Murray EARL

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EARL: It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather Murray Ivan Harvey Earl on April 29th, 2012 at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon at the age of 88 years old. Murray was born July 15, 1923 on the home farm in Justice. He was the third eldest of five children born to Margaret and Harry Earl. Murray was predeceased by his mother, father and sisters, Evelyn (Howard Smith) and Edna (Eldon) Martin. He is survived by his loving wife Eileen, daughters Brenda (Bill) Crossman and Marj (Owen) Dickie, grandchildren Julie (Barry), Kylie (Mark), Ambra (Karel), Dora (Gord), Blake and great grandchildren Mason, Ava, Katie, Nate, Zoe, and Zach. Brothers Elmer (Mae) and Morris (Denise). He grew up on the family farm and started his schooling at Justice school. He then went to Orange Hall school until grade 8 but that became the end of his formal education. When he was 16 he bought his first model T truck and when he was 18 he bought a 1932 Chevy both of which he was very proud of. In 1943-1945 he traveled out to Red Deer and worked there for two winters working in a garage and also doing some plumbing but returned each summer to farm the quarter section he had rented. When his father Harry quit farming in 1943, Murray took over the family farm and farmed it until 1951. Murray and Eileen met in 1948 when Eileen came to teach at the school in Justice. On July 16, 1949 Murray and Eileen were married and they moved a small house onto their land at Justice and lived there until 1951 when they decided to move to Brandon. They bought their first house at 1361- 6th street and lived there for 22 years. In 1951 Murray started working at Brandon Automobiles because he loved fixing cars and worked there for 5 years. He worked hard and went to night school and got his mechanics papers, proving that he had found the career he loved. He then went to the Co-op and worked as a mechanic for 32 years before retiring in 1988 at the age of 65 years old. Murray had a great love for baseball and even though he had two girls he coached boys little league baseball for 15 wonderful years. After baseball days he took up curling and golfing. He enjoyed golfing out at Glen Lea in the mens and mixed leagues, and every year enjoyed golfing in the Tamarack golf tournament at Clear Lake along with all his family. Murray’s favorite pass-time was reading which he acquired from his father. He also enjoyed countless hours working out in his garage fixing all his friends, former clients and families vehicles. He loved tinkering with every kind of motor he could get his hands on and could fix anything because he was so handy. Brenda will never forget all the life lessons he taught her along with patiently teaching her carpentry, welding, plumbing and electrical, which she will use forever. Marj will always remember Sunday mornings, with her dad relaxing and listening to records of his favorite music. Dad saved one special thing to do in his retirement and that was the countless hours of enjoyment he had in restoring his 1947 Packard. Dad was the best husband, parent, grandparent and great grandparent that we could have ever asked for. He was his kids and grandchildren’s biggest fan at all their activities, including Xmas concerts, organ recitals, swimming lessons, soccer, baseball, brownies, scouts, dance recitals, ringette, hockey and golf. As kids we will remember the trips we had to Victoria, Blackhills and all the Sunday picnics we had with family and friends. Dad always treasured all the times they had with their wonderful friends, the Saturday night parties, costume Grey cup parties, their yearly Hecla golf weekend and all the many golf games they shared with all their golfing friends. They also enjoyed their trips they took to Florida, Phoenix and to the Maritimes. Their summers were spent at their cabin at Clear Lake where he enjoyed countless hours at the cook shack, making his famous wood cart, running every morning, having his ritual cinnamon bun every weekend and treasuring his time spent with all his family. The loves of his life were his wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He attended all five of his grandchildren’s graduations and was able to attend three of his grandchildren’s weddings. They moved to 36 Garwood Cres. in 1974 and lived there till 2007 when they moved to Lion`s Manor till his passing. The family would like to thank Dr. Butler, the staff on 400 at Brandon Regional Health Centre and the staff on A200 at the Assiniboine Centre for their care and loving support. The celebration of Murray’s life was held at Trinity United Church on Thursday, May 3, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. with Joe Ball officiating. A family interment was held at Rosewood Memorial Gardens after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Murray may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 3-824-18th Street, Brandon, R7A 5B7.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 09, 2012