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MURRAY REXFORD MCKNIGHT
Born: Jun 21, 1942
Date of Passing: Aug 18, 2021
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MURRAY REXFORD MCKNIGHT
June 21, 1942 – August 18, 2021
He is lovingly survived by his wife of 56 years, Lorna (Oakes) and three children, Robert, Lindsay and Craig. Uncle Murray will also be missed by his four nieces, Jennifer, Melanie, Allison and Rebecca, their husbands and children, and his brother-in-law Mitchell Oakes, and sister-in-law Margaret Oakes (Reid).
Murray was the only child of Rexford and Arvilla McKnight. He was born and grew up in Winnipeg, attending Gordon Bell High School and later the University of Manitoba where he studied to be an actuary and where he picked up the nickname "M square" because of his initials and his incredible propensity for math. He was an actuary at both Citadel Life and Great West Life for many years before his retirement.
Murray lived with mental illness for much of his life, but he worked hard to provide for his family, of whom he was very proud. A gentle and loving husband and father, Murray did his best to be there for Lorna and his kids, whom he loved dearly. Though he was not always comfortable expressing his feelings in words, he showed his love in quiet ways. He was always ready to drive anyone - family or friends - anywhere, anytime, without complaint and would gladly explain math homework to his daughter (even though it often took more than one explanation). He also delighted in the family's dogs, Muffin, Riley and Koda, always ensuring they got some of his dinner.
Murray was quiet by nature, which made him a good listener. He didn't like to be in the limelight, and was usually a man of few words, but those who knew him well appreciated his dry sense of humour - he could also surprise you and come out with some real zingers when you least expected it!
In his spare time, Murray loved nothing more than visiting the library to check out books and always returned with an armful. He loved history and biographies most of all. When the family played Trivial Pursuit at the lake, everyone wanted Murray on their team as he was the only one who could answer the obscure history and geography questions. He could often be found in the living room chair, with his trusty radio by his side, listening to country music (much to his family's dismay).
True to his nature, Murray had a quiet faith; he attended Trinity Baptist Church with Lorna since 1986, where they have many friends.
The family would like to thank the amazing doctors, nurses and care workers at the Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre for their wonderful care of Murray over the past year.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Tourette Canada.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 25 at Trinity Baptist Church, 549 Gertrude Ave., Winnipeg, at 10:30 a.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 21, 2021
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Murray was a close friend at the University of Manitoba. He was in our wedding party on February 14, 1964. I had lost track of Murray and Lorna. Today I was looking at our wedding album in preparation for a book I’m writing and wondered what had happened to Murray. Lois and I offer our sincere, albeit late, condolences. Bob and Lois Manning - Posted by: Bob Manning (Close friend at university) on: Nov 03, 2021
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To Lorna, Lindsay and family, My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you all in your loss. 🙏🕊️💐 - Posted by: Margaret (Smith) Wright (Friend) on: Aug 26, 2021
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To Lorna, Lindsay and family, My condolences, thoughts and prayers are with you all in your loss. 🙏🕊️💐 - Posted by: Margaret (Smith) Wright (Friend) on: Aug 26, 2021
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We would like to express our sincere condolences to Lorna, Robert, Lindsay and Craig on their husband's/father's recent untimely passing. We enjoyed our conversations in past gatherings. We always found Murray to be a very sincere, helpful and understanding individual and were deeply saddened to hear of his passing. May our good Lord provide his peace, compassion and understanding to you and your extended family during this time of sorrow and grief! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. - Posted by: Ronald and Judy Smith (friends) on: Aug 24, 2021
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Dearest Lorna. We were so to hear of Murray's passing. We pray for strength for you and your family during this time of grief. - Posted by: Wayne and Lori Charski (Friend) on: Aug 23, 2021
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To Lorna and Robert, Lindsay and Craig, We send our sincere condolences on Murray's passing. Like us, he was one of the longtime residents on Southmoor, and it was always pleasant to see him walking by on occasion. It was just one of life's constants and we are sorry that he has gone. Our thoughts are with you all. Barry and Judy McPherson - Posted by: Barry and Judy McPherson (neighbors on Southmoor) on: Aug 22, 2021
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We had the pleasure to know uncle Murray some years ago in our visit to Mitch's house. Our prayers for this family with all our heart. - Posted by: Salomón and Betty (Friends from Sonora México ) on: Aug 22, 2021
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Dear Laura and Family, We were deeply saddened to hear of Murray’s recent passing. Murray was a gentle man and always cared about you and how you were doing. We remember his dry sense of humour and his sharp mind. Murray was courageous in his battle with mental health problems all the time we knew him. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May God bless and comfort you, Lorna, and your whole family at this difficult time. Much Love, Hugh and Jody Hedlin - Posted by: Hugh and Jody Hedlin (Former Psstors) on: Aug 22, 2021
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Dear Lorna and family, sending you all my condolences for your loss. Denyse Wilson - Posted by: Denyse Wilson (Mitch’s niece ) on: Aug 21, 2021
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Our sincerest condolences to the McKnight Family. We will remember Murray in our hearts with Love and fondness. ❤️ Evan and Tanya - Posted by: Tanya Reid (Family) on: Aug 21, 2021
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Wonderful obituary to one special man. Thoughts and prayers with dear Murrays family particularly his ever loving and dedicated wife. - Posted by: Ruth Reid (In law) on: Aug 21, 2021