In Memory of

William

Murray

Obituary for William Murray

Murray, William George [Bill Sr.]

Victor Hugo wrote:

Have courage for the great sorrows of life & the patience for the small ones.
And when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace.

We have lost our Leading Man and our Rock of Ages.

Bill left us on August 8, 2022 at the age of 99. He would tell you that he died of old age.

He would tell you that he was born on July 28, 1923 and on the kitchen table at 263 Glebholme Blvd, Toronto to William George & Blanche Arbelene [Seibert].

Bill joined the Governor General's Horse Guards in 1938 at the age of 15 years & served until 1945 in England, North Africa, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands & returned to Canada at the end of the war. After returning home, he joined the OPP in 1945 and was posted to McKenzie Island, Red Lake & then to Favourable Lake where he met the love of his life, a pretty, little nurse - Irene Manchul.

Bill & Irene were married in Dryden in 1948 and with the OPP were re-located to Ignace, Dryden & South Porcupine [Timmins]. Bill was transferred to General Headquarters in Toronto where he served as Staff Superintendent until his retirement in 1978.

Past Master of the Timmins Masonic Lodge & proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion, GGHG & the OPP Association.

Bill and Irene made Collingwood their home in 1988 and remained inseparable for 72 years until her passing on Valentine's Day 2020.

Beloved Father of Olive Irene [Mardi] Bourgard and William George [Bill Jr.].

Treasured GPa of Dane-Ryan [Lisa] and Jayden-Lee [Stephanie] and GGPa of Kaebren, Tanner and Landon. Remembered by his brother Bruce. Predeceased by his brother Bob. Father- in-law of the late Garry Bourgard.

Thank you to our family & friends & a special thank you to Bay Haven Retirement Lodge, Eunice Kosowan, Judy Main & especially Catherine Brown.

As per his wishes, cremation has taken place. A private family interment service will take place at a later date at the Collingwood Presbyterian Cemetery.

With their Lord & Maker, they are now at rest together in their final retirement home.

In Bill's memory and with our appreciation, donations may be made to the Collingwood General & Marine Hospital, the Collingwood First Presbyterian Church or the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #63.