April 18, 1943 - March 24, 2024
Passed away peacefully in his 80th year surrounded by his families’ love on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at the Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth. He was born April 18, 1943, son of the late Harold “Ting” and Florence Murray.
Survived by his beloved wife of 59 years Linda (Riehl) Murray and his children, Paula (Leo) Stock, Darren (Julie) Murray, and Bentley (Pamela) Murray, his adored grandchildren Ashey (Scott) Kelly, Jennifer (Jorn) Steen, Dan (Hilary), Ryan (Chloe), Riley and Carter and his precious great grandson Wes. He is survived by his brother Keith (Karen) Murray, as well as his brothers and sisters-in-law Mona Doerner, Carlton (Pam) Riehl, Susan Sanderson, Brenda Eckstein, Judy (Gary) Schellenberger and Joanne Ballantyne. Dave is survived by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers-in-law Bill Sanderson, Barry Eckstein, Barry Ballantyne and Laurie Riehl.
Dave was born and raised on Avonhill Farms in Avonton, Ontario. He farmed the land that his family settled on in the mid-1800s and proudly passed the farm onto the next generation to continue the 175-year century farm in the Murray name. Dave and Linda were married on November 13th, 1964. They lived in a small apartment in Sebringville for a year before moving to the farm in Avonton. Dave and Linda welcomed their daughter, Paula in August 1966, followed by their first son, Darren, in September 1968, and later their second son, Bentley, in March 1974. Throughout his life, Dave maintained an interest in agriculture and had a lifetime of wisdom to share with others.
Growing up, Dave played hockey for the Avonton Drainers and the Milverton Four-Wheel Drives and baseball for teams in both St. Mary’s and St. Paul’s. He made lifelong friends and had great memories playing sports over the years which led to a passion for watching his grandchildren compete in their sporting activities. Dave spent many wonderful years at the cottage in Grand Bend and never passed up an opportunity to go boating on Lake Huron. In their retirement, Linda and Dave thoroughly enjoyed ‘garage saling’ and thrifting for unique treasures.
Dave will be remembered for his great sense of humour, his “useless information” stories, his passion for farming, the time he always had for a visit, and his great love for his family.
Thank you to the Stratford Palliative Care Team, Stratford Rotary Hospice, as well as the many doctors, nurses and community supports who gave Dave the best care and a great final stretch of life.
A Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held at the Sebringville Community Centre, 302 Huron Rd, Sebringville, ON., on Saturday, March 30 from 2:30-5:30 pm.
As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Rotary Hospice Stratford Perth, Ivey Eye Institute or Canadian Red Cross through the W. G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron St, Stratford, ON N5A 5T7. www.wgyoungfuneralhome.com
