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DR. W. MURRAY ESLER
Born: Jun 19, 1941
Date of Passing: Mar 15, 2019
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DR. W. MURRAY ESLER - DVM Son, Father, Brother, Partner, Grandpa, Friend June 19, 1941 - March 15, 2019 It is with great sorrow that the family wishes to announce that on Friday, March 15, 2019, Dr. Murray Esler (DVM) died suddenly. Murray was born at Freemason's hospital in Morden on June 19, 1941; the youngest son of Bill and Jean Esler. He attended Silver Spring School from Grades one to eight, LaRiviere for Junior High, and graduated Grade 12 from Pilot Mound Collegiate. He then managed the family farm for a year before moving to Ontario to attend Veterinary College in Guelph, graduating in 1965. Returning to Winnipeg with his then wife Anne (Heyens) and their first child, Nancy, in 1971 he founded Centennial Animal Hospital on Pembina Highway in Fort Garry as a mixed animal practice. In 1986, he established E & M Veterinary Consultants, which he later retired from in 2011 after 46 years of mostly large animal veterinary practice. He served as a volunteer for the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association as President, Secretary, and member of the Peer Review Committee for which he received an award of Merit. He was active in the Manitoba Government Veterinary Services Board as Chairman, as well as other positions. Murray was also active in his local community, as a founder of the St. Norbert Community Club; early member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles Club and the Founder of the South Perimeter Ducks Unlimited Committee. He maintained an interest in farming through livestock production, owning beef cattle and swine operations in Manitoba and throughout his years owned race horses and supported the horse racing community. Murray was active in sports, coaching hockey at the community club, curling, downhill skiing with the family, bird and big game hunting, fishing - both freshwater and deep sea. Sports led to a lot of travelling in Canada and around the world. He travelled extensively to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Cuba the Caribbean and most memorably, China. Other hobbies included gardening and working hunting dogs. Murray is survived by his partner of 25 years, Marian Watts of Winnipeg; three children, Nancy Esler (Peter Macdonald; children, Kate and Emily), Bill Esler (Katrina; children, Bianca and Lara) and Virginia Warner (Dean Warner; daughter Nina) of Australia; stepdaughter Lisa Ethier (Lionel Ethier; children Abigail and Matthew); stepson Tim Watts (daughter Clarelle); sister Lois Creith of Manitou; and brother-in-law Roy McLaren of Crystal City along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Jean; brothers, Roy, Keith, Elwood and John K.; sister Alice McLaren; sisters-in-law, Anne-Marie, Edwina, Marlyne, and Patricia; brother-in-law Robert Creith; nephew David McLaren, and niece Cindy Johnston. Dr. Esler's family would like to especially thank the staff of the Winnipeg Fire and Paramedic Service, the Health Sciences Centre and his longtime doctor Roland Hayward. His family has asked for a private cremation and memorial gathering in line with his wishes. In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, hsf.donorportal.ca, 1379 Kenaston Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2T5 and/or CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, cancercare.mb.ca, 1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E OV9. www.voyagefuneralhomes.com
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 23, 2019
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Just wanted to say a warm thanks for the above lovely reflections about Dad as a person, the heart prints and other good impressions he left with people, memories of good times long past to recent. We miss him so much already. Carpe Diem or his take on it - we’re a long time dead. - Posted by: Nancy Esler (Daughter) on: Apr 02, 2019
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Sharon and I were shocked to hear of Murray's passing. I was lucky enough to attend a breakfast with Murray and a few friends from our old DU committee only a few days before. We will always remember his larger than life presence at the banquets and all the hard work and dedication he brought to everything he did. Rest well "Big Guy", you will be missed greatly. - Posted by: Joseph Chaput (Friend) on: Apr 01, 2019
