A GoFundMe has been launched to support Star Trek comic artist Gordon Purcell, after his wife Debra died unexpectedly, to help offset medical bills, funeral costs and care needs for their autistic son, Jack.
Sadly, Debra Purcell passed away on Labor Day after suffering a massive heart attack as their family was traveling through Nebraska on the way home from a wedding.
Gordon, who’s worked for DC Comics, Marvel, IDW and other US publishers, perhaps best known for his work on numerous Star Trek comics, and had been together with Debra for 44 years, and married 33. They have a young adult son Jack, who suffers from severe autism and is profoundly distraught at the loss of his mother, who was his primary caregiver.
Nick Lauer, a family relative and son of author Amanda Lauer, is organising the GoFundMe fundraising appeal on behalf of Gordon Purcell, asking fans to pray for Debra, Gordon and Jack, and consider making a donation to help offset medical bills from Debra’s recent knee surgery and cataracts surgery, for her funeral expenses, and for Jack’s ongoing care needs.
“It’s with a heavy heart that I am writing to share the news of the sudden and tragic passing of my Aunt Debra,” Nick wrote on Facebook earlier this week. “If you knew her personally, Aunt Debra was funny and had the most caring heart.
“Please keep Debra’s family in your prayers. If you have it in your heart, please donate to help Gordon with the funeral and other expenses that he will be facing in the foreseeable future. Any contribution, no matter how small, will go a long way.
“Thank you for your consideration and for being part of the support system for the Purcell family. Your kindness and support is deeply appreciated.”
• You can donate to the GoFundMe in support of Gordon Purcell here
The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: Comic Art, Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Other Worlds, Star Trek, Television, US Comics
Heritage Auctions announces special Harlan Ellison Auction event, proceeds to help turn his home into a “Memorial Library”