May 25, 1948 – October 28, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my Dad, Thomas Samuel Murray on October 28, 2024.
Born May 25, 1948, at the Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he was a rambunctious kid who loved playing hockey at an early age. He was highly social, with the gift of the gab, and a great sense of humor, and as he would say, he had a memory like a bear trap, especially of Manitoba.
Tom grew up on Cherryhill Road after the family moved there from Inkster Blvd. Tom enrolled in the Air Force at the age of 17 and was stationed in Comox BC, in the beautiful Comox Valley, on Vancouver Island. Shortly after, he met Jean Zerkee and they began to date. A serious car accident ended his military career, and he spent six months in a military hospital in traction for his broken neck. Tom returned to Winnipeg and he and Jean lived with his brother Roger and his wife Susan until they found a home of their own in Fort Rouge, where they married in 1969.
They had two girls, with Leah being born in St. Boniface and Gina back in Comox. Dad worked several jobs on Vancouver Island including driving a dump truck for Island Redimix and logging at River’s Inlet. Dad struggled with PTSD and substance use for the rest of his life, which led to a divorce in 1978.
Tom moved around for work from Vancouver Island In BC, to the Yukon and Manitoba with each area holding a special place in his heart. Of all of the jobs he had, Dad cherished his time driving a semi for his brother Roger on the winter roads in the north.
He enjoyed the outdoors where he loved camping in his beloved Tipi which was made for him by his First Nation friends. He lived to ride his motorcycles and spoke often about his love of animals including his treasured cats.
Dad was predeceased by his parents, Sam and Viola Murray, his sister Heather Gabriele, his sister-in-law Susan Murray, his niece Kendra Latzkitsch, and his special friend, whom he thought of as a son, Lee Richardson.
Tom is survived by his daughters Leah Murray (Jason Michaelson), and Gina Murray; and his grandson Brenden Samuel Murray Invererity; as well as his brother Roger Murray (Carol); sisters Kimberly Latzkitsch, and Gillian Milne (Al); and his nephew’s Roger Murray, and Vincent Gabriele; and also, nieces Sheri Magura Murray, Lisa Murray, Christina Hrankowski, and their families.
We want to thank all of his friends for their love and support over the years; you meant the world to him. We send special thanks to Kris and Nan Thorstonson who took extra care of him on his final night and sent him on his way with loving prayers.
We wish to thank the staff at Winnipeg Health Sciences Center including Dr. Seamus for the care of Dad during his final month and Dr. Chowdary and Dr. Mellon for helping him navigate the treatment he required over the last few years.
We will be holding a celebration of life in the late spring of 2025 at his favourite Legion # 30 on Main Street in Winnipeg. Info to follow closer to the date.
Always in my heart Dad, I love you dearly 💕
