Purdon, a South-African, was born in Johannesburg and scored 42 goals during his 96 appearances for the Wearsiders between 1953-57.
He played for Birmingham City before joining Sunderland and then went on to play for non-league Workington, Barrow and Bath City prior to emigrating to Canada.
Coincidentally, both Birmingham and Sunderland were promoted to the Premiership at the weekend.
