MURRAY R. SMITH O.M.

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MURRAY R. SMITH O.M. Murray Rhodes Smith, O.M. passed away peacefully from cancer, at home, with his family present, on Sunday evening, December 15, 2002. Predeceased by his parents, C. Rhodes Smith QC, (1993) and Luella G. Smith (1963) and by his brother Clifford Rhodes Smith (1998). Murray leaves behind his dearly loved wife of over 50 years Muriel; daughters and sons-in-law, Marta Smith, Elaine and Norman McLeod, Carolyn Smith and partner Harold Harrison, Cathy Smith and Hernan Fernandez; eight grandchildren who were the light of his life, Brietta and Kevin, Alexander, Rory, Brynne and Cameron, Daniela and Andrea; sister-in-law Elizabeth Czicery-Ronay (Budapest) cousin Marshall G. Smith; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Gwen and Paul Moulden (Winnipeg) and their family. Murray held degrees from the Universities of Manitoba, London and Oxford where he was a Rhodes scholar. As an undergraduate he was editor of the Manitoban and he later served on the Board of Governors of the University of Manitoba, an institution to which he remained devoted throughout his life, endowing and contributing to several scholarships. Murrays time in Oxford, where he and Muriel were married in 1952, influenced him to fall in love with London and music, passions he returned to time and time again over the years. From 1966 to 1967 the family enjoyed an invaluable year in central London, spending time with Murrays brother Cliff and his family. Teaching was Murrays vocation. During his career with the Winnipeg School Division he worked as a teacher of mathematics, an administrator, deputy assistant superintendent of schools and a guidance counsellor. He was a memorable teacher remembered fondly by many of his students. He believed, in the words of John Dewey, in the great and human significance of every task undertaken by students, and often quoted from and expanded on the poem "Children Learn What They Live." In concert with this, he believed in the value of teachers as the shapers of society. He fought long and hard for better pay, pensions and working conditions for his colleagues, through the Manitoba Teachers Society (MTS), the Retired Teachers Association of Manitoba (RTAM) and the Canadian Association of Retired Teachers (CART), serving terms as president of each. He brought the same commitment to his work with Seniors, as Chair of the Manitoba Council of Aging, at the Manitoba Society of Seniors (MSOS), and at Creative Retirement, as an advocate, author of many articles, and a voluntary tax advisor. He had a lifelong love of music and musicians, who express the heart of any society. He was a steadfast supporter of the New Democratic Party (NDP), and strongly believed in the role of the public sector to serve the common good through support for health care, education, social services and culture. He served for 12 years on the Board of the Health Sciences Centre, two years as part-time Chair, and consistently followed and contributed to debates on the health care system. From the 70s, he was an ardent supporter of the womens movement and is warmly remembered by many Manitoba women for his genuine and unconditional support. This concern for social justice extended globally through his work as treasurer for the Nicaraguan Childrens Fund. A devoted athlete in his later years, Murray participated in marathons and triathlons, and was a keen member of the 6:00 a.m. running group at the Reh-Fit Centre. Through all his various passions, Murray has instructed and inspired many teachers, musicians, and political and social activists, both within the family and in the community. Family and friends meant more to Murray with each passing year. He cherished the summers at the familys Falcon Lake cottage. These memorable times united the family and over the years expanded to include partners, spouses and all the grandchildren. He passed on to his daughters and grandchildren his interest in the arts, particularly music, his strong respect for education, and his belief in the value of political and community involvement. He supported family members in pursuing what was important for them as individuals, whatever direction that took them in. His daughters experience his values of trust, integrity, compassion and loyalty as his lasting legacy. The family wishes to express their special thanks to the staff of Manitoba Cancer Care and Riverview Palliative Care for their attentive and compassionate care during the last year. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in his honour may be made to Nicaraguan Childrens Fund, in care of 174 Oakwood Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3L 1E1; Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, 101-555 Main St., Winnipeg, MB R3B 1C3; or University of Manitoba Isbister Scholarship, 202 Administration Building, Fort Gary Campus, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2. A celebration of Murrays life will be held on Saturday, December 21 at 1:00 p.m. at Thomson Funeral Chapel, 669 Broadway Ave. THOMSON FUNERAL CHAPELS 783-7211

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 21, 2002