William Leonard "Len" Murray

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Len Murray on March 9, 2020 at the age of 94 at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre.

Len is survived by his children Bill (Brenda) Murray of Dauphin Beach, Linda Murray (Mark Misunis) of Calgary and Marla (Rodger) McQueen of Dauphin; his grandchildren Dayna Yury, Lisa Murray, Jared McQueen and Trent McQueen all of Dauphin and Caleigh, Ian and Craig Misunis of Calgary, AB; great grandsons Jayse Yury and Carter Yury of Dauphin. He is also survived by his brother John Murray and wife Doreen of Ste. Rose du Lac, MB and his 2 nieces and 4 nephews.  

Len was predeceased by his parents William “Bill” Murray (1957) and Margaret Murray nee Carswell (2003); sister Marion Murray (2008) and his wife of 61 years Joy (2017).

Len was born on a farm east of Laurier, MB and grew up with his older sister and younger brother. Len attended Carrick school leaving after Grade 8 to farm with his father. Len married Charlotte Joyce “Joy” Marrs on December 10, 1955 and they lived and farmed near Makinak, MB for the next 60 years. Len and Joy lived on the home place at NW 29-22-16 for 33 years and then moved 1 mile west to an acreage with a view of the Riding Mountains. In their leisure time they enjoyed attending card parties and fiddle festivals. Len played hardball when he was young and at the age of 58 he started playing senior slow-pitch which he enjoyed for the next 30 years. He joined the Westlake Brewers team in Eddystone and played in many Manitoba Society of Seniors (MSOS) games throughout the province.  In later years, Len and Joy spent winters in Palm Desert, California and Mesa, Arizona where they made many new friends and Len continued to play ball.  In addition to playing and watching baseball he enjoyed curling (he was a member of the MB 8 ender club), reading (his favorites were Zane Grey westerns and James Herriot vet stories) and listening and dancing to Old Time music. In November 2015, Joy and Len moved into Mountain View Villa in Dauphin where they enjoyed playing cards with former Makinak neighbours and new friends. Len had a real interest in people and his community and could strike up a conversation with anyone. He was a kind and gentle person who will be remembered with love.

Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date from Sneath-Strilchuk Family Care Centre in Dauphin, MB. Interment of Joy and Len’s ashes will follow at a later date at the United Church Cemetery in Makinak, MB.  Should friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Len may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of MB.

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