Frederick Stephen Purchase (Chief Warrant Officer, ret'd) ~ Age 79, passed away Monday August 20th, peacefully at home in Wilmot. Born in St. John's on February 21, 1939, he was the son of the late Fred and Elizabeth (Newell) Purchase.  Fred will be deeply missed by his wife of 56 years, Gwen (Lennox); children Fred, Debbie (Randy), Ken (Ann-Marie), and Chris (Julie); siblings Elizabeth, Brenda (Robert) and Evan (Jeannette); grandchildren Cassandra, Jacqueline, Emily, Nolan, Caitlyn and Brooklyn Rae; and many nieces and nephews. Fred's 38 years of service with the RCAF spanned the longest peacetime period in Canadian history, although Fred's precise role in that achievement remains unclear.  Fred's stoic demeanour belied an appreciation and/or tolerance of the more absurdist humour of the rest of his family, while his keen intellect made him a formidable opponent and partner in most any card game. Dad will be remembered for his integrity, his attention to detail, and his uncanny ability to fix anything except cancer. A Celebration of Fred's life will be held on Saturday August 25 from 1 to 3 at the Kingston Legion.  Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or "the NSLC". Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., 902-825-3448. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting: www . middletonfuneralhome .com