HEIDI BARBARA MURRAY

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HEIDI BARBARA MURRAY June 1, 1944 - June 3, 2006 Suddenly on Saturday, June 3, 2006 Heidi Barbara Murray passed away. Heidi is survived by her loving husband, Ross, of 38 years, and her adored children, daughter Kiersten Barrett (Darren), grandchildren, Megan, Addison and Davis of Calgary, and son K.C. (Chrissy) of Winnipeg. Heidi is also survived by her sister Karin Mildebrath and father Siegfried Mildebrath both of Calgary, sister-in-law Pam Rivalin (Edgar), nieces, Dani and Nicole (Winnipeg) and sister-in-law Kathy Mildebrath, nieces, Payge and Eryn (Ottawa). Heidi was predeceased by her mother Ursula and brother Roy Mildebrath. Heidi was born in Germany and immigrated to Canada when she was nine, living in Winnipeg, Biggar and Melville, Saskatchewan and then back to Winnipeg finishing High School at Kelvin. She went on to Teacher's College and started her teaching career in 1965 at Norberry. She competed her university degree from the University of Manitoba by attending night school and summer school and at the same time raising her children and teaching. Heidi and Ross met as teachers in the old St. Vital School Division in the mid 1960s, although teaching at different schools. They continued to run into each other at various events, tournaments and even at the St. Vital Teacher's Bowling League. They started dating while working as volunteers on basketball games at the 1967 Pan Am Games in Winnipeg. They also were volunteers in the 1999 games. Heidi and Ross were married June 29, 1968. Heidi took her roles as wife and mother literally to heart. She and Ross were inseparable, and because their personalities, interests and talents were complimentary, it was truly a loving partnership. Heidi's deep love of her children and her grandchildren was there for all to see in her very long Christmas list, her crowded fridge door photo gallery, and her willingness to travel anywhere and everywhere there was family to visit. She had a very special bond with her sister Karin, with whom she talked daily. Their's was a relationship Heidi treasured. Always considered members of the family were the Murray dogs (Bart, Sam, Brittany, Shady, Kodi, Daisy, Chopper and Bailey), many of whom were lucky adoptees. Heidi had a warm spot in her heart for all animals, and seemed to speak their language. Heidi was also a great friend, famous for making the most mundane event into an occasion: her tasteful decorations, her tables laden with food, and her magic drink refills, not to mention her obvious delight in good company made for many memorable parties. No one will forget Heidi's earthy sense of humour, her no-nonsense edge , and her deftness at getting everyone (particularly Ross) organized. Heidi was indeed fortunate that her two callings in life art and education - coalesced into a deeply satisfying career. Heidi was an exceptional artist whose creative gifts were shown in all aspects of her life in her beautiful paintings, her original pottery, her unique gardens, her home decorating, and especially in her teaching. She shared her love of art with students and colleagues for over 30 years at Norberry, Windsor and Hastings Schools and most recently, at Dakota Collegiate. Teaching was always fresh, always an adventure for Heidi (her favourite line was, I love my kids! ), and this enthusiasm will be keenly missed by her students and her cherished colleagues. Heidi's art has been displayed at the Piano Noble, the Centennial Concert Hall, and at the Assiniboine Park Conservatory. Source of even greater pride for Heidi was the fact that her students' work has been featured at the Legislative Building, Assiniboine Park Conservatory, the Louis Riel School Division offices, every spring at the St. Vital Mall and regularly covered in the media. Heidi's joy in all forms of art included a love of books (nothing better than a raucous book club discussion) and music (she never worked on a project without her favourite music on random-play in the background). In her spare time Heidi loved the outdoors: going to the lake, puttering in the garden, or romping with the dogs. She also loved to travel with Ross and the kids in the summer, mainly to Calgary but also to Minneapolis for shopping trips. or anywhere there was an Ikea. Heidi would want to be remembered for what she was; the centre of a loving family, a caring friend, an inspiring teacher, an artist. A celebration of Heidi's life will be held on Saturday, June 10, 1:00 p.m. at Dakota Collegiate. Flowers are gratefully declined, but donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Voyage Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Heidi, we'll all miss you dearly, love Murr.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 07, 2006