ALFRED ANGUS MURRAY McPHERSON

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ALFRED ANGUS MURRAY McPHERSON February 15, 1923 - November 25, 2001 Murray McPherson died peacefully at the Charleswood Care Centre on November 25, 2001, following a lengthy illness. Cherishing memories of Murray, his generosity and his kindness are Margaret (Raven), his wife of 50 years; son Jack and daughter Kathryn and their families; Christie McPherson and children, Meghan, Andrew, Daniel, James, William, Emily; Ed Ratz and children, Ella and Dominik. Also remembering him with love are his brother Howard and wife Jessie McPherson; Aunt Harriet Pentland, all of Brandon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Murray was predeceased by his younger brother Ken and his wife Mary and Margarets sister Marion and her husband Gordon Mathieson. Murray, the middle son of Angus and Ethel (Pentland) McPherson, was born in Brandon and grew up on the family farm in the Brandon Hills District. Murray often recounted stories of riding to school on horseback, or lighting the fires for the school on frigid mornings, or trapping muskrat at the local creek. Following high school and a B.Sc. degree from Brandon College, Murray enrolled in the Faculty of Education at the University of Manitoba in 1947. He earned B.Ed. and M.Ed. degrees from there before completing a PhD degree in Educational Curriculum in 1975 at Michigan State University. Murrays teaching career began at Brandon College in the role of chemistry instructor. After the year of teacher training he taught in Dauphin Collegiate, then Luxton Junior High School and St. Johns High School in Winnipeg. In 1962 he joined the University of Manitoba Faculty of Education where he taught methods in mathematics and served for 16 years as Head of Department of Curriculum: Mathematics and Natural Sciences before assuming the position of Co-ordinator of Student Teaching. During his busy teaching years Murray participated in many professional activities, particularly in developing mathematics programs for Manitoba schools. He co-edited a series of textbooks for elementary grades and was a strong supporter of the Manitoba Association of Mathematics Teachers. In recognition of his work, the association honoured him by establishing the "Murray McPherson Award" for outstanding Mathematics teachersan honour that was deeply appreciated by him. Murrays leisure hours were filled with many other activities. As a young man he played baseball and hockey. His interest in sports was evident as he coached basketball teams and hockey teams in schools and community clubs. In later years he enjoyed curling, especially with the "Chaplains League" on Monday mornings. A longtime member of the United Church of Canada, Murray was involved in the churchs life and work in many ways, serving on boards and committees of congregations, Conference and General Council. The United Church AOTS (As One That Serves) Mens Club was of particular importance to him, and he was elected National President for 1979 to 1981. In retiring from the university in 1988, Murray turned his energies toward volunteering with Creative Retirement, Mentors Club and Habitat for Humanitythe latter as a board member as well as an active "builder." Murray loved the Manitoba countryside and was always happy going for a "drive," especially happy if it was down a two-rut back road by a grain field. He spent many of his summer holidays working with his brothers on their farms at Brandon Hills. Murray always enjoyed visiting: he never wanted to miss a Brandon Hills Picnic. Sometimes Murrays drives took him farther afield with trips that would include calling on the numerous friends he had across the country. Alzheimer disease finally disabled him and when Margaret could no longer care for him, Murray spent his last three years in residence at the Charleswood Care Centre. The compassionate care by the staff and visitors was deeply appreciated, helping make that time more bearable for both Murray and Margaret. A service of remembrance will be held at 3:00 p.m., Saturday, December 1 at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Ave., Winnipeg, with interment of his ashes at Brandon Hills Cemetery at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial donations can be made to the Westworth Legacy Fund or the Alzheimer Society. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street 949-4860

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 29, 2001