SYDNEY MELVILLE

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SYDNEY MELVILLE McMURRAY (1917-1999) Peacefully, at the Victoria General Hospital, on Wednesday December 15, 1999 our beloved Mr. M, our husband, Dad, Grandpa; passed away. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 26 years, Jean Lambert McMurray; his son Ross (Lee) daughters, Alanna (John), Cydney (Chuck) Jeans children, Marne (Craig), Bonnie (Drew), Ben (Susan) and Laurie Lambert; and the light of his life, his grandchildren, Aidan, Meika, Amy, Galen and Taylor. He will also be sadly missed by his twin sister Ivy Horne (Rod) and brothers, Jack (Fran), George, Doug (Edie), Raymond (Florence), and Mel; and his many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. Syd was predeceased by his dear wife Maisie (McConnell), in 1971. Syd was born in Winnipeg in 1917 and grew up in the North End and Elmwood areas. He served along with his brothers in the Royal Canadian Navy, in the Second World War. Syd married Maisie in 1942, uniting two large, extraordinary families. Syd and Maisie settled on Greendell Avenue in south St. Vital. His children fondly remember the pioneering spirit of growing up in the open spaces of this rural area, in the midst of friends and neighbours. His dedication to St.Vital continued throughout his life, and he loved to watch it grow and develop. He participated in its progress through his involvement with the creation of: the Greendell Community Club, St. Vital United Church, the St. Vital Agricultural Society (Past President and Honorary Life Member). Syd was an Alderman, and Deputy Mayor of the City of St. Vital Council, for 12 years, and was honoured by having a street named after him, McMurray Bay. Following Maisies death, Syd married Jean Lambert in 1973 and began another phase of his life; proudly building a new home and family with four children. Syd worked at the Carter Temro Company for 34 years, retiring in 1983, as the Human Resources Manager. Through his profession, he became involved with the Banff School of Advanced Management. Syd maintained an active interest in the political process, holding several administrative positions including, Chairperson of the Winnipeg Rivers and Streams Authority, and was a former President of the St. Boniface Liberal Association. He had a passion for public speaking, becoming a District Governor of Toastmasters meetings, and Sunday services at St. Vital United Church. Mr M. also loved to spend time in his garden; a joy that he passed on to his children and grandchildren. Through all his accomplishments, Dads greatest love was always his family, and he asked for little more in life than to share time with them. He will be remembered for his sense of humour, which he kept as his health failed, charming nurses and hospital staff. The family would like to thank all his "pretty ladies" at the Victoria Hospital for treating Dad with dignity and compassion, in making him comfortable. A Service of Remembrance and Celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, December 18 at 2:00 p.m. in the St.Vital United Church, 937 St. Marys Rd. Sweet be thy rest, Dad, we will tend your garden. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street 949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 17, 1999