Born in Tacoma, WA on August 29, 1939; raised in the North End of Tacoma by Kenny and Bernice Purchase with his younger sister Karen (Robinson). Although he lived his whole life within a twenty mile radius, his many passports are filled with unusual and exotic places. His most favorite thing while traveling or sitting at a coffee shop was to watch people. He was always thinking. He attended Washington Elementary, Mason, Stadium, and UPS. He was a Drummer, Drum Major, Yell Boy and a National Guardsman. You may have known him as a co-worker, biker, friend, photographer, adviser, lover, mentor, orator, poor time manager, paradigm shifter, or a pain, but to us, Rebecca Ford (Becky Purchase) and Dylan Purchase, and the various other family, siblings, and grandchildren he brought to us, he was our Dad, our "Bumpa". We are "one family".

He passed due to complications of pneumonia January 21, 2013 at Tacoma General Hospital. We extend our gratitude to everyone we came in contact with their; the care, kindness and help our father and we received will not be forgotten. To quell any rumors, no cancer this time, no mental illness or weird disease, although I bet he would have loved to add that story to his line-up. You can just hear him saying, "I was alone in the tropics on what I thought was to be a relaxing vacation and while observing an ant hill I slipped and accidentally drank a warm beer, and here I am."

Funeral arrangements have been made with Mt. View in Lakewood, WA. A memorial will be held 2 pm Saturday, February 9th, 2013 at Kilworth Chapel, 3410 North 18th St. Tacoma, WA 98406. Donations can be made at www.tacomasp.org or checks made out to PDAP or NASEN sent to 535 Dock St. Suite 112, Tacoma, WA 98402. To learn more about this small town man who impacted the world, just Google: Dave Purchase, needle exchange.


Arrangements by Mountain view Funeral Home.