MURRAY

Condolences & Memories (24 entries)

• Thom had a very positive influence on my life. He was an intense and devoted coach who cared deeply for his athletes. The world is a much better place because of you. Thank you, Thom. - Steve Fitzjohn - Posted by: Steve Fitzjohn () on: Aug 16, 2013

• Marilyn and I first met at Trinity Baptist Church when we were very young. Over the years our friendship continued, even though I moved away from Winnipeg. I always valued Marilyn and Thom's friendship and our long association with them both. Marilyn was responsible for arranging a (reluctant) blind date for me, which lead to my meeting and marrying my husband, Wayne. My thoughts are with their family at this difficult time. - Posted by: Marg. Calver (friend) on: Jul 25, 2013

• Thom was my VP in the Winnipeg School Division for a number of years. He was a very nice man to work for. My condolences to the famuly. - Posted by: Denise Ratcliffe () on: Jul 22, 2013

• We cannot count the wonderful cousin times we have had with dear Marilyn and Thom. They have always been part of our lives, from early childhood days to the present. Cousins are very special and they were at the top of the list. Rod, Alana, Diane - are thoughts and love are with you always. - Posted by: Lois-Ann [Duchie] & Bernie Bouchey (Cousins [Duchie and Marilyn] [Our Mothers were Sisters]) on: Jul 20, 2013

• Rod, Alana, Diane, and Uncle Don, Auntie Marilyn and Uncle Thom were amazing people -- full of life and always up for a laugh. Marilyn filled my mom's shoes when my twins were born, coming to help me care for them when they were born so tiny. I will always be grateful to her for that and so much more. Visiting them as an adult I discovered Uncle Thom's quick, dry wit. No wonder they were good together. Two beautiful, witty souls. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Carolyn Wright LaFon (niece) on: Jul 18, 2013

• I knew Marilyn & sister Deanna in our days of high school basketball. Deanna & I were roommates in nursing also and we have tried to keep in touch over the years even though our lives took different paths. Last summer Marilyn, Betty Bisset Ullberg (calgary) and I got together for a lovely visit and luncheon. Betty and I are so glad we were able to do this. Marilyn was such a cheerful and sincere person and she will be missed. My condolences to all the family this is such a difficult time for you all. - Posted by: Shirley Jackson (Friend) on: Jul 17, 2013

• Coach Murray was at DMCI during my years from 61-62 to 63-64 and was an important part of my development as a person and athlete. He and Mrs. Murray hosted a victory party for our provincial championship basketball team and I will never forget their hospitality and the interest they showed in us as people. My last visit with him was at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the championship. His interest in how our lives had turned out, how our families were doing and who from our school years we had remained in touch with through the years was evident from the questions he posed and information on others he passed along. A good man who will be remembered by those who were lucky enough to have had him as a coach, friend and teacher. Thanks to his family for sharing him with us - he spent many after school hours coaching - and you have my family's deepest sympathies on the loss of your parents. - Posted by: David Kerr (Student and player) on: Jul 16, 2013

• I met Marilyn in 1956 through our sisters Deanna and Lila, in Nurses training. Our families visited at our farm or their Winnipeg home. Also, visited as young parents. Contact was less frequent after our transfer to Ontario but had a great visit with her in 2004. What good memories! Thinking of you at this sad time. Marilyn McNamara [Gray] Also condolences from Lila and Clayton. - Posted by: Marilyn McNamara (friend) on: Jul 15, 2013

• Amazing teacher and Gentleman!! Made a huge difference in the lives of the students at Elmwood High School!! - Posted by: Beverly Johnson (student) on: Jul 15, 2013

• Quite simply, Mr. Murray cared, and every student who experienced that serious eye contact coupled with his ready smile during a workout knew that. He also taught us to care, about ourselves, our responsibilities, our team members, and our futures. My condolences to the family. - Posted by: Diane Chartrand (Plowman) (Flying M member '63 - '66) on: Jul 14, 2013

• Rod, Alana, Diane and families. My sincere condolences on the loss of both your Mom and Dad. Eveline Cruise - Posted by: Eveline Cruise (Friend) on: Jul 13, 2013

• Rod, my condolences to you and your family. I can't imagine the sadness and grief you must be feeling losing both parents so closely together. I pray that God may grant you all peace during this difficult time. - Posted by: Louise Buors () on: Jul 13, 2013

