It is with deep regret that we announce the loss of DEPG member and volunteer Simon Purvis who passed away in hospital on Friday 28th April at the age of 61, after a short illness.
Simon was the leader of our Class 14 locomotive team and was very well respected both within the DEPG and throughout the heritage railway sector for his vast and detailed knowledge of the Class and for his broad expertise in all matters related to diesel traction and railway vehicles of all types.
We remember Simon for his massive contribution to the DEPG over many years and we offer our condolences to all affected by this sad loss.
DEPG volunteer Class 14 team leader the late Simon Purvis was pictured at Williton on Saturday 28th January 2023 displaying his characteristic cheerfulness while working on the restoration of Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 (NCB Ashington No. 7). Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Simon was a very well respected member of the Stoneblower team and this news has hit us hard. Simon was a big part of our family and will be sadly missed by all.
It was with great regret that I heard of the loss of a great colleague and I must add that he will be missed both for his personality and for his huge depth of technical knowledge.
RIP Mate!
We must think of Simon’s family and we hope they are given the strength to bear their sad loss.