John Harvey Murray
October 20, 2022
Murray, John Harvey, Master Corporal (Ret) 83, of Mt. Uniacke, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on, Thursday, October 20,2022. Born in Little Shemogue, NB, he was the son of the late Claude and Mabel Murray (Simpson).
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice; sons, Mike (Kathy), Centreville, Bill (Barbara), Dartmouth, Allen (Sharon), Halifax, Charles, Mt. Uniacke, James, Mt. Uniacke; daughter, Tara, Middle Sackville, Mike Moore, Alberta, Anna (Denny), Ontario; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Special mention to our cousin Kenny, who really enjoyed learning from dad, working on the house in Virginia. Doors, roofing, electrical, painting and even as Kenny will tell you, if you didn’t have a tool – make it, which they did several times.
He is also survived by two sisters, Hazel Sprague, St. John and Peggy Fitzpatrick, Riverview, three brothers, Lyman, Cadmans Corner, Lynn (Deidre), Amherst, Tommy (Peggy), Baie Verte, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his parents Claude and Mabel; sisters Pauline and Dorothy, sister-in-law, Loella.
John was a loving husband and an exceptional family man, providing wisdom and guidance to his children and grandchildren throughout their lives. His first love was always his family and his extended family. Enjoying his time with his siblings to the fullest, he was always saddened when they had to part ways at the end of the visit. He loved his brothers and sisters deeply and always wished he had more time to spend with them. There were many sacrifices that others seldom knew about, behind the scenes. Long days, long nights and long months away from his family while at sea. He found time on the ships pass a little better, mending uniforms and stuff on the ships for the crew. The money helped raise his growing family at home. Most of it made its way home, he would reward himself with a pocket knife, once a motorcycle jacket and boots, which he loved dearly. His return before Christmas was always looked forward to, as Quality St treats, ribbon and rock candy would usually accompany him.
John served in the Royal Canadian Navy as a Surface Weapon Technician on several of the HMCS ships, including, La Hulloise, Saguenay, Preserver, Protector and the Terra Nova. A career spanning 23 years, before retiring and living a more relaxed life, erecting entertainment tents at events throughout the Maritimes and eventually spending some time working with his younger brother Lynn Murray in construction and carpentry.
From the beginning, he wanted to be a part of the community he knew would flourish and would need strong voices to direct and navigate them through the coming waters of change. He would be one of the first members of a committee that formed for just that reason. Growing up on a private road had its challenges as well. Eventually they formed a committee and he would eventually influence the committee to widen and change the grade of the road. He would become a leader in the Cubs and Scouting movement trying to influence his boys and youth of the community. During that time, he was also involved in the planning for the expansion of Uniacke District School. He was always involved with fundraising in the various groups and known throughout the community. Somewhere along the way, he and mom decided helping kids and families would be a good idea, and so, the extended family began. Fostering families and kids would become part of our lives that would form bonds and relationships that are present even still. Dad always enjoyed the visits and calls from Mike Moore, one of those kids the adopted our family and always checked in on the folks routinely, even though he was in Alberta.
A friend to all, his love of boats, crib, nature, photography, fishing, hiking, hunting, sewing, western novels and country music, made him a well-rounded person and a great conversationalist. Which is one of the many reasons, he will be so missed.
Donations can be made to a charity of your choice, food bank or homeless shelter.
Arrangements are under the care of Dartmouth Funeral Home. Condolences can be sent through Dartmouth Funeral Home www.dartmouthfuneralhome.ca
Burial will be at the family plot in NB, and will be held at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of John Harvey Murray October 20 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Dartmouth, Province: Nova Scotia