Murray was born on April 18,1929 in Regina, Saskatchewan and passed away on October 24th, 2024 in Sechelt, BC. He was 95.
Murray grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba and spent many summers at the family homestead in Duval, Sask. As a young man, he enrolled in the Canadian Navy and upon his honorable discharge, soon after became a surveyor, determining natural gas distribution routes throughout western Canada. He eventually began working for Trans-Canada Pipelines in project management. In Winnipeg, Murray met the love of his life, Patricia Anne Trainor. They were married in 1955 and had 5 sons over eight years.
During his seventeen-year career with Trans-Canada, Murray was instrumental in the construction management of the two original natural gas pipelines that cross the country. By the early seventies, he became an independent consultant and was actively sought out wherever a challenging oil and gas project was in the works. Usually accompanied by his wife Pat, these projects included planning and overseeing projects in the Oman desert, India, USSR, Kazakhstan and Saudi Arabia.
In the mid 80’s Murray and Pat moved to Gibsons, BC where they realized their dream of building a beautiful west coast home.
Murray made significant contributions to the community of Gibsons. Because of his project management expertise, he volunteered to lead in the rebuilding of St. Bart’s Anglican Church and in the property acquisition and development of the Gibsons Public Art Gallery, where both he and Pat remained as founding board members into the early 2020’s. In retirement Murray and Pat continued to enjoy traveling, spending time in Portugal, England, Scotland, Cuba, Newfoundland and Chile, where he oversaw the construction of his eldest son’s home.
In his final years, Murray was dedicated to his daily support of Habitat for Humanity’s recycling efforts and received numerous awards for his 14 years of volunteer service with them. In 2023, Murray and Pat received the Frances Wasserlein Volunteer Award for their leadership in support of the Gibsons Public Art Gallery.
Murray leaves behind his wife Pat, his sons and their wives, a brother, two sisters and sisters-in-law, many nieces and nephews, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Murray’s mantra of “work is a form of prayer” will always be remembered by his family. He touched the lives of many people, family and friends alike and will never be forgotten. He leaves behind an incredible example of giving and of volunteerism. We will miss you, Murray.
Our family would like to express sincere thanks to all the doctors, home support nurses and aides, ambulance paramedics and Sechelt Hospital staff that so kindly and compassionately cared for Murray in his final months.
A celebration of life will be announced in the new year.
