Magill
“Eulogy read by Mark Strashok”
Murray Hugh Magill was born on Jan. 5, 1952 in Coronation to Robert and Dorothy Magill. He grew up in the Hemaruka area with his sisters, Faye and Donna and started farming at a young age on the Magill Farm.
On Dec. 12, 1981 Murray married Marlene and recently celebrated 34 years of love and commitment. That commitment included becoming an amazing father to Ian and Dwight.
When Murray and Marlene told the boys about the upcoming wedding, they eagerly shared the news that their mom was marrying “Maaree” Magill.
Murray’s dedication to his new father role very soon gave him the title “Dad”! He was so proud of his boys and the men that they have become. He beamed when he spoke of their families and how he gained two fabulous daughters Christy and Jody, and grandsons Hudson and Ryker.
Murray farmed alongside his Dad, Robert and Mom, Dorothy, building a successful farming operation. Working side-by-side with his dad for more than 60 years and with the love and support of his Mom, he became a skilled and knowledgeable farmer. He was very proud to celebrate 100 years on the family farm with them.
Murray was calm and methodical with animals, especially his cattle. He had the ability to recognize each and every one of them and some even got special nicknames. If you asked Murray, he would know the blood line, the medical history and current status of all of the cattle.
Curling, music, dancing, watching sporting events, quading and touring around the countryside were a few of Murray’s interests in life.
He was also known as an avid hunter. So much so, that driving on the way to his wedding he made time to pull over, shoot down a coyote he spotted in the distance, and toss it into the back of his truck. In 1981 a coyote pelt was worth good money!
Being a farmer to Murray meant being a founding member of the Steer-a-Year club and never missing an auction. He looked forward to the auctions because it meant getting to spend time visiting and enjoying a piece of pie or cake or two.
As a child he was a member of the 4-H Club, which later led him to become a 4-H leader, who helped shape a new generation, including his own boys.
Whether improving the feeding facility, making the transition from horses to motorbikes and quads for working with the cattle, Murray was always looking to progress the farm.
We have heard so many stories this week from people who have been impacted by Murray’s love of farming and spirit of friendship. Whether it was lending a hand to neighbours to sharing his knowledge, he always made time for others.
On behalf of the nieces and nephews, my brother Darwin, cousins Brandy and Ryan….we will miss you Uncle Murray. From tractor rides when we were just a few feet high, to those Thanksgiving sportsmen’s weekends as we called them, duck or goose hunting in the morning, then fishing for trout at the pond in the afternoon, we all have so many special memories of our visits to the farm!
Murray cherished his sisters Faye and Donna. His family and friends were more important than even his love for farming!
This was never more evident than the joy he brought to others and himself when playing the role of Santa at the Hemaruka Hall.
Murray had a playful side, especially when it came to his grandbabies, Hudson and Ryker. Often times throughout the farming day he would be wondering what the boys were up to. When they were together, Grandpa would be trying to get some Huddy or Rykee ribs or throwing them in the briar patch; they always had big laughs with Grandpa.
Murray enjoyed keeping in touch with those closest to him and would often be overheard talking on the phone, whether it was his daily call to his mom or Ron, or to his many other close friends and neighbours.
The conversation was usually geared around how many inches of rain the farm got, or I guess I should say tenths of rain as Uncle Murray would say.
Some words of wisdom from his Dad in Robert’s final days made an impact on Murray.
In the last two years he and Marlene started to spread their wings. They recently purchased a holiday trailer and enjoyed camping with the boys and their families and friends.
Murray was planning on buying a fishing boat to spend more time relaxing. They had taken more road trips and vacations and even had plans of extra help on the farm so they could spend more times with loved ones.
Murray is predeceased by his father Robert Magill; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Arnie and Joyce Hayworth; nephew, Little Dwayne Hayworth and niece, Lisa Davis.
Murray is survived by his loving wife Marlene. His sons, Ian (Jody) and Dwight (Christy); grandsons, Hudson and Ryker; mother, Dorothy; sisters, Faye (Terry) Strashok and Donna McIntyre; in-laws, Dwayne (Maureen) Hayworth, Calvin Hayworth, Verna Davis (Ricky Stracke). He will be missed by his many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends!
The love for his family, his friends, his passion for life and farming and connections to the community were everything to Murray…this is how our family will remember him.
Funeral Services for Murray Magill were held on Fri., Jan. 8, 2016 at The Consort Sportex Hall, Consort, Alberta at 1 p.m. with Pastor Darrel Durksen officiating. Linda Schetzsle played for the congregational hymn “How Great Thou Art”. Mark Strashok gave the eulogy and tributes were shared by Terry Schetzsle, Lawrence Letniak, Darryl Sankey and The Calhoun Family. A special video tribute in memory of Murray was also played.
A luncheon was held at the Sportex Hall immediately following the service which was prepared by the Consort Community.
The interment was held at Veteran Cemetery following the luncheon.
As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Murray, memorial contributions may be made to STARS, the Veteran Volunteer Firefighters Association and to the Village of Veteran Cemetery Society; in care of Coronation Funeral Home P.O. Box 358 Coronation, Ab., TOC 1CO who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 403.578.2928
Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.
Card of thanks
We, the family of Murray Magill, wish to express our deep appreciation to family, friends, neighbours and the surrounding communities for all that you meant to Murray during his life and for your loving support and kindness in our bereavement.
We are truly grateful for the food, visits, help with the chores, phone calls, flowers, cards, prayers, memorial donations and words of kindness — all the support and extra help from so many people.
We would like to sincerely thank:
The first responders, Veteran volunteer firefighters, STARS air ambulance, and everyone who assisted.
Pastor Darrel Durksen for officiating the service.
Terry Schetzsle, Lawrence Letniak, Darryl Sankey, and the Calhoun Family for tributes.
Mark Strashok for reading the eulogy. Stacey Meyer for preparing the video presentation and Linda Schetzsle for piano accompaniment.
Heather and the Coronation Funeral Home staff.
Everyone who helped organise, prepare and serve the delicious lunch.
Thank you to each and everyone one of you for your special contributions. Family, friendships and connections in the community were everything to Murray and you all contributed to his very full, happy and memorable life.
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Magill and Hayworth families