• Enjoyed becoming your friend, Marilyn, at M.T.C. in 1957---1958. What fun we had working together on the 50th Teachers' College reunion. You were so knowledgeable. Our memories & good times of you & Thom will live on. - Posted by: Bella & Ed. Lefteruk (Friends) on: Jul 13, 2013

• I took their wedding photos for them. Well respected teachers.....very good people. God bless them both. - Posted by: Carol Hunter (They were teachers at Gordon Bell) on: Jul 13, 2013

• 'Coach' taught and inspired us to become more than just players on winning B-Ball teams; he expected us to become leaders in our own lives as well. His commitment to building team-strength through a challenging level of preparation impacted all of us in such a positive way in our future roles as adults. Always remembered, always respected. Our condolences on your loss, Jean & Larry Tanchuk - Posted by: Larry Tanchuk (DMCI basketball '63-'67 () on: Jul 12, 2013

• So very sorry for your loss Marilyn and family. I remember Thom very well...who could forget his wonderful smile and terrific humour! I know Jim thought very highly of him; both as a teacher, coach and friend. I have only fond memories of Thom as a teacher and track coach...and of course one wonderful weekend "Flying M" party at the family cottage in Matlock! That was in the "long, long ago" days "once upon a time" days.....where does the time fly??? He was a wonderful man and all who had the privilege to know him will miss him very much! Again, my sincere condolences! - Posted by: Judy Lange (student) on: Jul 07, 2013

• Sorry to hear of Coach Murray's passing. I am glad that we were able to spend some time together at the 50th anniversary of our MHSAA Provincial basketball championships Wes Crymble 1962/63 D.M.C.I. Maroons - Posted by: Wes Crymble (former student) on: Jul 06, 2013

• I worked for Thom in 1988 at Adult ESL Centre. We enjoyed providing services to new immigrants in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. also enjoyed the Xmas party at the home of Marilyn and Thom! My condolences to you, Marilyn - Posted by: Marilyn Waterman (Employee) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Sorry to hear about Mr. Murray's passing.....i thought of him often and speak of him highly.......he was the only person my life that was able to convince me that i could do school..attend university and follow my ambitions. I still remember the day when he called me in his office...sat me down and...just plain told me to get my act together...that my I Q was high but my academics weren't showing it.....never before did i get called into an office..get reprimanded and yet walked out feeling great about myself....i felt that by his encouragent for me in track and school and in many ways my social life he was a hero to me.....he allowed me to believe in myself...graduate...go to university and my career teaching......i firmly believe that without him in my life.......i wouldn't have done what i did and wouldn't have been able to pass his ideas on to the next generation of students...to me he was a great mam. A great coach and someone who had the greatest effect on my life than any teacher that i ever came across...i now live in kenora...very seldom read the free press but something compelled me to pick it up the other day..i so want to be at his memorial service so if anyone could call me at 807 3776 or 204 9998271....with informatiom i would truly appreciate it..... I will miss him even though I haven't seen him since his teaching days - Posted by: bill macdonald (student and friend) on: Jul 03, 2013

• Marilyn and family, so sorry to hear of Thom's sudden passing..he was our former basketball coach many years ago and his kindness and encouragement has never been forgotten. My condolences to you all. - Posted by: Shirley Jackson (Former student) on: Jul 03, 2013

• When I was a student at River Heights in the mid-70's Mr. Murray was the vice-principal. To say these years were difficult is an understatement. If not for the fairness that Mr. Murray showed me I don't know if I would have even completed Junior High. He was a great guy and I'll never forget him. I'm sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Joe Myles (student) on: Jul 03, 2013

• I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Thom Murray was a good man. - Posted by: Elsie Byrne (ESL teacher) on: Jul 03, 2013

• So sorry to hear about this....I recall he was as gifted a writer as Karen was....she would often tell me how quietly creative he was. My condolences to all. - Posted by: d carreiro (acquaintance) on: Jul 02, 2013

• To Marilyn and family: I had great respect for Thom, a dedicated coach who built a great basketball programme at Daniel McIntyre. His loss will be widely felt. - Posted by: Vic Pruden (fellow basketball coach) on: Jun 29, 2013