Passed away peacefully at the Guelph General Hospital with his daughters by his side on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the age of 94. Beloved husband of 67 years to the late Margaret Kathleen Dow (Orr). Loving father of Brenda Sherry and her husband Steve of Guelph and Sandra Dow and her husband Al (Dzieciol) of Newmarket. Murray is lovingly remembered as a dear Papa to his grandchildren Kieran (Mia) and Marcus (Lindsay). Murray was predeceased by his parents Lester and Charlotte (Gallon) Dow and his sisters Vera, Viola, Ila Katherine and Leona Bernice (Nan), as well as his brothers Lester Elmer (Bud), Perley Alvin (Al) and Robert (Bob). Murray will be dearly missed by his many nieces and nephews, and his sister-in-law Marg Dow and brothers-in-law Ken Greenman and Steve Eby.
Murray was born in Campbellton, New Brunswick and arrived in Toronto at the age of 13 with his family. Many family stories have been shared of their childhood living along the shores of the Restigouche River. Murray met the love of his life “Katie” and they were married Nov. 17, 1956. Murray’s career at the University of Toronto Erindale College spanned over 3 decades, retiring as Associate Director, Business Services in 2000. He was honoured as a founder of the purchasing department, relocating from St. Georges Campus to the Mississauga Campus to set up its department, Circa 1967. Murray was an Elder in the Presbyterian Church of Canada and he and Kay were faithful and active members at their home church of St. Giles Kingsway Presbyterian Church in Etobicoke. Murray was a member of Oakwood, Islington and Mimico Lodges. He was honoured as a lifetime member of Mimico Lodge, now Sunnylea Lodge, holding various offices over the years. He was a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and was recognized and celebrated on his 60th year in Masonry in 2018 for his immeasurable contribution. An avid golfer and sportsman, Murray enjoyed golfing, curling, squash, fishing, swimming, and introducing his family to cross-country skiing. In his senior years, Murray was an ice-skating competitor. He took his family travelling all over Canada and abroad. Murray is a devoted friend and family man, known for his warm welcome, sense of humour, helping others, and singing voice! To quote his long-time colleague and friend, “Murray is kind, compassionate, caring, protective and intelligent.” We send you off with love and gratitude.
Friends may call at the Turner and Porter Yorke Chapel, 2357 Bloor St W, Toronto, at Windermere, East of the Jane Subway, on Thursday, August 29 from 5-8 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at St. Giles Kingsway Presbyterian Church, 15 Lambeth Rd, Toronto, on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 11 a.m., followed by a Reception from 12-2 p.m. For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Giles Kingsway Presbyterian Church or the Shriners Hospitals for Children Canada. Private Interment Glendale Cemetery.