MURRAY ALLEN LEWIS

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MURRAY ALLEN LEWIS

Murray was born in Petitcodiac, New Brunswick on May 25, 1948 to Arthur and Laura Lewis. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 12, 2021, after a courageous battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.
He will be sadly missed by Yvonne, his wife of 53 years; sons, Wayne (Lynnette Roberts), and Christopher (Lori); daughters, Angelina and Cassandra (Kevin Henwood); grand's, Alexis and Tenley, Carly, Colton and Coby; great-grand's Oden and Haisley. Many nieces and nephews in Petitcodiac, NB, AB, SK, and BC; and sisters-in-law, Camillia Switzer, Eugenie Prevost and Barb Prevost.
Many loved ones in this large family were predeceased before Murray including his parents, Laura and Arthur Lewis; and parents-in-law Alberta and Leo Prevost.
His final wish was to see all his children before he passed and this gift was granted days before his passing, on May 25, his 73rd birthday.
Murray left home and joined the Army at age 16 and worked in the last program the Canadian Army made available to new soldiers to graduate high school and start their education in a trade. Murray chose electrical. He deployed to many places to help with emergencies including Alert Bay, NWT, and Ismailia, Egypt. He decided to leave the Army many years later to be home for his family and grow his roots in Elie, MB.
While working on security and fire alarms systems Murray volunteered for the Cartier Fire Department and together with Roger Gillis developed the Cartier Response/ Ambulance Service. An ambulance was needed, so together with volunteers, they built one, had it inspected and certified. Next, all the volunteers were to be provincially certified, to an unprecedented degree.
Years later, Murray and Yvonne moved to Falcon Lake where he became coordinator of the local ambulance service; enjoying his pre-retirement with recreational activities of fishing and hunting. After 17 years in EMS, Murray and Yvonne retired and moved to Grande Prairie to be with Yvonne's side of the family. His passions were hunting, "hauling out and packing" with his great friends Dorothy and John Lieverse, and his sons Wayne and Chris. His four legged children were (rescued) Golden Retrievers. Murray work as an electrician, and in 2014, when he started to feel unwell, he and Yvonne returned to Manitoba to be closer to their children. When it came to health, he knew he could count on Angelina for her expertise in holistic advice.
Murray then started his "dream job" at West Hawk Marina for Cassie and partner Kevin Henwood. For many years Murray had the sun, sand, and water that came with so many old and new friends to greet. He would help with service , equipment and of course just share stories. He was a fixture of the lake family that existed there, and was a kind gentle soul who will be forever in the minds of those left behind.
A special thanks to all the medical and support staff at the Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, Falcon Lake Ambulance, Home and Palliative care. You have given all who enter your care the gift of professionalism, support, and genuine passion. Recognition of your gift to humanity could never be more appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Murray's memory can be made to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Research Association or a No Kill Pet Rescue.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 26, 2021