Murray died peacefully at home following a difficult battle with a brain tumour. He leaves behind his partner of 32 years, Janet Allen, his two sons, Henry and Sparky, his sister, Robin, of Leavenworth, Washington, and his mother, Doreen, of Gibsons, B.C. Murray was predeceased by his father, Robert, and his brother, Terry.
Murray was raised in North Vancouver, the third child in a loving and creative family. He learned to play guitar from his father at an early age, and his love of music as well as the outdoors was cultivated during family campouts with the Unitarian Church. Moving to the Cariboo in the late 70s, Murray took to and stuck with the lifestyle he found there. He and Janet raised their family and developed a successful organic market garden and sheep operation along the banks of the Quesnel River at Gravelle Ferry; he was a founding member of the Quesnel Farmers’ Market. Murray was also a very capable woodworker, but a reluctant plumber.
Murray celebrated and documented his love of the area, its people and his lifestyle through writing, performing and recording music. He gained local fame for his music, and there was not a hall from Hixon to 100 Mile that Murray had not played at for dances, weddings and parties.
Murray has left a legacy among his many friends through his music but also through his quiet integrity and a life well-lived. His kids will remember him for his love of the land, his honesty, his love of music, and his encouragement of their passions and endeavors. He was extremely lucky to have a huge group of loving friends in the Cariboo and throughout the province -- a reflection of his fine character. His family would like to thank all those dear friends and neighbours who have pitched in to help since Murray’s diagnosis in 2012.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 13,
at the Occidental Hotel, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.