Obituary
Murray Brian Powell
August 31, 1949 – October 11, 2021
We are saddened to announce the passing of our dear dad and grandad in the morning of October 11, 2021 after a very courageous battle with cancer. Mourning his loss are his three daughters Jennifer Powell, Kathryn Reid, Lindsay Unrau (Keith), his five grandchildren Devin, Tristan, Kole, Paige and Jackson, his sister Margery Materi (Dennis) and family, many cousins and dear friends.
Murray was born in Balcarres, SK and lived on the family farm throughout his childhood where he discovered his love of horses. In 1968, Murray moved to Winnipeg to attend Success Business College leading to employment opportunities in Winnipeg. He was never one for big city life, so quickly found himself calling East Selkirk home for the last 50 years of his life where he settled and started his family with Bev Grierson.
After moving to East Selkirk, he held positions with ARC industries, Manitoba Rolling Mills, Mandak Metals, and spent his final 20 years of employment with the Lord Selkirk School Division with posts at many schools. His longest standing post was with Robert Smith School where he held the position of head custodian. This was also his very favourite place to work.
Murray retired in December of 2011 and enjoyed his retirement days with visits to his horse Cricket, occasional trips to visit friends and family, woodworking and hosting family dinners and bonfires at his home – his happy place. He took great peace enjoying his yard, the deer, rabbits, other animals (except NOT the squirrels) and the plethora of birds that would visit his bird feeders. He also enjoyed helping his friend Neill at the farm and his friends Ali and Yope where he boarded his horse Cricket. Coffees with his neighbour Bill and visits with other friends were also enjoyed.
Throughout the last 16 years of his life, he devoted time supporting others through battling addictions and challenges in their lives – as others had done for him for a time. This was also a period that strengthened his faith in God.
After his diagnosis of lung cancer in July 2021, he showed tremendous strength and bravery – and no matter what he was enduring, he never failed to show others gratitude and kindness for the care and compassion he received. The last three months of his life allowed a beautiful opportunity to spend precious time with family and friends.
“The true measure of a man is shown through his life’s journey in the lives he’s enriched and the legacy of kindness he has given along the way.”
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline Street, Selkirk. A viewing will be held at 3:00 p.m., service to begin at 3:30 p.m. and reception to follow. Proof of vaccination is required to attend. For those who cannot attend, the service will be streamed online via: youtu.be/ZXkumnMZQ7E
Interment will follow on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Balcarres Cemetery in Balcarres, SK. Honourary Pallbearers will be Murray’s grandchildren Devin and Tristan Reid, Kole and Paige Unrau and Jackson Inkster.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba. The family would also like to express sincere thanks for the amazing care and support from CancerCare Manitoba, Dr.’s Lindenschmidt Sr. and Brown, the wonderful nurses, health care aides, and home care workers that cared for him over the last three months.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Murray Powell, please visit our floral store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Murray Powell October 11 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Selkirk, Province: Manitoba