Obituary
Gray, Murray L.
1954 – 2021
On January 22, 2021, the final dispatch was called in for Murray L. Gray of Saskatoon. His highest, mountain climb surely found him in an International truck powered with a Detroit Series 60 for his final journey. Left to mourn are his wife of 37 years, Kelly (Anear); son, Trevor (Kristy), and his pride and joy, grandsons Nathan Murray Gray and Owen Trevor Gray; daughter, Shantell (Marc Gareau); and daughter, Rachel; brother, Merv (Colleen); brothers-in-law, Todd Anear (Ruthanne Bell) and Dave Cameron (Liz); mother-in-law, Ruth Anear; and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Murray was born on December 22, 1954 in Eston, Saskatchewan to N.B. (Bert) and Kathleen (Kay) Gray. He spent his earliest childhood years at Lacadena. His family moved to rural Saskatoon residing just south of the junction of Grasswood Road and Clarence Avenue South. Murray attended Grasswood and Thornton Schools, as well as Nutana Collegiate for his formal schooling. As a child, Murray spent many hours in the YMCA pool and participating in the Saskatoon 4-H Multiple (Beef) Club. He farmed with his father and brother until 1989, driving for both Masterfeeds and L.E. Matchett Trucking Co. to feed his White Line Fever from early days. In the following years, Murray became an Owner/Operator with Transall Express, Kerslake Transport, Westcan Bulk Transport, Kindersley Transport, Pat Hoffman Trucking, and completed his career with his favourite company, Ray’s/Q-Line Group. Murray was honoured to receive the Overdrive Award from L.E. Matchett Trucking Co. in 1990 as a driver in “appreciation of outstanding service and dedication”. In 2000, he was awarded Driver of the Year from Westcan Bulk Transport as an Owner/Operator for “outstanding performance and safe driving”. Murray took great pride sharing his professional driver skills and working with his brother, Merv; nephews, Jim and Kevin; and especially his son, Trevor, at many companies.
In 1981, Murray was introduced to Kelly by mutual friends upon her return from her first teaching contract in Alberta. They married in 1983. Mom and Dad resided, and began their family, in the Floral area until 1989. They moved to the Central Butte/Lawson region where they purchased their own land and added to their family and long list of friends. Although Dad continued to drive during the winter months, he missed life on the road, so Mom agreed to leave the farm. They returned to rural Saskatoon where they resided until recently.
Murray was predeceased by infant brother, Melville; sister-in-law, Janet (Harris) Gray; sister, Marilyn (Gray) Cameron; father, N.B. (Bert) Gray; mother, Kathleen (Kay James) Gray; father-in-law, Chester B. Anear; and numerous extended family and dear friends. The family wishes to thank Sasha Korolischuk for his companionship and attentive care; Drs. R. Leakos, A. Kirk, and V. Walker for diagnosis and care; Palliative Home Care nursing staff and Debbie Jones for days and hours of assistance so Murray could begin his final trip at home surrounded by love, music, and family; and Ken and Susan Heyer for highway phone calls and continual visits when others could not come.
Respecting his pre-COVID wishes, Murray’s final arrangements are for a private, invitation-only interment at a later date. In memory of Murray, anyone travelling over the Paulson Summit, please purchase a Coca-Cola (no Pepsi allowed), for a salute. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation, in Murray’s name, to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan Inc. or do a simple kindness for someone who does not have the ability to repay you. Arrangements in care of Ashley Knash – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Murray Gray January 22 2021..
Mourning Glory Funeral Services
Death notice for the town of: Saskatoon, Province: Saskatchewan