Obituary of W. Murray Clark

CLARK: It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather, W. Murray Clark on June 14, 2010 at the Assiniboine Centre in Brandon, just five days shy of his 88th birthday. Murray was born in Brandon and lived all his life on the Clark farm in Elton Municipality. He attended Poplar Hill School and Brandon Collegiate. In 1950, he married the local school teacher, June Gowanlock. They operated a successful mixed farming operation at first with his father and later with his son Reg. For 74 years he was actively involved in planting and harvesting crops on the land he loved. Murray enjoyed sports and bridge, continuing to play into his 87th year. He encouraged his children and grandchildren in their sports activities and was an avid fan at their sporting events, boasting their successes to his buddies at the Husky House of Knowledge. He enjoyed his time at their cottage at Clear Lake and golfed in the men's league and was proud to shoot his age at 85. He curled competitively all his life, scoring an 8-ender in 1968. His infectious laugh and jovial personality will be greatly missed by all his friends and family. Murray is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, June, daughter Lynda (Bert) Lowry, Neepawa and children Robyn (Travis) Clarke, Winnipeg, Clark from Calgary and Matthew of Neepawa; son Reg (Dianne) and children Jordan, Ryan and Courtney; sisters Mabel (Russ) Mitchell and Mildred (Clair) Murray. He also leaves to mourn three sisters-in--law: Ada (Fraser), Muriel (Doug) and Jule (Jim) Clark; as well as brothers-in-law Kenneth, Donald, and Jack (Wilma) Gowanlock, sisters-in-law Velma (Bruce) McNich, Winnifred Silliphant and Ruth McCallum. Also many nieces and nephews, all of whom had a special fondness for Uncle Murray. Murray was predeceased by his parents Jessie (1973) and Roy (1981), son Gordon (1975), brothers Fraser (1994), Jim (1999), Doug (2004) and nephew Bob Clark, 2008. Funeral services will be held on Monday June 21, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Central United Church, Brandon. Interment took place at the Brandon Cemetery. We, the Clark family, wish to thank those who visited Murray during his illness and for the cards, food, flowers, and phone calls following his passing. The family also extends sincere thanks to Dr. Groves and the 2nd floor nursing staff at the Assiniboine Centre for their care and compassion or our husband, father and grandfather. We are also grateful to Reverend Joe Ball for his kindness. Memorial donations may be made to Central United Church, 327 – 8th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 3X5 or to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation, 150 McTavish Ave. East, Brandon, MB, R7A 2B3.