Murray MacLean
April 26, 1955 to March 16, 2022
Mr. Murray MacLean, loving son, brother and dear friend to many, passed away unexpectedly in his home, at the age of 66.
Murray was born in Fort William, Ontario. He was the first born son of Colin and Doreen MacLean. Murray was born with and grew to have an adventurous and industrious spirit, of which he carried with him throughout his lifetime. He was never afraid of anything and was never one to complain. Ever. Even after sustaining an Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury from a motorcycle accident in 1994, Murray’s positivity and gratitude in any situation he faced thereafter, was exemplary to say the least. We are sure it was a gift from above, to help him endure many life altering changes he would have to face since then. Always with a smile and love in his heart. Murray loved life and did his very best to make the most of everyday he was gifted and he did it in his own special way.
>From a very early age, Murray had a tremendous passion for campfires and fishing, motorcycles, his MGB Convertible, his Corvette to name a few, television, music and his very large Goldfish. He adored living here in Thunder Bay, always. It was heaven on earth to him. There was no better place to be. It was his memory. We went for many car rides throughout the years and his long-term memory, which was still intact after his accident, allowed him to share so many stories and history of our home town and growing up in the Lakehead. Murray struggled to remember what he did the day before, or what he had for breakfast, but go for a drive with him and he could remember what buildings stood on the empty lots of today, where his first apartment was, or what bridge he fished under as a teenager.
After his accident, Murray was unable to drive any longer, so he became a wonderful co-pilot no matter our task at hand, or excursion we went on together. However, he was able to stay very independent throughout the years on his travels, with his treasured mountain bike. With helmet on and transistor radio on high, Murray would travel freely anywhere in the city his legs could take him. He was very proud of the freedom it gave him.
Murray had dabbled in several areas of work in the earlier years, but becoming a Plumber was his dream job. Which he had attained. Unfortunately Murray was unable to carry on with his chosen career as a Plumber. A career he was already very proud of even though he was just getting started in 1994. Since then, he would always proudly say, that he was the oldest Plumber’s Apprentice in the history of the UA Local 628, thank you for always standing by Murray. Throughout his life Murray was able to take on odd jobs. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t tackle, if given the opportunity. When you told him you had to go work, he always said, “Are you ever lucky”. He never lost his passion and desire to hold a job. So Murray chose innately, to remain optimistic and became creatively industrious, to help himself the best he could along the way.
Murray came from a very tight knit and loving family, who stood by his side and never gave up on him, or for him. For the man he was, who he became and what he had to face everyday. He truly was a very kind, loving and gentle soul, with a tremendous zest for life, who will be fiercely missed every day.
Murray is survived by his devoted and loving “Baby Sister” Alma Watts. His devoted, loving brother and best friend Jim (Nancy) and his niece Cara. His sister Leeta MacLean, niece Erika (Rob) Melnyk, great nephew Colin Melnyk and many cousins.
Murray was predeceased by his Mom and Dad, Doreen and Colin MacLean, youngest brother Cameron, his brother-in-law and close friend, Bruce Watts.
We would like to offer our sincere gratitude to the Emergency Workers, who helped us through a very difficult time with such compassion and treated Murray with tremendous respect. Of which he was so deserving. We would also like to offer our gratitude and a heartfelt thank you to BISNO, Brain Injury Services of Northern Ontario, for all of their care, support and compassion over the last 28 years, that they provided to both Murray and his family. A very special thank you to Murray’s dear friends, Monie Buzzie and Jeano Poos for always staying close. And for those, for there are far too many to mention, who offered their love, support and guidance along the way, thank you.
Rest in peace Murr. You are safe now and surrounded by only those who love you, each and every day and you will never feel lonely again. I’m thinking you’re going to be too busy now to even want to play Dicee!
You will now forever be….
Happy, Happy, Happy
Keep the light shining our brother.
We’ll be seeing you.
As per Murray’s wishes, there will be no service, with a private interment in Cloud Bay at a later date. In lieu of flowers, friends or family who desire, may make donations to BISNO, 426 Balmoral Street., Thunder Bay, Ontario P7C 5G8
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Murray MacLean Wednesday March 16th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Thunder Bay, Province: Ontario
I will miss our calls, our visits, and you forever little bro. I will keep a piece of my heart for you, and I will cherish the piece you gave me. You were the best Brother I could have ever asked for. I love and will miss you very much Murray. Until we meet again, RIP.
My condolences to Murray’s family and friends. I am going to miss my connection to one of the most interesting people I have ever met. Murray always made me laugh. His positive attitude was infectious and was all the more impressive considering what he had to endure after his accident. I didn’t know that Murray and I were related until I met him 40 years ago but I am really going to miss him always reminding that we were cousins. The world has lost a bright light and I feel that Murray will be missed by all who he touched in his life. Rest in peace my old friend.