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Dear Marion & Families, my Dad ( Big Al) told me of Murray's passing, my heart goes out to all of you. The Glover's have many fond memories of Murray. Whether it was sitting between the two "Fog Horns" (Dad and Murray) at Shakey's/ Merk's (Pembina), the big horned sheep in our back yard courtesy of Murray or celebrating my parents 25th Wedding Anniversary. Your friendship continued when my parents moved away to London and upon return visits....you could count on the mischievous twinkle and booming voice/laugh of Murray. Murray your big heart, sense of humor and laughter will be sorely missed.....My hope is there is a Merk's in heaven where you are having a beer with my Mum.... and having a good laugh at my Dad's expense and that one day the gang will be all together again! Love Shane and Al Glover - Posted by: Shane (Glover) Parrington (Family Friend) on: Mar 29, 2019
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I knew Murray from my parents and my Dad being a Vet as well here in Manitoba. I had the pleasure of calling upon Murray as a supplier and grew to aprreciate his frienship. He was honest to a fault with a bigger than life personality. Always had something to share. Loved him....a life well lived. I will miss him. - Posted by: Mike Agar (Friend) on: Mar 26, 2019
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I met Murray through Janet Cruse in 1975. He became our equine vet and always showed up with a big booming laugh. Once when testing a gelding for Wobbles, he wrapped his big arms around the horse's neck and almost pulled him over like a wrestler. I also worked with the vets at Pembina, and Murray would sometimes visit them at noon hour. They were a very entertaining group of fellows. My husband and I joined him in a few Conservative dinners, courtesy of Ken Lee, and always had a great visit then. He was a big personality. He will be missed. - Posted by: Lauren Mulhall (former client/friend) on: Mar 25, 2019
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I lived next door to Murray, Anne, Nancy Lee, Billie, and Ginny for 10 years. I came to know Murray as someone you would call "salt of the earth". He was always cheerful and ready to help at any time. I remember going out with Murray to a farm to see him help a cow birth a breech calf. And often sick animals would come to his house. All our kids were able to see horses, pigs, goats...all manner of large animals right in the driveway. Billie and my son, Jamie, were best friends and our girls played together. Anne and Murray were more like family than neighbours. Murray was a great guy. My sympathy to his family. Emily (Brown) Warriner - Posted by: Emily Warriner (neighbour) on: Mar 25, 2019
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Murray was a great friend and we had many good times together I shall miss our breakfasts we enjoyed whenever I came to Winnipeg. Goodbye old friend, happy hunting. Jim Westendorf - Posted by: Jim Westendorf (Friend) on: Mar 25, 2019
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SPENT SOME TIME IN THE 80s CURLING WITH MURRAY IN THE QUEBEC INVITATIONAL BONSPIEL. HAD A GREAT TIME. GREAT GUY - HE WILL BE MISSED. - Posted by: WAYNE HOGABOAM (FRIEND) on: Mar 23, 2019
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Dear Nancy and Family, I am so very sorry to hear about the sudden passing of your father. I have many fond memories of your friendship at St. Norbert school and your many birthday parties at your house. Your Father performed surgery on my beloved dog, Brownie, more than once, and my dog lived for many years afterward. I do remember visiting you while in Winnipeg a few times and enjoyed a lovely evening with you, your father and his wife when they lived in St. Adolophe. Your father was always friendly and talkative. Wishing you comfort at this difficult time. Shelley Stopera - Posted by: Shelley Stopera (Friend of Nancy Esler (daughter)) on: Mar 23, 2019
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Sharon and I have known Murray since the 1960’s and it is with sadness but also with fond memories of a life well lived. We are in Phoenix until mid April and are sorry that we will miss seeing his family at this time. There is not enough space here to share all the wonderful times we spent with Murray and Ann and the kids. - Posted by: Lynn webster (Friend and fellow veterinarian) on: Mar 23, 2019
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In loving memory of Murray... Dear Marian and families... We were deeply saddened to hear of Murray's passing. May our friendship, sympathy, and heartfelt condolences reach out to you. We will surely miss the presence of one truly remarkable gentleman and friend. Love Gord and Brucie Kusmack - Posted by: Gord and Brucie Kusmack (Friends) on: Mar 23, 2019
