Mark William Purves

Mark graduated from Mt. Vernon High School in Mt. Vernon then went on to college to earn a Bachelors Degree in accounting in 1966 at Western Washington University.

After graduation he scrimped and saved to go on a trip to Europe where he met his Swedish relatives. When he returned he needed to get a job, that’s when he moved from Mt. Vernon to Clarkston, WA to become the office manager of Pacific Fruit and Produce. In the year 1976 his coworker just happened to invite him to their yearly New Year’s Eve party where he met the love of his life Cora Lee Hays. They were married September 10, 1977 at the Lutheran Church just down the street from Cora Lee’s house in Walla Walla, Washington. This year would be their 37th year together.

In 1978 he got the job with the State of Washington as Tax Specialist in Bellingham, WA. Every 2 years they would move to a new location (Mt. Vernon, Kirkland/ Bellevue then to Yakima where they lived for 25+ years.) He retired from the state after 30+ years with a medical disability because the MD was starting to affect his job.

Mark is survived by his wife, Cora Lee of Yakima; his son Brian and wife Katie; his daughter, Danielle Mesina and husband Hector and daughter Mary all of Yakima. He is also survived by 3 grandchildren whom he adored, Alexander Mesina, Mason Mesina, Megan Purves, and a grandchild due in October. (He was sad that he wouldn’t meet him or her). He is also survived by his 93 year old mother, Corrine Purves of Yakima, two brothers: Donald Jewett of Springfield, OR and Larry Jewett of Spirit Lake, ID, numerous nieces and nephews, and his best friend Robert Beath of Yakima. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father William Spence Purves, and his brother Steve Purves.

A Memorial Service will be held at Grace of Christ Presbyterian Church, 9 S. 8th Ave. Yakima, on Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, First Presbyterian Church, or to Children’s Village in care of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.

Arrangements under the direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.