Hey Pal
Sorry I missed last year but you would understand. We still miss you terribly and mourn your absence. You were a great friend.
Old Timer

My thoughts are with Barb and the rest of the Cleveland family on this 1st Anniversary of Murray's passing.

Still miss you terribly Pal
from: Old Timer


Sadden to hear about Murray's passing.  Thoughts and prayer's to Barb and the entire Heath family.

How can you sum up one of the sweetest, kindest , funniest ,  thoughtful and genuine men , that we’ve had the good fortune to have called our friend in a few words?. Absolutely impossible. He meant so much to so many and we loved him like a brother. When I first was introduced to Mur ,  he said 
“Why are you with this guy?? Is there something wrong with ya, do you need glasses? “ He had me in laughter from that first meeting, and made a very nervous situation for me, feel like I was among a long time friend. He was so very kind and went out of his way to make others feel good. Simply put Mur, we loved you and will miss you terribly. Thank you for all that you were. There will never be another Murray. 
Rest on and hopefully we’ll meet up again♥️
Deepest sorrow Dan and Cheryl

My condolences to the entire Cleveland family. My broken heart breaks for everyone. It was your mother Mary, who brought us together and treated me like family. I am so blessed to have met Murray and all the Clevelands. He called me just after Allan passed to offer his condolences to me and offered his help with anything I needed. Now, I am sending my condolences to his family. Murray will be missed by many, but will forever be in the hearts of everyone he met. My thoughts and prayers are with everyone during this difficult journey.
Love Cathy

I first met Murray in 1988 at Centennial Hockey rink where Gary and my son Ken became teammates and friends. Murray was certainly not hard to notice and of course like. His smile was infectious and sense of humor was second to none. Murray would never let me forget the time at the snack bar when I pulled a 50 out of my pocket which couldn't be changed for two coffees. Over the years the story grew to a 100. It was even brought up the last time we spoke this past October. We didn't see each other as much as we used to, but whenever we spoke, it felt like it was yesterday standing at the snack bar. I'm a better person for knowing Murray Cleveland!! My sincerest condolences, Murray will be missed. 
Mitch, Ken and Donny Brown



To the extended Cleveland family:
I was deeply saddened to come across Murray's obituary this week. I recognized his boyish smiling face before even reading the name below the picture, though I had not seen him since 1967. I remember him as an always smiling, good and righteous person. The Cleveland kids were my St. Dunstan's schoolmates and Coleen and I were classmates. Hello Colleen. I went on my first ever camping trip with the St. Dunstan's cub scout pack of which Murray was also a member with your wonderful father Cy, our scout leader, also always smiling in my memories. I have nothing but pleasant memories of you all. My brother Gordon who was a classmate of Murray's sends his regrets and concurs with me in his memories of Murray and his character. My deepest sympathies.
Alfred Engerer

Our deepest condolences to Murray’s family. He will be deeply missed by everyone. Murray had the biggest heart of anyone I ever knew, always there to lend a helping hand. From floor hockey to getting “Spocked”, which I never could get away from, we will fondly remember him for his wonderful sense of humour and his kindness.

Our sincere sympathies go out to Barb and the entire Cleveland family. Mur will be missed by us all. One of a kind he certainly was. Don’t know anyone who didn’t enjoy his company and laugh at his razor-sharp wit. His friendship was generous, except at poker … he was ruthless to one and all. Fifty years of getting together with The Boys will never be the same but the memories and the stories are preserved in our hearts forever. Its time to raise a glass and toast a dear friend – to Murray!
Gary & Honor Fabian


I met Murray at the Rec Centre quite a few years ago.
Once we got talking I discovered that Murray was my dads boss at Ellesmere Yard.
I used to look forward to coming into the gym and talking to Murray which would lead him into telling me stories about my dad.(all good)
What are the chances of meeting someone who worked with your dad.
I am going to miss Murray’s stories,but most of all I am going to miss him.



My deepest condolences to Barb, Gary and Maggie for the loss of Murray,  he was and always will be greater than life.
Funny, quick witted, help anybody, strong physically and mentally
also smart and clever. Friends bring as joy and happiness, help us in time of need, I can truly say how glad I am he was a Friend. We will miss you forever Pal.
Rest in Peace Friend, you will always be in our hearts. 
 Francesco Pontieri 


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Sincere condolences and love to Barb and family on the loss of Mur. There was no one else like him, and never will be.  On a cold winter day, he would be out in a jean jacket or show up to work with no socks.  He was a joy to be around and we were always laughing together. He was incredibly physically strong, and with his Vulcan grip or hand shake he could bring you to your knees. He treated everyone the same, either a junior labourer or the General Manager, and would let you know when you were full of it. He was always willing to help in any way he could. Being around Murray was special, and he will be sorely missed.
Rest in peace friend.

