George “Murray”‘s Obituary
George Murray Couch
It is with sadness and a full heart we announce the passing of Murray (Husband, Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa). Murray was born in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan on Dec 14, 1929, the 4th son of Jenny and William Couch. He was predeceased by his parents and his 3 brothers Donald, Dougald and John.
Murray joined the Royal Canadian Air Force directly out of high school. He trained as a radar operator prior to obtaining his wings and joining the Air Crew in London Ontario. He was trained on 7 planes and 4 helicopters. He was the first to fly an H21 Banana Helicopter from Vancouver to Trenton Ontario. He took discharge in 1956 and joined Okanagan Helicopters. His flying years supported monitoring the Mid-Canada radar line, Forest Fire efforts and Search and Rescue.
Murray flew to New York, where Lois was nursing, to propose to his home town sweetheart. They were married on July 4th, 1957. They lived in Vancouver and Dawson Creek before moving to an acreage in Big Meadow, Alberta and started a business venture purchasing a grocery store in Grouard. The family moved to High Prairie where he was hired to manage the B/A bulk oil and gas franchise which later changed names to Gulf and is now Petro-Canada.
Murray’s life was centered on service both at work and for his community. He was recognized by the Town of High Prairie for his many hours of volunteer services and was a member of the High Prairie Legion Branch #37 for over 60 years. He did not shy from hard work and helping others. He had a passion for carpentry, hunting, fishing, travel and his chair looking over Slave Lake at Shaw’s Point. If you needed anything built or fixed he had the tools.
Murray leaves behind a family of 6 children: Greg, Glen, Lori (David) Zabolotniuk, Lynn (David) Greer, Lenore (Kelly) Howey and Gary. 12 Grandchildren: Evan, Nicolas, Darcie (Lenny) L’Hirondelle, Tyler, Sharlie, Ryan, Lyndsey, Jamie (Tyler) Unrau, Alyson, Brennan, Dalton and Navada. 4 Greatgrandchildren: Nolan, Hayden, Brody and Deacon.
The family will be having a closed service at the Legion. If you would like to donate to a memorial fund in Murray’s name please forward to the High Prairie Legion Branch #37 to be redirected to a community project which will be identified in the future – Box 177 High Prairie Alberta, T0G 1E0.
Stop by the lake lot this summer to say hi, toast and extend condolences as the waves come in off the lake. Dad’s chair is open for you.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of George Murray Couch December 14 1929 March 31 2022..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Slave Lake, Province: Alberta