have many fond memories of your Dad
Hugs and love to you all
Joyce xoxo
Monika McComiskey says
My condolences to the family. May the wonderful memories you all made with him carry you through this time ❤️
Much love
Monika McComiskey
John "Courtney" Davies & family says
With greatest sadness that I hear of the loss of my dearest life long friend John. I know we didn’t see a great deal of each other but he was always in my thoughts & I will sadly miss our telephone conversations. KSending our love to little lovely family at this extremely sad time.
Michel Bullock says
Emily, Gillian and family
I am so sorry to hear your dad passed recently. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Holly Manning says
Emily and Gillian,
I am so sorry about the passing of your father. Sending sincere peace and grace to you and yours. He was a wonderful man.
Cathy Mcgoey says
Emily Mike and i are so terribly sorry you have lost your precious Father .. we send all our love and condolences to you and your children and your sister and the rest of the family too your Aunt also .. his sister .. he sounds like he had a remarkable life and touched so many lives ..at this very sad time We pray you all find the strength to get you through the difficult days ahead until all the love and happy memories take over .. God Bless
Lora Sinkler-Lake says
Dear Emily & family,
So sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Wishing you & your family love and prayers during this difficult time!
Hugs,
Lora Sinkler-Lake