Words cannot describe how devastated we are by Murray’s sudden passing. Murray wasn’t just a friend, he was family. He met my dad years ago at the gym. Their relationship grew over time and a result Murray became an extended member of our family. He was ALWAYS there for us in every way. He helped me move countless times, helped my dad with yard work, literally anything we needed he was always there for us. We will miss his quick wit, relentless teasing (mostly of my dad), and his wonderful bear hugs. Our thoughts are with his family: Barb, Gary, Maggie, Mia, & Audrey. We cannot imagine what you are going through, but you are all in our thoughts & our hearts. Murray will be forever missed but never ever forgotten. 

Photo was taken at my wedding in 2017. It was an honour & a pleasure to have Murray & Barb there. 

With love,
Noel, Elizabeth, Natasha, & Andrew



So very sorry for your loss.  Murray was an kind big hearted person.  A great coach who made sure the fellows always had fun. He will be missed by many.  Our loving thoughts  to Barb, Gary and Maggie along with all his family members.  The Kelleway family. xo

So sad to see the news of Murray's passing.  He was a great guy.  Our deepest condolences to Barb, Gary, Maggie and all the family.
Susanne and Joe Barbieri and family

Dear Barb and Family: 
My deepest sympathy is with you all. Murray was a great family man with love for you. He will be truly missed.
Thoughts and prayers....
Much love Susan  xoxo

My since condolences to Barb, Gary, Maggie and the rest of your families. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time.
I knew Murray when we both were members at was once known as the Pickering Recreation Complex. I have since relocated to another city. 
He always had a big smile on his face and he reminded me of being a real life, huggable Teddy Bear! He often spoke highly of Barb as well.
This time of year and also being in a pandemic, must make it even more difficult for the whole family. I am sure that you will all miss him.
Sincerely,

Laurie Lowe

Will miss you Cleve's. Remembering good times cutting up the old guys during hunting season, and the many laughs shared over the years.

Share a laugh, cigar and scotch with them up there.

Garey and Deb

Condolences to Barb and the rest of Murray's family
Hey
You were the best bud a person could ever ask for, always in my corner, and would take the shirt off your back if I needed it. You had a way of making all of us feel special and our lives are going to be so much poorer and emptier without you Pal. Loved the way you always called me Davey Boy or Old Timer. I can never forget the first time we met. Scenario. I'm at my locker and you walk in. Murray - What's wrong old timer. Me-Locked my key in my locker again. Murray - no problem, I will be back in a sec. You return with a bolt cutter and snip the lock off, there you are old timer. That was the start of a great friendship that is  impossible to describe here.  We made a pact that we would always greet the girls at the front desk (and have a chat) on arriving and leaving the Gym. I will carry on doing this for both of us. Sorry we did not get to fish again or play golf this year (you always exaggerated to everyone how far I could hit the ball, alas, not as far as you said).  You tried to teach me how to skeet shoot (fail, on my part) but did teach me to bench press my own weight (success). 
Happy Trails Pal 
From: Old Timer (Davey Boy) and Marj

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Murray's death in the Star obituary. While we haven't seen one another for years, Murray and I attended St. Dunstan's School and Birchmount together. We were very good friends during grade school. The last time we met was at a hockey tournament years ago and it was like no time had passed. Murray was playing with some Birchmount alumni and I was on another team (Petro Partners). I have many fond memories of Murray including that he got me into trouble all the time at St. Dunstan's by making me laugh.  My wife also remembers how outgoing Murray was. They had a chat about the pros and cons of a Catholic school upbringing. He told  her (a non-Catholic) about how the priest would throw pennies up in the air in the schoolyard and the kids would scramble for them. He related how their large family all lived in a fairly small house at 66 St. Dunstan's and how well they managed. He also enthusiastically described his relatively new home (at that time) in a cul-de-sac near Port Union Road (?) and how the neighbours, some of them Birchmount alumni possibly, all collaborated to create their own small community there. Murray was clearly about family and friends. Our thoughts are with all whom he loved and cared for. Murray touched so many during his life. Hopefully, memories of happy times with Murray and his great sense of humour will help each of you through the sad times. 

I am so sorry Barb ( and family)to hear about your loss of Murray!
  I met Murray when he joined the Pickering Rec. Centre! 
  Murray was one you could have a chit chat with! He was always ready to lend a hand helping any of us out! Murray has left a big impression on all of us who got to know him! What was there not to like about Murray!
     R.I.P. my friend!
Barb please remember the good memories! This will help you get through this!
    Louise Locker
          💞

My sincere condolences on the passing of our friend and "gym buddie".  I will certainly miss Murray's laughter and kindness.  He was just a lovely man and would always help with any situation and provide advice.  I will miss our early morning banter at the gym and his infectious laughter.  Please take comfort that he is in a better place.  All the best during this difficult time.

To Dear Barb & Family
Our deepest condolences go out to you.
Cheryl  (Danny) is My sister, we met Murray through them. We did not Know him a lot but when in our company he was a very nice man & easy to get along with. My Sister thought very highly of him & We are sure he will be missed by many.

Sincerely, The Bolan Family
Our thoughts are with you all


We have all lost a shining  light in a year filled with darkness. Murray, your spirit will live on in our hearts forever. Thanks for all the wonderful memories, Mur. Coffee will not be the same without you. Rest in peace.
Ollie and Jeanne

My sincerest heartfelt condolences to the family on their sad loss. 
What a great guy.
Always a smile and a warm handshake to greet you.
He was a real pleasure to talk too with his tales of past adventures and jokes galore.
Only good memories of this very special big man. 

