Howard Clinton Pursel

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Howard Clinton Pursel of Woodstock on October 20th, 2023 at the age of 87.

Beloved husband of Georgette Pursel (née Duyck) for 63 years. Cherished father to Janine Wallace (Bob) of Mississauga, and Scott Pursel of London. Proud and loving Grandad to Janelle Van Gerven (née Wallace) (Dennis) of Orangeville, Paige Wallace (Alex Truta) of Prince Rupert BC, John Wallace of Mississauga, and Lucas Pursel (Ashley Poole), Leda Pursel & Liam Pursel, of London. Great-Grandad to Jack & Violet Van Gerven. Dear brother of Shirley Chorba (Jim) of Leamington. Predeceased by brothers Leroy Pursel of Windsor and Percy Pursel of Leamington. Loved Uncle and Great-Uncle to many nieces and nephews.

Born in Leamington on January 12th, 1936, to the late Verne & Marie (née Brown) Pursel, Howard attended Leamington High School where he was an accomplished athlete. Known as “Whitey” on the football field, he played quarterback for the Leamington Lions from 1950-1955. During High School, Howard was a well-respected member of the RCAF Cadets as a Non-Commissioned Warrant Officer Second Class, responsible for a squadron of 125 cadets. In 1955, he began working for Beaver Lumber (Leamington, Woodstock, Petrolia and Port Dover locations). He joined Allen Lumber in Woodstock in 1964 as Manager, and eventually transitioned to Partner from 1978 to 2002, retiring in 2005.

Howard was a dedicated member of the Kinsmen Club where, over the years, he served as Club President, District Officer, National Officer and Life Member. He coached the Woodstock Junior Blue Sox Baseball Team (‘74-‘77), was an honourary member of Participaction, as well as a 10-year member of the Woodstock Fair Board.

Known as an avid hunter, Howard enjoyed hunting trips with family & friends and spent a lot of time in the bush with his dogs. He was well-traveled and well-read, with keen interest and knowledge in British history. Howard worked hard for his family, was a valued member of his community, and will be remembered for his sense of humour, brilliance, and kindness.

The Pursel family invites Howard’s friends & family to a visitation on Sunday, October 29th from 1:00-4:00pm at Brock & Visser Funeral Home (845 Devonshire Ave. Woodstock ON N4S 8Z4). A private family graveside service will be held at Oxford Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to a charity of your choice.