MURRAY VINT

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MURRAY VINT

Unexpectedly on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, Murray Vint passed away at his home in Winnipeg, MB. He will be greatly missed by his many family, friends, acquaintances, and his cat Felix.

Murray William Vint, only son of Milton and Georgina (nee Yuill) of Oakville, MB was born May 12, 1936 at Portage General Hospital. He attended Ingleside School near their family farm, and high school at Oakville School, graduating in 1954.

Murray went directly after graduation to a job at Canada Packers as a Junior Clerk in the Order Department. This country boy, given a briefcase, map of Winnipeg, a Henderson Directory and a bus pass, was sent out to various businesses in the downtown area as a messenger. He soon acquired a knowledge of the city, an interest in the architecture and appreciation for the history and ownership of many of its fine historic buildings.

From 1955 to 1973 he was employed by Odeon-Morton Theatres and served in many capacities, learning all aspects of theatre management—accounting, advertising, promotion, personnel, maintenance, inventory, etc. He was sent to Saskatoon for a short period to manage a theatre there. When he returned to Winnipeg, he became assistant manager at the Odeon until he was appointed manager of the Kings in 1963. He later was in charge of Garrick 1 and 2 for some time. (He saw/heard Butch Cassidy five times a day for 44 weeks. Sound of Music played for 84 weeks.)

After retirement from the theatre side of the industry, which he had enjoyed so much, he became local representative for Sony Pictures, arranging screenings and advance publicity as well as previewing upcoming films. He continued this until he was 80. He also distributed films for Astral Films for 10 of those years.

During this time, he employed his handyman talents, acquired from his father, as part of the maintenance crew at Birchwood Inn (now Holiday Inn Airport West) for 11 years. This was a great learning experience and a place to make more friendships.

Murray had a large circle of loyal friends from his working years: the Larsen and McManus families, the Hudeks and Trevor LaForrest family. He was respected and loved for his interest in their lives from their years of working for/with him and just became part of their family celebrations and occasions. He was always willing to assist with home repairs or renovations, to serve as a taxi driver to the airport or to act as "tour guide" for visitors to the city.

Always game to see a movie or play and go out for dinner, Murray was up-to-date on the local entertainment and dining scene and could recommend where to see the best show or enjoy a fine meal to your taste. He also attended at least one production at Rainbow Stage every year since its inception in 1954.

From the time he bought his house on Riverbend, Murray’s life was enlivened by a resident cat from whom he derived so many laughs and stories.

He was predeceased by his parents, Georgina in 1987 and Milton in 1988, but leaves many relatives in the Oakville and Portage area. In recent years, he established a close relationship with a cousin, Susan Roll and her husband Bill and their family in Oregon. Murray also had a special goddaughter, Wendy Stasiuk.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Knox United Church in Oakville, Manitoba with interment to follow.

204-782-3541

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 09, 2024, Nov 09, 2024