June 10, 1936 – May 10, 2025
Surrounded by loving family, Murray passed away after a brief illness. Beloved husband of Gail (nee McCaig/Sturgeon). Predeceased by his loving first wife Cora (nee Haight). Loving father of Kim (Katie), Kirsten McIvor (late Dan), Shelley Rathwell (Sheldon), Brad McCaig (Rebecca), Vivian McCaig, Tom McCaig (Jodi) and Nancy Seabrook (Terry). Grandpa and Papa of Carl, Clayton and Christina (Tyler) Gardiner, Denise Graham (Jeff), Mathew and Michael (Brittany) Grigg, Steven (Ange), Mark (Sarah) and David Rathwell, Madison McCaig (Mitch) and Darcee McCaig (David), Trish, Katie and Matti Kurkiniemi, Rebecca Deschamp (Randy) and Ryan (Jamie) McCaig, Mitchell (Taylor) and Victoria Seabrook (Justin) and great grandfather of 24 and great great grandfather of 2.
Predeceased by his parents Percy and Hattie Gardiner and siblings Jim (late Joy), Bill (late Lenora), Cal (late Jean and late Sally), Shirley Flood (late Bill), Les (late Gloria) and Jack (Judy). Survived by siblings Lorna Hagan (late Ronnie), Fay Pace (Jack) and Gary (Penny).
Son-in law of the late Carl and the late Mae Haight as well as the late Lloyd and late Edna Sturgeon. Brother-in-law of Esther Leslie (Ken), late Raymond Sturgeon (Alice), Carolle Herrington (Mel), Brenda Leach (late Bob Walker), John Sturgeon (Tina), Alice Radley (Jim), Debbie McClelland (Wayne), Jennifer Lynne (late Don), Ted Sturgeon (late Mitzi) and Cyndy King (Kevin). Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Murray grew up in Dayton, farming in the summers and logging in Goldenburg in the winters. He was a crane operator, truck driver, heavy equipment operator, mechanic and Jack of all trades.
Murray married Cora and had 3 children. The family finally settled in Iron Bridge after many years of moving around due to Murray’s construction jobs. With their children grown, Murray and Cora moved to Montreal River where he was employed at Great Lakes Power. Dad found his true home. He loved the north, the people and Lake Superior. He fished and hunted year around catching many fish and making good memories and friends. Later Cora and Murray built their retirement home at Pancake Bay.
After Cora’s death and with time, Dad married Gail McCaig. They lived several years at Pancake before relocating to Thessalon to be closer to family.
Dad has left us all with so many memories and wisdom that we will carry for the rest of our lives. He is so truly missed… rest in peace Dad, we love you so much.
Our family would like to thank the doctors and nurses in Thessalon, Blind River and Sudbury who helped Dad and us through this difficult time. Special thanks to Frank Leclaire and Daryl Rutledge “Gramps” for the great rides and fishing trips.
Donations in memory of Murray can be made to North Shore Health Network Auxiliary Thessalon Site, Ronald McDonald House London Chapter at www.rmhccanada.ca or a charity of your choice which is appreciated by the family.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Beggs Funeral Home, 175 Main Street, Thessalon on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, between 7pm and 9pm. Private interment at Maple Ridge Cemetery.