Obituary of Horatio Murray

Dad passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 in the presence of his family at the Veteran’s Health Unit in Fredericton. He was born September 23, 1922 in Doaktown, NB to Robert Blaine Murray (MC) and Hazel Holmes. Dad enlisted in the Second World War on June 23, 1941 as a member of the 46th Canadian Transport Company, Royal Canadian Army Service Corp. He served in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany before being discharged from active service to return to civil life on March 9, 1946. In 1949 Raysh married Eileen Goulding. Eileen had travelled from England to visit her twin sister May in Boiestown in 1947. They were married for 65 years. Dad graduated from the Maritime Forest Ranger School in 1950 and began his 38 year career as a Forest Ranger in Doaktown, retiring as a District Ranger. He was very involved in the community of Doaktown, volunteering many hours with the St. John Ambulance, the Atlantic Salmon Museum, Doaktown Curling Club, St. Thomas United Church, the District School Board and other local organizations. He was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 23 in Doaktown and a member of Landmark Lodge No. 51 in Boiestown, NB for over 60 years. He also enjoyed salmon fishing on the Miramichi River and loved the springtime when he could begin growing his seedlings and planting his vegetable garden. Raysh will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his four sons and their families, Kenneth and Shirley of Grande Prairie, AB; Keith and Andrea of Stony Plain, AB; Stuart and Lora-Lee of Quesnel, BC and Don and Angie of Fredericton, NB. Raysh dearly loved children; especially his grandchildren, Barbara, Brian (Gina), Heather (Ron), Daria, Jarrett (Brittany), Laura (Ray), Carolyn (Alex), Craig (Kaitlin), Kelly, Hailey and his great-grandchildren, Kallum, Adalyn, Lars, Norris, Mykah, Tessa, Elowyn, and Anna. He is survived by his sister, Mercy Pond; brother-in-law, Jim Strachan and sister-in-law, Iris Horsman along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. Dad was predeceased by his wife Eileen; his brothers, Don (KIA June 12, 1944), Bob, Bonny, Bill and his sisters, Jean Betts, Rae Strachan, Mona Ross, Vivian Savage and Vera Brawn. He was also predeceased by his good friend and brother-in-law, Bill Horsman. Visitation will take place at the Atlantic Salmon Museum-River Room, Doaktown, NB on Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 10-10:45 am followed by a memorial service at 11 am. Interment will take place in St. Thomas United Cemetery followed by a reception at the Museum. For those who wish, donations may be made to St. Thomas United Church Cemetery, Atlantic Salmon Museum or a charity of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences may be offered through www.miramichivalleyfh.com