Bill Purves was born in Scotland. He had one brother, George. When his mother died, his father, William Purves, married Sarah. More children followed, including Jimmy, John (Jock), Henry, Agnes (Nan), Michael (Mick) and Bob. In 1926, the family moved to Canada, arriving in Montreal on May 1, 1926. From there, they came by train to the Peace country and settled in East Kleskun.
In 1939, Bill was one of the first to enlist in the army, joining the 49th Loyal Edmonton Regiment. His brothers, Jock and Jimmy followed.
When Bill got out of the army, he took up farming. He married Anna Jantz and lived near Hythe.
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie (p. 144)