Murray, Delwin Earl

Delwin Earl Murray

Del Murray, beloved husband of Joan, passed away peacefully at the Souris Hospital on October 19, 2017 surrounded by family.

Del was born on November 21, 1926 to Andrew & Verlie Murray, the second youngest of four children.  This was the same year his parents moved from a sod hut in Lyleton to a house with running water in the progressive town of Souris where his father opened Murray’s Garage.

Del attended Souris school, started his first job at the dealership filling the Coke cooler and learned the game of hockey while playing with the Souris Elks.  At age 18 he started playing with the Intermediate Brandon Elks while attending a technical school.  He returned to Souris where he worked in partnership with his father Andy and his brothers Ewart & Clair in Murray’s Garage, eventually managing Murray’s Farm Equipment and also played alongside his brothers with the Intermediate Souris Elks.

After the Souris Elks were defeated by the Dauphin Kings in the 53/54 season, Dauphin picked up Del to play with them in the finals.  He scored the winning goal in their final game to defeat the Trail Smoke Eaters and win the Western Canadian Championship.  In 2015 he was inducted into the Manitoba Hockey Hall of fame with this 53/54 Dauphin Kings team.

On May 17, 1950 he married “the only girl I ever wanted”, Joan Maitland.  Shortly after marriage Joan showed him the Valentine card he had given her in grade 5 and that became her Valentine card every year of their 64 year marriage.  Together they raised 4 children and had 7 grandchildren.

Throughout the years Del volunteered as a hockey coach, firefighter, and was the longest standing member of the local chapter of the BPO Elks. Del was a member of town council and worked with the parks board, 75^th anniversary committee and was involved in getting Red Cross swimming lessons started in Souris.  He was also an avid curler once curling an eight ender, enjoyed bowling and golf in his younger years.

Del purchased the International Harvester Dealership from his father and brothers. Later he also purchased a 1200 acre grain farm.  In 1971 he had a farming accident, catching his left hand in a grain auger and decided to sell the dealership but continued farming so he was able to travel with Joan each winter.

Del lived his life for his family and friends and especially Joan who he loved dearly. He planned many special events involving them, travelling with them, spending many hours around the family pool.  He was extremely proud of his family and loved to watch his grandchildren at their many activities.  He also loved the beauty of the town of Souris and living in this community.

He enjoyed reading up on all the latest automobiles.  His car was a way of allowing his independence and he still drove 40,000 kilometers per year.

Del is deeply missed by his son Jeff (Joan); son Mark (Alison), Alex and Julie, daughter Denise (Jim), Joanne (Ryan), Tyler (Larissa), Erica; son in law Jerry Araujo, Steven (Sarah), Stephanie (John) and sister and best friend Bernice.   He is predeceased by his wife Joan, Daughters Deborah, Marcia, Margot, brothers Ewart and Clair.

By Del’s request cremation has taken place and no funeral service will be held.  Del and Joan’s ashes will be buried together at a future family memorial.  Donations in memory of Del may be made to the Souris Beautification Fund or the Souris Memorial Complex (both donations please make to Municipality of Souris-Glenwood Box 518 Souris Manitoba R0K 2C0).

“Marvelous”