Murray SMITH

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SMITH: Dr. Murray R. It is with great sadness that the family of Murray Smith announces his passing in Brandon, Manitoba on Saturday, February 1st, 2014. Born 1943 in Winnipeg, Murray began his public school teaching career in St. James, continuing in Niagara Falls and then Fort Garry where he became a vice-principal and principal. He married Sally-Anne Anderson in 1969. Murray moved his young family to Oxford House in northern Manitoba in 1977 where he served as the Centre Coordinator with the Brandon University Northern Teacher Education Project. Murray’s next adventure began when he joined the Frontier School Division as a science consultant out of Dauphin, Manitoba. He also began working on his Ph.D. through the University of British Columbia. In 1989, Murray joined the Faculty of Education at Brandon University where his commitment to science education won admiration from students and colleagues alike. During his time at the university he wrote curricula and textbooks and travelled internationally, notably to the Caribbean, South America and Africa where he passed on his knowledge of science teaching to the next generation. A passionate educator, Murray’s impact on science education will be felt for generations both locally and internationally. His accomplishments earned him a Science Educator of the year award in 1982. Life for Murray was a continuing journey. He was a man of many interests. He and Sally enjoyed canoeing, camping, skiing and traveling. They also collected stamps and fossils. Murray’s interest in fossils started when he was 11 and grew throughout the years. He cultivated many a young person’s interest and was always keen to share his knowledge. After a lifetime of collecting, Murray published a book documenting Manitoba’s fossil outcrops but the crown jewel in his fossil hunting hobby was finding a previously undiscovered species of crab that was eventually named after him. Recently Murray donated his extensive collection of fossils to a museum where they can inspire future rock hounds. Murray was also actively involved in Toastmasters, rising to the rank of Governor. Since retiring Murray and Sally studied Zen Tao Tai Chi and travelled often to China for instruction. He is survived by his loving wife Sally-Anne, daughters Karen Smith of Brandon and Glenda Pratt, son-in-law Andrew Pratt and granddaughters Lauren and Haley of Winnipeg. Murray is also survived by his brother Ross Smith and sister-in-law Marilyn of Winnipeg. A Celebration of Murray’s Life will take place at Memories Chapel, 330 18th Street North, Brandon on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. Neil McQuarrie will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice in Murray’s honour will be appreciated. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 204-727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 05, 2014