By BRIDGET COOK
HUNDREDS of people turned out in Pearcedale this week to celebrate the life of a “fun-loving” man with a heart of gold.
The funeral for Richard Purcell, affectionately known as Dick, was held on Monday at the Pearcedale Hall after he was tragically hit and killed by a car on Sunday 21 October.
Close friend and former next-door neighbour Sue Murray, who was asked to talk on behalf of the Purcell family, said Mr Purcell would be remembered by all those who knew him as a fun-loving guy who would do anything for anybody.
“He was always there for everybody, and would honestly do anything for anyone,” she said.
Mr Purcell was born on 31 January in 1959 in Morwell, followed by two brothers David and John.
In 1968 his father, also named Richard, died, leaving Mr Purcell to help his mum Norma bring up the family.
Ms Murray said he had a happy and busy childhood and was very popular.
“He met and married his sweetheart Shirley whom with he shares his love for family, friends, animals and country life,” she said.
The couple had two children together – Ricky, 22, and Tanika, 12.
“When Ricky was born, Dick was in his element to name his first born after himself and his father,” Ms Murray said.
“Dick loved all the toys he showered Ricky with…from battery-operated cranes to sports balls and Lego or a blow-up pool for Dick to splash in too.
“When Tanka arrived 10 years later he also relished in pride, singing and dancing with her as soon as she could walk and talk.
“At a recent gathering when the guest of honour’s daughter made a speech, Dick added at the end ‘we didn’t learn how to cry until we had daughters’ as he hugged the guest of honour with pride.”
Ms Murray said his friends would remember Mr Purcell for his many nicknames.
“He was known as ‘party trick Dick’ as he balanced a pool cue on his chin, as he danced or did cartwheels and handstands across the stage,” she said.
“Dick and Shirley’s home is always open with the pot brewing on the wood stove.
“He was also fondly known as ‘have a chat Dick’, as we gave an extra 20 minutes when leaving after a visit as he would slowly walk next to the car as you leave just chatting.
“If you bumped into him at the shops, Dick always had time to stop and ask after the whole family.
“He had a heart of gold.”
