MCLAREN, John Murray

January 20, 1928 – October 19, 2016

Following a full and distinguished life, Murray’s body has failed despite his mind and will remaining strong.  Born to Clara and Norman in Roblin, MB he was a wonderful big brother for his two sisters.  With his dad’s flying school the family moved to Virden, Portage and Assiniboia where he attended school, learning much from his mechanic father.  His dad accepted a job from TCA (Air Canada) and moved to Winnipeg where Murray finished his schooling.  He knew more teachers than his grade 11 & 12 marks over 90 in Algebra, Math and Physics.  Schools attended were Virden, Assiniboia, Portage, St. Vital, Ft. Garry and St. James. He applied for the RCAF and after a denial began a career with the Bank of Toronto on Aug 6, 1946.  In May of 1947 he was involved with a unique robbery being locked inside the vault.  His career progressed taking him to Kyle where he met his love Muriel (South) from Lucky Lake at a dance at Clearwater Lake.  They moved to Oyen, AB then on to Rossburn, Pilot Mound, Assiniboia, Selkirk, Welwyn, Wolsely and Stenen.  Murray was a very respected banker in every community and he and Muriel were extremely involved socially with Kinsmen and Kinettes.  Three weeks holidays in the summers were spent camping with the family.  Coming full circle Murray persued his flying aspirations after an empty nest.  A pilot licence in hand and his own plane were thoroughly enjoyed.  He would attempt anything from carpentry, hunting, hockey, fishing to curling.  His mottos included all in moderation and common sense.  His math skills were amazing long before today’s technology.  Following retirement, he became busier than ever attending Masonic meetings and eventually a Shriner who proudly rode scooters, marching beating a drum, all for children’s sake.  He loved curling and was a great coach to younger ones.  Murray re-married to Doris (Brandon) in 1997 and enjoyed his life in Prince Albert being able to travel and continue his Shriner activities.  He was predeceased by his parents; brother-in-law Sid Odger; uncle Glen Lampkin (who he said was his brother); his in-law parents Clarence and Lil; wife Muriel; daughter-in-law Diane and infant grandchildren.  Remaining family are his sisters Marjorie Peatte with 3 children and families, Eleanor Odger with 5 boys and families; wife Doris; daughter Bonnie (Garth Byers) and families; sons Dale (Jannus) and families, Gary (Shelley) and families; daughter Glenda (Scott Pollock) and families; daughter Heather and family; daughter Sherri and family; brother-in-law Calvin South (Irene) and families; cousin Lois Anne Gallaugher; many in-laws from the South family; stepchildren Elaine (Steve) Helewka, Rodney (Sharon) Brandon, Kevin (Barb) Brandon, Michael Brandon, Brenda (Dave) Ramsbottom.  Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 24, 2016 at Gray’s Funeral Chapel, 575 – 28th Street West, Prince Albert, SK with Pastor Dennis Serfas officiating.  Interment will be held in Wolsely at a later date.  Rest peaceful and always Daj Bozhe!  In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be made to Masonic Wa Shrine Temple, 292 – 15th Avenue East, Prince Albert, SK S6V 2N7.  Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grays.ca  Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Gray’s Funeral Chapel, (306) 922-4729.

 

• Date : 2016-10-19