Walter Mick Michael Purdy Jr.

Of Bremerton

March 31, 1937 to October 28th, 2017

Mick was a beloved father, grandfather, and uncle, whose favorite activities were those spent with his family, especially his grandchildren who were the light of his life. Another favorite was ‘Poker Night’ at his nephew Dave’s home. Dave was like a second son to him, and Mick always looked forward to Lori’s delicious meals before they settled around the poker table into the wee hours.

Mick was born and raised in Michigan, and joined the Navy in 1955. On Thanksgiving Day 1967, while serving onboard the YRBM-16 barge in Vietnam, the barge was mined (blown up), while Mick was onboard. Five men died immediately, and two more soon afterwards. Mick was medivac’d to Vung Tau Army Hospital, and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received during combat. He later joined his River Section in My Thro, and in 1968 was assigned to the main Navy Base in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive. His military career continued until his retirement in 1975, after which he worked as a Marine Machinist at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, retiring in 1995.

Mick was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Lola, brother Ed, and son Ed (Skip) Christiansen. He is survived by daughter Kim Green, grandchildren Kirtis, Laura, Josh (Jill), Catherine (John), Evan, and Emily; great grandchildren Kayla, Taylor, Carter, Vicente, Lola, and Sam; sister Anne, nieces Cynthia and Michelle, nephews Bill (Cynthia) and Dave (Lori), close friend Diana Purdy, and kitty-buddy ‘Lennie’.

The beginning of the end came for Mick in March 2016 when he was struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing the road to pick up his paper. He spent the remainder of his life in and out of the hospital and rehab facilities until his passing.

Military services will be held Saturday November 11th 2017 at 2 p.m. at Miller Woodlawn Memorial Park, 5505 Kitsap Way, in Bremerton.