Ray McMurray
March 27, 1935 – July 30, 2017
Ray, 82, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully with his family at his side, after a short and courageous struggle with cancer. Left to carry on his memory are his loving wife of 58 years, Shirley; daughter, Wendy (Doug); son Blair (Trish), their children Rhianna and Shaelyn; son Dale (Kelly), their children Sara and Neil; and his extended family members and many friends.
They will all miss him tremendously, never forgetting his spirt and support.
Ray lived a full life – he was an avid sportsman, hardworking businessman and dedicated family man. He loved tennis, played many years of handball and made great friends along the way, and played golf and pickleball right up until the start of his illness. He also loved his work – he obtained his Chartered Accountant designation in 1958 and shortly thereafter went into business with his long-time friends and business partners, pursuing many ventures over a long career until finally retiring in his 80s. He also had a strong sense of community and dedicated countless hours to many charitable organizations over his career. He loved his family, enjoying every day with his wife Shirley and the many visits and dinners with his kids and grandchildren. He will always be remembered by his grandchildren for how he tirelessly played with them in the gentlest way.
Consistent with Ray’s wishes, a funeral service will not be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital in Edmonton (online or mail to: Covenant Foundation, Room 3C60, 11111 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 0L4), or a charity of your choice.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the wonderful staff of St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital who so thoughtfully and tenderly offered their care to Ray. The family is also especially grateful to Dr. Nigel Flook and Dr. Robert Flook for their compassionate care and amazing attention to his every need.
Dear Wendy and family,
We were very sad to hear of your Dad’s passing. Although we never met him, we feel like we knew him, through our long friendship with you and Doug, and the way you always spoke about him. He must have been a wonderful man, and we know you will miss him very much.
Our sympathies to your mother, and also your brothers and their families. We are thinking about you all at this sad time.
Love, Elaine and Neil
Dear Wendy and Doug:
Steve and I are so sorry to hear about the death of your father. Our thoughts are with you.
Cathy
Ray…you have left a legacy for and with the game of Handball. I only wish I knew how those knee pads stood up to your intensity on the court. Wear them well. Barry and Boris are waiting!!
Dear Shirley:
Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. Ray was a wonderful man and we were so blessed to have known him. The handball world has lost a great gentleman. We will not forget him.
Dear Shirley, Wendy,Blair,Dale & Families,
Our sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of your Husband/Father. Ray was one of a kind. One of the nicest men I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time.
Love Auntie BettyAnn, Seanna & Keith,Blake & Cindy.
Dear Shirley, Wendy,Blair,Dale & Families,
Our sincere sympathy to you all on the loss of your Husband/Father. Ray was one of a kind. One of the nicest men I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time.
Love Auntie BettyAnn, Seanna & Keith,Blake & Cindy
Dear Wendy and Doug,
We are so sorry to hear about your dad. From all the stories we have heard from you over the years, your dad was obviously a very loving, caring, and generous person with his family and friends that will not soon be forgotten.
Our love and thought are with you always.
To all the family members,
May your precious memories live forever in your heart.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
I worked for Ray straight after high school in the 90’s at his Golf Car buisness. He was a great employer and man. I learned a lot about work ethic in the years I was working for him.
My condolences to his family.