Memorial
Dr. John Crary Purdie, 85, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Saturday, August 11, 2018 due to cardiac complications.
John dearly loved his wife Sherry and their time together on adventures both near and abroad. He also cherished their quality time together at home. His 4 children and 9 grandchildren were highlights in his life, and he delighted in their company often. He was also grateful for so many wonderful friends who showed their support, in the past and near the end of his struggle. Always optimistic about life, John was well known for saying, “I’m the luckiest guy in the world, and I know it!”
Born and raised in northwestern Iowa, John loved and lived in Iowa his entire life. After serving in the United States Army in the 82nd Airborne Division, he received a degree in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Iowa, and then moved his young family to Cedar Rapids. After 4 years as a children’s dentist there, he went back to the University of Iowa and received Masters in Science and Orthodontics degrees. Upon graduation, he formed a practice in Cedar Rapids with Drs. Gerald Eganhouse and William DeKock, and he truly loved his 30 year career with them as an orthodontist. He was a member of the Linn County Dental Society, Midwestern Society of Orthodontics, American Dental Association and American Association of Orthodontics, and he is a past president of the Iowa Society of Dentistry for Children, the Linn County Dental Society and the Iowa Orthodontic Society.
John believed in community involvement. He would say, “People need to give back to the community that supports them.” He volunteered his time and supported many organizations over his 50+ years as a Cedar Rapids resident, including the University of Iowa Presidents Club, the Theater of Cedar Rapids, the Eastern Iowa Symphony, and many more.
In his spare time, sailing his Hobie catamaran on Lake MacBride, bareboating in the Caribbean, skiing in Colorado, traveling and fishing were activities that John enjoyed. He was also a skilled craftsman and thrived on home and landscaping projects.
John’s survivors include: his beloved wife Sherry, daughter Anne Stamats (Bill) of Cedar Rapids, son George Purdie (Joeanna) of Seattle, step-sons Dr. Chris Buresh (Ginny) of Coralville and Ryan Buresh (Katie) of Cedar Rapids. He was the proud grandfather of Ben and Haley Stamats, and Louella Purdie, and of six step-grandchildren, Eve, Charles, Tess and Penelope Buresh and Lillian and Molly Buresh. His brother Dr. Joe Purdie (Carolee) lives in Bonita, CA. John was preceded in death by his parents, George and Ellen Purdie, sister Mary Rohlfsen and brother David Purdie.
A memorial service and reception will be held for John at First Presbyterian Church, 310 Fifth St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401, by Pastor Heather Hayes on Wednesday, August 29th at 11:00am. Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church Capital Campaign or the Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, 425 Second St. SE, Suite 960, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401. A private family burial service will be held at Cedar Memorial Cemetery.