John Murray Obituary

John William Murray, dedicated lawyer, gummy bear connoisseur and lover of all things four-legged, passed away with his devoted family at his side in May of 2023 in Calgary, Alberta, following a tragic accident. John, the oldest of two children, was born in June of 1951, to parents Lois (MacCallum) and John William "Bill" Murray in Newcastle, New Brunswick.

In his earlier years, John resided with his parents in Moncton's Old West End. As soon as the school year came to a close, he eagerly travelled to his grandparents' homes in Miramichi and Doaktown, where he delighted in exploring rivers and fields during the hot and hazy summer days. After graduating high school at the tender age of sixteen, John continued his educational journey at the University of New Brunswick, where he successfully completed the Law program in 1977. By working diligently as a mailman each summer, John managed to finance his post-secondary education, utilizing the earnings to cover his educational expenses.

John, a remarkable individual known for his intelligence, kindness, and thoughtfulness, leaves a legacy of compassion and dedication. He cherished his 40-plus years as a lawyer, finding great fulfillment in his profession and making a lasting impact on the lives of his clients. John's departure has left a void in the legal community and the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. John's commitment to his work was unparalleled. Through his extensive knowledge and exceptional communication skills, he established genuine connections with those he represented, many of whom became close friends. John's ability to provide reassurance and address concerns with the utmost care and professionalism exemplified his character and dedication.

Beyond his illustrious legal career, John had a deep affection for animals, particularly his nine French bulldogs, who were an inseparable part of his life. Jasper, Maddy, Petey, Nate, Mickey, Picasso, Penny, Sampson, and Ella's companionship brought him joy and comfort; he showered them with love and care. John and his wife Marilyn shared their home with many four-legged companions over the years, as their mutual love for animals fuelled their deep connection.

Throughout their years together, John and Marilyn immersed themselves in the underwater wonders of the Cayman Islands while snorkelling, navigated the exhilarating rapids of the Rockies during river rafting excursions, indulged in exploring the rich history of castles in England and Ireland, and cycled through the scenic trails of cottage country in Shediac and many National Parks. Their love for exploration and travel formed a strong bond between them, allowing them to create cherished memories and unforgettable experiences along the way.

A devoted family man, John adored his two grandsons and embraced the responsibility of imparting important life lessons to them. He firmly believed in the value of manners, grammar, and timeliness, instilling these qualities in his grandsons with patience and unwavering dedication. Although, in the end, they truly bonded over their mutual love for gummy bears, video games, and outings to the movie theatre.

Fly fishing, reading, and golfing were among John's favourite pastimes. These activities allowed him to unwind and find solace amidst the busyness of life. John's passion for golf not only served as a source of recreation but also fostered camaraderie and friendly competition with his friends and colleagues over the years. John's expertise and love for fly fishing grew to such an extent that he eventually became a fly fishing guide, sharing his knowledge and passion for the sport with others.

One could feel John's presence, intelligence, and kindness the moment he entered a room. His quiet demeanour concealed a wealth of wisdom and insight. Always attentive and observant, he possessed a keen ability to listen and understand others. John's words carried weight, and his advice was sought by many.

In the words of his grandmother, John lived by the philosophy, "It's a poor day when you don't learn something new.". He embraced lifelong learning and encouraged others to do the same. John's insatiable thirst for knowledge was evident in his conversations and interactions, making him a captivating individual with a wealth of wisdom to share.

As we celebrate the life of our beloved John, we remember him as a man of great integrity, intellect, and compassion. His legacy will forever live on through the lives he touched, the clients he served, and the wisdom he imparted. Let us honour his memory by emulating his kindness, his dedication to learning, and his commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. John's departure leaves an irreplaceable void, but his impact on our lives will be cherished and remembered with profound gratitude.

John is survived by his loving and dedicated wife, Marilyn Donnelly, his two stepdaughters, Courtney Donnelly (Gilles Doiron) and Chelsea Jonah (Jamie Doucette) and his two grandsons, Jaxon and Ari. John also leaves behind his brother Christopher Murray (Melissa Stencill), niece Sinclair Murray, many devoted friends, as well as countless colleagues and clients. John is pre-deceased by his parents, Lois (MacCallum) and John William "Bill" Murray.

John's family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Intensive Care Unit at the Foothills Medical Center in Calgary. They thank Dr. Braedon McDonald, Dr. Matthew Eagles, and their teams for their exceptional compassion, expertise, and attentive care during John's time in the ICU.

A celebration of John's life will be held at the Chapel of Fair Haven Funeral Home on Thursday, June 1 at 3:00 pm followed by a reception in the Garden View Reception Room.

In John's memory, donations to an animal rescue/shelter/charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.

Funeral Details Celebration of Life Fair Haven Funeral Home & Cemetery Event Times: 01-Jun-2023 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM Reception Fair Haven Funeral Home & Cemetery.