Robert Spencer “Spence” Purvis was born on Feb.13, 1918 in Seattle to Daisy Dean and James Purvis. He was the youngest of five children. He passed away on March 11, 2018, three weeks after celebrating his 1OOth birthday.

A true “gentleman,” Spence’s life reflected the amazing changes in our world, from the Great Depression to the tech age.

Spence retired from Ernst & Young in 1978 after a long career as a CPA, which also included Purvis & Parker and Arthur Young partnerships. He was past president of the Washington CPA Society.

Spence had a heart for service to others and country, serving WWII in the the 515th Field Artillery, 7th Army in England, France and Germany. He was a Lions Club member for 77 years, first in Seattle and upon retiring he joined the Coupeville Lions Club. He was an active member of the Coupeville United Methodist Church.

Spence also served one term on the Coupeville Town Council, was on the Whidbey General Hospital Foundation Board and the Island County Planning Commission.

Spence was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Hope, and his wife of 17 years, Betty. He is survived by son, Jeff (Sue) and daughter, Patti Sargent, his grandchildren Trevor and Tiffany (Hicks), and Mark Sargent and Mynda (Myres).

Dad loved his Bible study group and accepted Jesus as his Savior when he was 97. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his love of traveling and his love for family and friends.

Special thanks goes to his nurse of four years, Jeremy, and his wonderful caregiver, Verena.