MURRAY ODAISKY

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MURRAY ODAISKY May 9, 1948 - January 13, 2013 With the heaviest of hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Murray Odaisky. Murray was predeceased by his parents Michael and Mary, best friend Larry Quick and his beloved cats Kierra, Shawnee and Brandy. To mourn his loss, he is survived by his sister Marlene, niece Pamela (daughter Jade), nephew Don (wife Jennifer, sons Ethan and Dylan). Also left to mourn, whom he built close relationships with and considered them members of his own family are, Mickey (Pierre) Lafournaise, daughter Crystal (children Delayne, Hope and Daryl), daughter Shanna (Martin) (children Destiny, Tyson Jaydon and Tyanna). Murray was born on a farm in Rossburn, MB where he spent the first ten years of his life. He and his family then moved to Winnipeg where they settled for a short time in St. Boniface before moving to the north end of the city where many of his lifelong relationships first started. Murray was a very loving, caring, compassionate man that made him an easy person to love and be around. Building relationships was easy for him. Once a friend of Murray's, you were a friend for life. These special qualities made Murray a wonderful brother, uncle, friend and person. He was well loved by everybody who knew him. Always having a joke to tell or an amusing story to share that would make everybody laugh and feel good. A cowboy, carpenter and baker walk into a bar...Does this sound familiar? For the ones who knew Murray, many of his conversations would have started like this. All these qualities of Murray will truly be missed by all who knew him. Murray had a passion for music and over the years built an extensive collection of rare LP's and 45's. The signed autographs of musicians he had collected adorned the walls in his home. Murray was always very eager to show off his latest collectible, the story on how he acquired it, and his unmistakable smile of pleasure when showing it to someone who came to visit. Murray was also an avid collector of the Winnipeg Jets and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Whether it was a new pin, key chain, a newly autographed poster, jersey or hockey card, he was always excited to share it. Kris Walsh, a very good friend of Murray's would frame his collectables for him. You couldn't help but smile and admire Murray's enthusiasm as he would open and inspect his newly framed collectable. For many years through his life, Murray worked security for many venues including The Winnipeg Arena. Although not a musician himself, he was well known and respected by many musicians that played and travelled through Winnipeg. It was rare for a band not to smile when Murray walked in the room. Murray has always been a generous man who you could always count on for help. Murray and close friend Gerrie Lundale were an intricate part in helping another good friend, Barry Babiak in making his new business venture a success with countless hours invested and nothing expected in return. Murray was a founding director of Starburst Production. He actively worked with Barry Babiak on a number of projects, particularly co-producing Nickel Days in Thompson, MB, along with other fairs and festivals throughout Manitoba. He also played a key role in designing the logo for Starburst Productions and designed many of the jackets, shirts, hats and posters for the company. Fond memories, lots of laughs, and the occasional joke, Murray was always there to lend a helping hand. Murray was also heavily involved with the Variety Club Children's Charity of Manitoba and held many benefits and events for them. In addition, he helped coordinate fund raisers for friends going through difficult times in their lives. "A special Afternoon with Murray Odaisky" fund raiser was scheduled to take place. Now, due to the sudden passing of Murray the venue will still proceed as scheduled but will be renamed. "A Special Afternoon To Remember Murray Odaisky" will now take its place at the Royal George, 123 Regent Avenue West, on Saturday, January 19, 2013 between the hours of 2:00 p.m. till 8:00 p.m. Murray was very excited and looking forward to this day. Please feel free to come by and share your stories with us. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The Canadian Cancer Society, or alternatively, D'Arcy's A.R.C. Animal Rescue Centre located at 730B Century St., Winnipeg, MB R3H 0M1. VICHNAYA PAMYAT For online condolences, or to light a memorial candle please log onto www.mosaicfunerals.ca 1839 Inkster Blvd. 1006 Nairn Ave. 204-275-5555

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2013