As so many others have said - with Murray’s passing, the world has lost someone with a big presence,  a big personality and most importantly, a big heart.   Rest In Peace cousin.   
Our condolences to Barb and family - you are in our thoughts.

Murray fought a hard battle, but now it is time for him to rest.
I don't know if I have ever met a man that was so loved by so many. If you met him for the first time, you knew you would be his friend forever.
Murray touched our family with his kindness, generosity, humour and love.
While we feel a deep  loss for this giant of a man, his family must be devastated.
To Barb and his family our deepest condolence to each and everyone of you.
We will keep you in our hearts and prayers.
Paul and Linda 

Safe Passage Brother, thinking of you from many years at the City.
God Bless.

Many years of friendship, laughs,cries, trips to East Camelot , hunting and fishing. A true friend that was always there for you when you needed it. The first to tell you like it was whether you wanted to hear it or not. 
A City of Scarborough legend at Ellesmere Yard, Nashdene and Morningside yards.
I will miss my friend, my boys will miss their Uncle Mur.
Til we meet again champ.
Our condolences to Barb, Gary , Maggie and family.

My sincere condolences to Barb and all of your family. I have just learned of the passing of Murray and although I haven’t seen him in years the memories are strong of the many happy times we shared on the field at Birchmount.  He was a rock.

To Barb,and family. I was deeply saddened to hear of Murray's passing. I first met Murray working for the Borough of Scarborough
Waste Water  Department, or as we like to call it Sewers. Murray was the first to come over and welcome me to the Dept.  When he shook my hand I had to go off on Workman's Comp for a week, :0), he had the grip of a Grizzly. He was quite an imposing figure ,to say the least. As I got to know him better it became evident what gentle giant he was, always joking  and carrying on. I think that everyone at Ellesmere Yard knew who he was,and he was well liked by all that did know him.  One of my fondest memories of Murray was when we worked overtime on Sanitation. Murray was driving and I was throwing,we drove down a side street and stopped in front of a house to  pick up a load when a lady came running out of the house  with her camera .  She asked if  she could take our picture  loading the truck , it was 11:30  at night ,
and she could not believe we were  picking up garbage that late at night. She said she just had to get a picture of this , we both just smiled then carried on our way.  He was One of a kind to be sure.  Again my heart felt condolences to Barb and Family. Rest in peace my good friend. 
Darrel Walsh


Dear Barb and family,
My heart is with you all as you mourn the loss of your dear Murray. I am so sorry to hear the news of his passing and I want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I remember Murray’s kind heart and his delightful sense of humour most of all.  What a deep loss for you. I am so sorry. 
With love,
Rosanne 

One of the first persons I met when I joined the gym,  was Murray.  And always in the weights room.  He talked to everyone.  He had his smile which was welcoming.  In the latter years as I  retired and came later to the gym,  I found him  leaning on the reception desk on one elbow and holding his gym bag in the other hand talking.  He loved to converse with us All.  RIP Murray.   The Gym, when the pandemic is done,  will Never be the same without u.  

When Murray first came to Rec Centre I thought him to be the strong quiet guy... I learned real quick he was anything and everything, but quiet. One of a kind for sure who was willing to help everyone and anyone. My grandson was in air cadets assigned to rifle area...Murray took him to the shooting range with him 😄A wonderful man who will sadly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. My heart felt condolences to Barb and the rest of his family . He was always talking about his family and showing pictures... ha ha you all thought he was working out at the gym!!
💔💔🙏😇💔💔

Murray used to shake hands with me.It was like  the tiger taking on the lamb!
He knew I had a good grip because he got me doing different hand exercises.
If he got his hand in first I was done but if I got my hand in first,  I was ok.

On another occasion when he was not well and we had not seen each other for some time,   he phoned to see how I was!
You don't meet people like that every day.!
We will miss him.  It is our prayer that you Barb and your family will be comforted.  It was a privilege to call him friend.

Rest In Peace Murray. You were truly one of a kind and will be missed by many. 

Our condolences to Barb, Gary, Mia, Audrey, Margaret, Steve and all of Murray’s family.
Murray was the light in a dark room. In times such as now he was the rock who could lighten ours hearts.
Family, friend and someone we always counted on for a good story or joke. He was first in line to help with anything you needed done.
He can not be replaced but we have a lifetime of great memories to help us through this difficult time.
Love
Liz, Steve, Matthew, Michelle and families


My thoughts and prayers are with you all.    May the peace of the Lord be with you always.  
Some comforting words from St. Faustina...“Today I was in heaven, in spirit, and I saw its inconceivable beauties and the happiness that awaits us after death".  





He was a genuine treasure...always shedding happiness wherever he went...
He truly will be missed by all...

Love and prayers...uncle Ollie and auntie Anne...

OBITUARY

Murray Thomas Cleveland

7 March, 1954 – 10 December, 2020

Paul O'Connor Funeral Home

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