It is with so much sadness that I announce that
Captain Christopher Anthony Purtcher-Wydenbruck OBE RFA(Retd),
crossed the bar on the 10th September 2014 at his home in Switzerland. He was 91. I have no more specific details other than this from a German Language Newspaper cutting, translated via Google Translate:-
The familiar figure of a lovable Wanderers on the beautifulroads of the adopted country Oberarth has forever removed from our sight.
The former captain of the British naval auxiliary cleared the last time anchor and compass set
into the realm of eternal freedom.
In great love and gratitude we say goodbye to my husband, our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, Uronkel, uncle and brother in law.
Christopher Anthony Purtcher–Wydenbruck OBE
January 11, 1923 to September 10, 2014
We believe in a reunion with you. You remain the anchor of the family.
We thank the Canton of Schwyz hospital, the home care Regio Arth–Goldau, the SRK and the club life care Arth–Goldau.
Oberarth, Türlihof 4, September 29, 2014
In silent grief:
The wife Marie–Louise Purtcher–Büeler
The children Patricia, Anthony, Belinda and Ralph
and their families in USA, France and Switzerland
Prayer of Intercession: Friday, 7 November 2014, 19.30 clock, in the parish church Arth
The urn burial will be held at a later date in thefamily circle.
If you like to donate something, remember one of the above institutions.
On behalf of the RFA Association I extend our sincere condolences to his widow Marie-Louise, children Patricia, Anthony,Belinda and Ralph and their families.
If you have a remembrance of Captain Chris please email it to me at deputy.chairman@rfaa.uk and I will post them on this page.
Dave Gerrard writes:-
In 1982 Captain Chris was close to retirement when the war broke out and, with her sisters, Sir Lancelot headed south in the Amphibious Group.
We had many adventures, being bombed, evacuated to the beach, lodging in other ships, and eventually getting the old girl running again only to find we were to stay behind when most of the others sailed home.
But throughout it all he kept us together and eventually brought us safe home to Plymouth where we gave him a fitting send off before he departed in style on his motorbike.
Some 25 years later we were delighted that he and Marilou were able to join us for a reunion before they left to spend their remaining years in Switzerland.
The Lancelots will remember him with great affection.
David Gerrard
Several photos here.
John Roddis and Joe Gaffrey have asked to be remembered to Captain Chris’ family.