Obituary of Frederick Murray

Frederick Bracey Murray of Rosalind passed away on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at the age of 68 years. On March 31, 1948, Fred arrived prematurely at Mountain Park, Alberta. He was the fourth of eight children born to Alec and Bea Murray at seven different town sites on the "Coal Branch" south of Edson. The family moved from mine to mine and Fred remembered watching buildings being moved as the towns grew and ebbed. He'd model this activity with a rabbit cage and wagon. One of his jobs in later years was to pilot mobile homes. Fred and his siblings developed a strong affinity for the Coal Branch. Alec would take the boys there to camp and fish. All the children returned when they could. Fred developed the love of fishing and camping. He loved to go places and loved to drive. Fred also enjoyed reading and was a Louis L'Amour fan. In later years, the westerns drifted into detective stories. Another favorite activity was playing cards - with family, friends or at home. Solitaire led to many hours playing on the computer. He loved to "go for coffee". While living in Wetaskiwin, he met Cathie McLarty. When Fred was recovering from broken transverse vertebrae, they moved to the warmer climes of Kelowna, BC. They married there on November 1, 1986. In 1987 they returned to Alberta and settled in Rosalind where they remained until Fred's passing. Fred was a fighter. He had many medical and health issues throughout the years. December 1998 Fred fell off a roof and broke his back and ended up in a wheelchair as a T9 paraplegic. He had a fantastic attitude. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Cathie; sisters Pat (Yutie) Urano of Coaldale, Joan (Ben) Lydom of Lethbridge; brothers Bruce (Karen) of Red Deer, Bob of Edson, Dave of Edmonton, Doug (Rhonda) of Edmonton; and nieces and nephews. Fred was predeceased by his parents Alec and Beatrice Murray; and sister-in-law Marie (Bob's wife). At the family's request, no formal service will be held. If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Spinal Cord Injury Unit at the Glenrose Hospital (10230 - 111 Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta T5G 0B7).