Calvin Curtis Purinton

With great sadness the family of Calvin Curtis Purinton (Cal) announce his passing March 21, at the age of 78.

Cal was the oldest of 4 children, born to Carrol and Cavell Purinton in Regina SK, November 26,1942.

Cal spent his younger years hunting, fishing, playing hockey and enjoying the outdoors. At the young age of 17 Cal moved to play hockey for the Flin Flon Bombers. Hockey was a huge of part of his life. He had a 10 year Pro hockey career in the IHL as a defensemen for the Fort Wayne Komets. He began playing in 1963-64 and ended his career in 1972-73. Other than one season in Omaha of the CPHL in 1967-68, he played his entire career in Fort Wayne. He helped the Komets win two Turner Cup championships in 1964-65 and in 1972-73. He was widely regarded as one of the toughest players in team and league history. He ranks third all time in Komets history with 1306 penalty minutes. He was inducted into the Komet Hall of Fame in 2002.

Cal and his family owned the Sicamous Bottle Depot for 24 years. He was a kind man and forged many friendships at the depot and enjoyed his days chatting with customers. Cal enjoyed coaching hockey, his 80s Van Club, telling stories, quad rides, gathering firewood, playing cards and hunting with his wife Sherrie, and long time friends Grant and Joanne.

Cal will be lovingly remembered by his loving wife Sherrie, his children John(Lora), Sue(Jeff), Tracy, Derek(Olivia), Darcey( Mark), Carey(Lori), Terry, Chris(Melissa), Dale( Andrea ), Kristie(Myles), Ryan, 31 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren, sisters Lynn Miller and Leslie(Joe) Macala. Cal was predeceased by his daughter Jodey, sister Val, and his niece Dixie.

Stick taps to #4. He will be missed.