Laurence Purcell

Laurence Phillip Purcell, 89, died at home in Larimore, ND on Saturday, June 6, 2009. Laurence Phillip Purcell was born on December 5, 1919 in Williston, ND, the son of Edward and Bertha Purcell. He grew up and attended school in Williston, ND until his parents moved to Larimore, ND, in 1928. Laurence had six sisters and was the second oldest of four brothers. After his father's death, Laurence took over the responsibility of watching over the family when he was 15 years old. Laurence was always there for his family and was astute in planning and managing the family farm. Laurence respected the land he farmed and watched over it with loving care. Laurence's brothers treasured the years they spent working with him on the farm. Laurence's nephews also helped on the farm during harvest where they learned to drive when they were barely old enough to reach the clutch and brake pedals on the farm equipment. Laurence was known as the "gentleman farmer" because he always dressed up before driving into town and because he always treated everyone fairly and was concerned for the under-privileged. Laurence retired from farming in 1976 at the age of 57. In his retirement years he enjoyed maintaining and making improvements to the buildings and equipment on his farmstead. Laurence especially enjoyed operating his D6 Caterpillar, removing trees and burying rock piles. Laurence also enjoyed visits from his nephews and nieces, especially the younger ones whom would sit on his lap with him in his rocking chair. Laurence often liked to share stories about his very eventful and interesting boyhood growing up near Williston, ND. Laurence's biggest joy in life was living the life of a farmer and taking care of the land and his farmstead. He always welcomed his brothers, sisters, and many nephews and nieces to come and visit him on the farm. Even though Laurence has left us, his memory will remain in our hearts throughout the years to come ... those snapshots of all those special moments we shared with him - and the farm. Laurence was preceded in death by his parents, and Sisters: Ruth (Maurice) Sparling, Elsie (Lyle) Jordon, Mildred (Willie) Willhalm, Esther (Dan) Mack, and Brother: Edward (Louise) Purcell. Survivors include his Sisters: Eleanor (Fritz) CaHill of Santa Barbara, CA; Beatrice (John) Grodahl of Hemet, CA; Brothers: James (Lillian) Purcell of Grand Forks, ND; Eugene Purcell of Larimore, ND; along with numerous nephews and nieces.