1951 ~ 2019
Scott Eugene Purdie, age 67, of Mesa, Arizona, passed away on July 9, 2019. Scott was born on October 11, 1951 to loving parents Neil and Glenna Purdie in Salt Lake City, Utah. After graduating from Highland High School in 1970, he went on to serve the Lord in the Texas South Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and then graduate from the University of Utah in Business Management in 1976. He married the love of his life, Debbie (Giles) Purdie, for time and all eternity on September 5, 1975 in the Salt Lake City Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ. Scott focused his career in the office products industry, becoming a beloved sales manager for many companies by viewing his job as one of service to others. He approached all aspects of his life that same way-lifting everyone up and adding a little slice of sunshine to their day. Scott adored baseball, especially the Seattle Mariners and their magical 1995 playoff run. He even built a batting cage in his backyard for everyone to share in his favorite sport. He developed a passion for biking, key lime pie (the more tart, the better) and yard work. His silly sense of humor touched countless lives around the world. Scott is survived by his wife, Debbie, and three grown children: Jennifer, Chad and Justin.
Marianna Plummer
WOW - really sad. I don’t remember Scott but what an unfortunate and sad way to go. Condolences to his friends and family.
George Young
Scott Purdie was the best friend a person could ever have. He was the most thoughtful, complimentary, and caring man that you could ever know. He had no arrogance or even a trace of an ego. He was always about ‘the other person’ and never himself. I have so many great memories of fantastic times we had through high school and after, though in more recent years have had less contact. I did have a chance to have lunch with him and Scott Simon last year, and we shared some old baseball memories. I have been in shock and denial since hearing of this most tragic loss, and my heart goes out to Debbie and his children.
Scott was the “big right-hander” on the pitching staff for the Highland baseball team, and think there is a good picture in the yearbook showing him on the mound pitching (my copy my is still in storage in Texas, so that’s why I have to say “I think” there is one). So, now we have lost the left-hander, Russ Toronto, and the right-hander, Scott Purdie, as well. Two fantastic and great men. I guess it is true that the good go first….
Scott had the driest and most comical sense of humor. He cared deeply for his friends and all those around him. He was the kind of person that I always thought about. I always wondered what he would say or think about whatever was going on around me at any given time, even though our contacts were infrequent. He was a giant of a man in my life and I miss just knowing that he is out there, and I miss just looking forward to the next time I might see him. What a great loss!!! Words can’t come close to expressing it. ….. Sorry for this very poor attempt at a tribute and “In Memory” memory, but I have been quite in shock these past 6 days after hearing the news, and I wanted to get something posted without waiting any longer. If I can figure out how to post a picture, I will get it on here soon.
George Young
Fred Behle
Great comments about Scott. Here are a couple of pictures of Scott out of the yearbook.
George Young
Don Hyland
Scott and I were friends at Irving Jr High and Highland. Every morning after Seminary we would tell each other jokes from Johnny Carson from the night before. We went buzzing around in his VW van to AW on 21st So and drag State Street. Not too many girls wanted to talk to us because his van wasn't cool enough. We played basketball up at the U's HPER and at Deseret Gym. Scott was smart. He asked me to come with him the first time he talked to Debbie at her home. He was nervous! He never needed me to go along again! I got married and Scott went on his mission after high school. We stayed in touch by letters. He loved his mission and the people he taught. I will miss Scott very much!
Jack Davis
In October 1970 I had completed basic training at Ft. Polk, Louisiana, and was sent to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, for training as a medic. At first opportunity I went to church in a San Antonio LDS ward. As I walked in, there sitting in the entry was Elder Scott Purdie, early on in his mission. That was a very fun, and totally unexpected, encounter! Scott was, indeed, truly genteel in every way.