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MURRAY JAMES CRADDOCK  Obituary pic

MURRAY JAMES CRADDOCK

Date of Passing: Sep 02, 2013

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MURRAY JAMES CRADDOCK On Monday, September 2, 2013, surrounded by family, Murray passed away at the Gimli Community Health Centre, after a lengthy illness. Murray leaves his wife Lorraine Sigurdson, his sons Jason (Connie) and Adam (Jocylin), his precious grandchildren Kaleigh, Joseph, Emberlynn and Aaliyah. He is also mourned by his sister Joyce, brother Lloyd (Glenda), his brothers-in-law Ray Mitenko and Jim Milne. He leaves his Sigurdson family, mother-in-law Gudrun, brothers-in-law Brent (Kathy), Warren (Stacey) and sister-in-law Noreen (Don Barkman), numerous nephews and nieces in the Craddock and Sigurdson families and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Mary, and his sisters Bev and Brenda. Murray was born in Winnipeg. While he was still in school, he began a number of part time jobs including Bethania Personal Care Home where he secured full time employment. At Bethania, he was involved in organizing CUPE Local 1629, and became the first President of the local, the youngest local President in Manitoba at the time. His involvement with CUPE led to his becoming a staff representative in 1983 retiring in 1995. He loved his work with CUPE and fighting to improve the working conditions of CUPE members. Murray and Lorraine met through their involvement with CUPE and were married on December 30, 1988. They lived in the West End of Winnipeg. In 1992 purchased a cottage at Balaton Beach which was renovated for their dream retirement home where they moved in 1996 when Lorraine retired from CUPE. Murray was able to build his garage with his dream workshop. He loved photography, the Beatles, woodworking, old movies, biographies and working in the yard. He loved to have friends and family over, both in Winnipeg and at the lake, especially when he could use his barbequing skills. Murray believed in the principles of the New Democratic Party and worked on numerous election campaigns. He was a member of the Manitoba Hazardous Waste Board for over 10 years. In his retirement, he joined the Riverton Elks, was involved for a time with the Riverton Transportation Museum and was a member of the Interlake (Interlake Eastern) Health Authority board. Cremation has taken place. A private interment will be held with a reception at the Riverton Community Hall at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2013. Murray did not want a funeral but "a party" so this will be a chance for us to share memories of this wonderful, funny and caring man. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of the Gimli Community Health Centre for all the times that Murray received care there. Flowers are declined. Donations may be made to Riverton Elks, #530, Box 660, Riverton MB or to a charity of choice. Donations to the Elks will be accepted at the reception. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements. www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 05, 2013

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

  • Deepest sympathies to both families during this difficult time. - Posted by: Chris Mravinec (for CUPE 998) (CUPE Brother) on: Sep 10, 2013

  • My deepest sympathy Lorraine. It was great having Murray as an uncle. The memories of him babysitting myself and my 3 brothers will last forever. It was Murray and my uncle Lloyd (Murray's brother) that got me hooked on The Beatles when they were in their teens. I will always remember his Dad (my Grandpa) saying to my Mom (Murray's late sister Bev), "get Murray to do it". This quote will last forever for the Craddock and Mitenko families. Murray always had something positive and funny to say...he will be missed! My condolences to the entire Craddock and Sigurdson family. - Posted by: Randy Mitenko (Moose) (Nephew) on: Sep 07, 2013

  • I had the privilege of many a story with Murray and Lorraine. Many fond memories that i'll cherish for years. My heart is filled with sadness of the passing of a special man that gave all that he had to everyone. I'm glad I had the privilege to know you. - Posted by: Jim Hanna () on: Sep 06, 2013

  • Lorraine and family: you have my most sincere condolences. Murray was one of the truly great guys, - a Brother dedicated to not just representing workers but to changing work and society to lessen the burden workers face. He did that through hard work, dedication, preseverance, intelligence and smart thinking, and, of course, humour. Some of my most pleasurable times working as a researcher from CUPE National were the times I spent with Murray in Manitoba. He never failed to find the humour in any situation and made laugh at all the right times. His passing is a great loss to everyone. He will be missed as a Brother, colleague, and friend, and as a one of a kind human being. In solidarity and sadness, Stan Marshall - Posted by: Stan Marshall () on: Sep 06, 2013

  • Murray was a wonderful support and sounding board for new staff members. I will always be grateful to him for mentoring me when I was a new rep. He cared so much about the people in his life, family, friends, co-workers, members. He cared so much about social justice. - Posted by: Nancy Gainsford-Ens (Friend and Co-Worker) on: Sep 06, 2013

  • My deepest sympathy to you Lorraine and family at this time. - Posted by: Lois Wales () on: Sep 06, 2013

  • My deepest sympathy to the Myrray and Siguardsin family. A special memory that will always remain within my heart is when I was involved with the CUPE Manitoba Education Committee. Both Sister Lorraine & Brother Murray made time to open their hearts & home to members of this committee by hosting a barbecue. It was also a pleasure to be in their presence during numerous CUPE functions. A life taken far too soon. GOD looked down from heaven and was in need of a special angel. HE chose Brother Murray! - Posted by: Shirley Langan (CUPE Sister) on: Sep 05, 2013

  • My condolences Lorraine and family. My dad used to have meeting in his basement when I first met Murray he was a funny guy. I was little kid at that time but Murray was always good to me. Evan when later I worked at tuxedo villa and became the union president and he was right there helping me out he made me laugh and made me stronger. I will always remember you Murray my dad love to joke around with Murray he will miss him dearly THANK YOU Murray for your friendship we will miss you. My Dad would love to be there at the reception but he is ill and I work so I can't drive him out there so please accept our condolences THANK YOU TANIS MAGNIFICO AND JACK RODIE - Posted by: Tanis Magnifico and Jack Rodie (Friend and Co-Worker) on: Sep 05, 2013

  • Murray was by far the friendliest person I remember from my childhood. It has been over twenty-five years since I spent any time with him but it seems like only yesterday that I saw his warm smile. You will surely be missed. - Posted by: James Harada-Down (Son of Murras friend Shirley Lord) on: Sep 05, 2013

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