Gary Purdy

Gary Rush Purdy (born October 8, 1936) is a Canadian materials scientist and engineer. He is a Distinguished University Professor at McMaster University.

Early life and education Purdy was born on October 8, 1936, in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He was born to father Kent Purdy and graduated from McKay Avenue and Victoria Composite High schools. Following high school, he earned his bachelor's degree in mining engineering and his master's degree in metallurgy from the University of Alberta (U of A). During his time at the U of A, he won the Robert Tegler Scholarship from 1957 to 1958 and a National Research Council studentship from 1958 to 1959. Upon graduating from U of A, Purdy attended McMaster University where he won another National Research Council studentship.

Career Following his PhD, Purdy joined the faculty at McMaster University in 1963. Following his election, he was also inducted into McMaster’s Alumni Gallery. In 2002, his "contributions towards the understanding of diffusion and phase transformations in materials," earned him an election to the Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.

He was appointed to the Order of Canada in June 2023.

Personal life Purdy married nurse Ruby Elinore Smith in 1961 and they had their first child in 1962.