Gregory Brian Purchase

Gregory B. Purchase, M.D. and software entrepreneur, 75, of Battle Creek, Michigan died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, September 9, 2021.

Greg was born April 14, 1946 in Detroit, Michigan, the only child of Willard Allman and Mary Jean (Burlockoff) Purchase. He grew up in Highland Park, Michigan and was a 1964 graduate of Highland Park High School. Greg was fortunate to have his father serve as his Scout Master and during high school, Greg earned his Eagle Scout Award. Greg was also a member of the golf team, enjoyed theater and Model United Nations. Greg earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. He did his residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Greg honorably served his country in the U.S. Air Force for two years as a Major at K I Sawyer Air Force Base, serving as chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He settled in Battle Creek and joined the partnership of Lakke, Bartels, Hoffman and Purchase. He practiced Obstetrics and Gynecology until 1986 when he taught himself computer programming and coding. In 1987 he founded First Informatics Corporation, specializing in Medical Record Keeping and later expanding into other fields. Greg worked until two years ago when his last original software client also retired.

Gregory Brian Purchase was united in marriage to Susan Diane Trisket at North Avenue Church of God in 2012. Greg was formerly married to Donna Albers Robinson and Mary Lipscomb Purchase. Surviving are his wife Sue; children, Elizabeth Lynn Purchase of Newtown, CT, John Michael (Kristen) Purchase and Katharine Jane (Brandon) Huskin both of Naples, FL; grandchildren, Jacob and Benjamin Helzner, Quinnlin and Willow Huskin; stepchildren, Brian (Sarah) Lindauer of Dover, MA, Beth (T. J. Hilliard) Lindauer of Fuquay-Varina, NC; and step-grandchildren, Heidi, Murray, and Robyn Lindauer, Kaden Strachan, and Will Hilliard. Greg was preceded in death by his parents and beloved aunt "Sis" Elizabeth Purchase.

Greg has been involved with several churches in Battle Creek, First United Methodist Church, North Avenue Church of God and currently Central Christian Church. He has always been generous and one of the first to step forward to help church and school needs. He sang in the Choir at First United Methodist Church. Greg was actively involved in Church outreach programs. He was an avid U of M fan, golf aficionado, was fascinated by space exploration and all things NASA, and loved spending time up north at their Boyne Mountain get away. He helped local friends with their political campaigns. Greg had a great sense of humor. He had a nickname for every important person in his life. In recent years, he was known on social media for his "word of the day", a comical, occasionally off-color (but always good natured) play on words. Greg will be remembered as a loving man who will be greatly missed.

A service to honor Greg's life will be held in the future at Central Christian Church. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Christian Church, 713 Riverside Drive, Battle Creek, MI 49015.

We end with an example of one of Greg's words:
"I've had a fascination with the Masonic order for quite a while now. They certainly have a long history, and count many important national figures among their members. There is no shortage of mystery regarding their admission process and rituals. But there's one group within the order that has always had me completely puzzled. They're our Word of the Day -
ILLUMINAUGHTY: A very bad, misbehaving electrician.
Hey! Who turned out the lights?"

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.