Murray passed away peacefully at the QE II on October 3, 2017 after a short battle with lung cancer. Murray was the youngest son of Douglas Allan and Marion Gillard and was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was predeceased by his first wife Ella Parker and second wife Helen Langille as well as his three step-sons George, Stephen and Harry Myers and grandson Stephen Myers.
Murray is survived by his loving daughter Kathryn Gillard, daughters-in-law Sandi and Diane, grandchildren Kimmie, Tracy, Tania, Tina, Leizamaria and Matthew as well as 14 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews will also miss their “Uncle Murray”.
Spanning over 43 years, Murray or “Hoppy” had a life-long career working at the shipyard in Halifax. He started out catching rivets and worked his way up to becoming a crane operator. Murray loved his job and in recent years spent time reminiscing with co-workers at the annual Christmas party.
While a battle with polio as a child didn’t allow Murray to actively enlist, he supported the war effort working on naval and merchant ships that were “patched up” and sent back to sea. He was also a member of the Tor Bay Legion for over 30 years.
Murray enjoyed many years camping and had a life-long love of trams, trolleys and trains. He didn’t, however, find his real passion until after he retired and took up ballroom dancing. He was a member of the Edgett and Corte dance clubs but in most recent years usually “strutted his stuff” with friends at the Newfoundland Club.
When he wasn’t dancing he could be found hanging out with the coffee crew at McDonald’s on Portland Street. Thursdays, however, were reserved for lunch with his daughter, usually at Swiss Chalet or Athens restaurant.
While Murray sometimes portrayed a “gruff” exterior, he was a kind, gentle and giving person, often brightening anyone’s day with simple but meaningful words and gestures. On this note I’d like to thank the dedicated doctors, nurses and staff of 8.3 for making his final days comfortable and painless as well as the compassion shown to him and his family.
He will be sadly missed by all those who knew or came in contact with him. He did not want any fuss or funeral over his death, but rather a “Celebration of His Life”. This will be held at his house on Saturday, October 14th starting at 2 pm. All are welcome.
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