The best Dad ever, Thomas Joseph Purvis of Elk Grove, age 49 and fine, passed away suddenly from an unknown heart condition on August 15th while sparring with his favorite karate instructor, Sensei Oscar Gonzales. His daughters Aliya and Terra, the sunshine of his life survive him, and feel there will forever not be a hole, but a place in their heart for their Dad. He is also survived by his wife of 18 years, Linda Dorn Purvis; his adoring sister Sandy Wasson and brother in law Ross , the brother he never had, half sister Peg Bergman, and his beautiful niece Jenny; his awesome mother Joyce; his devoted father Alan Carter, and his mother in law with a "too big" heart, Virginia Kauk. Tom loved sports, he played baseball (GO A's), football ( the greatness of the RAIDERSSsssss), and wresting for Tennyson High School (Hayward, CA, class of 1977) to receiving a black belt in martial arts with Kovars Academy August 2006. He loved helping kids, whether it was making sure that they received supplies at Washington Unified School District or learning karate. All that had the opportunity to know Tom will miss his fun loving attitude, teasing way, and sincerity of heart. Memorial gifts to Salvation Army P.O. Box 269 Alexandria, VA 22313 or Thomas Joseph Purvis Memorial Fund, 6580 Belleau Wood Ln, Ste B, Sacramento, CA 95822 established for disadvantaged children to have the opportunity to learn martial arts would be greatly appreciated. A memorial will be held Saturday September 8, at 1PM, Hearthouse, Ben Ali Shriner Temple, 1600 Los Robles Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95815, 916-920-4107. Wherever you are Thomas, Tom, Dad, Brother, Husband, Son, Friend, may your soul rest in peace. Arrangements entrusted to Sierra Foothills Mortuary, Auburn, CA 530-889-0767.

Alameda Times-Star 9/2/07.