John E Murray

John was born on February 27, 1946 in Bengough, Saskatchewan as the oldest child of Edward and Violet Murray. Johnny, as he was referred to by his family and friends in Saskatchewan, grew up on the family farm in Ogema, Sask. He met his wife of 56 years, Vicki (nee Conroy) at a dance in Glasnevin, SK where Johnny was playing guitar in the band. His bandmates bet him a 6 pack of beer that he could not get this young pretty lady to dance with him … the bet was on, they danced, he won, and several years later they married on July 29, 1967 in Horizon, SK. They made their home in Regina where John worked as a salesman for a window company and lumber yard. Lorelei was then born on August 19, 1968 followed by Michelle on August 13, 1970.

John and Vicki moved the family to Calgary, Alberta in 1972 then to Strathmore, Alberta in 1977 where he purchased, Olson’s Buildings Supplies. This venture then became Strathmore Building Supplies, ultimately being sold to begin a semi-retirement sabbatical. John returned to his roots as a “traveling salesman” and incorporated Aspen Paint Sundries servicing Alberta and Saskatchewan. As the forever entrepreneur, John and Vicki again opened a brick-and-mortar “mom and pop store”, Western Paint and Mouldings, as their final venture before retirement. John found it difficult to sit still in retirement and started work with Standard Spray up until his stroke in 2013.

How does one sum up a great, full life in a few paragraphs? John loved sharing stories of his many adventures. He was a GREAT storyteller. Every time he told the same story over the years it came with greater finesse that made it funnier, larger and simply more awesome.

John had a great love for music and enjoyed his jam sessions with friends and participation in the original “Older than Dirt Band”. He was a member of the Kinsmen Club and enjoyed many activities with friends and family; card games, curling, golf, horses and rodeo to name just a few. Although he claimed he didn’t like to dance, he LOVED it! You could not get Johnny off the dance floor as he made his rounds doing the “Saskatchewan Shuffle”, as us kids called it. He was a great dancer. John and Vicki moved to an acreage near Standard, Alberta where he loved the quiet time of tending a garden, raising a few horses, a couple cows, a chicken or two, sheep, even a goat – John “Dr. Dolittle”. Murray loved it all.

John left a legacy of wonderful memories for his family. John was predeceased by his parents Edward Murray, and Violet Murray (nee Wyatt). John is survived by his loving wife, Vicki; daughters Lorelei Haberl (Mike) and Michelle Connors (Kent); grandchildren Mitchell Haberl (Ally), Chelsea Haberl (Kurtis), Sean Connors (Briana) and Shelby Connors (Conner); great grandchildren, Olivia Haberl and Kayden Connors. John is also survived by his sister Valerie Dunn (Grant), brother Clarence Murray (Janet), sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews.

There are no words that can properly express our gratitude for the outstanding care given to John by the Bassano long-term care staff at the Bassano Hospital. Thank you for loving him and being his family when we were not always able to be there, you are all truly angels on this earth.

There will be no memorial service as per John’s wishes. His ashes will be placed at the cemetery in Horizon, SK. As Dad said, “It’s where your mother and I started our life together, and it will be our final resting place together”.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the charity of one’s choice.