Murray Van Kleek

July 8, 1938 – November 30, 2020

 

Murray Van Kleek of Swan River, Manitoba passed away on November 30, 2020 at the age of 82.

Murray was born on July 8, 1932 to William and Lillian Van Kleek.  Murray grew up in Kenville, Manitoba.  He married Maxine Bateman on August 10, 1963.  They resided in Kenville and Murray worked at his dad’s garage and delivered fuel.  After a few years they moved to Gillam, Manitoba where Murray worked as a mechanic and son Jack was born in 1968.  They moved back to Swan Valley and took up farming in the Harlington area and Murray continued working as a mechanic.  Their son Michael was born in 1972.  Murray started working for the Town of Swan River in April 1977 and then in November 1997 became the foreman.  It was at this time that they moved into the Town of Swan River.   Murray retired in 2003.

Murray really enjoyed sports.  In his younger years he played baseball, hockey, curled, was an avid western reader and enjoyed trying to catch that elusive fish.  His favourite football team was the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, which made it interesting at playoff time if the Bombers and the Roughriders were both in the playoffs as Michael’s family are avid Rider fans.  Hardly ever missed watching a Jets game.  You would always see Murray watching his grandson Tyler playing football and hockey.  In later years Murray would come to the farm and would be greeted by the family dog ‘T-Bone’.  As soon as Murray opened the door T-Bone was looking for a treat.

Murray was predeceased by his parents Bill and Lil Van Kleek; his wife Maxine; son Jack; sister Vivian (Tom) Lyons; brothers Jim (Donalda) Van Kleek; Reg (Mimi) Van Kleek; nephew Wade Van Kleek; in laws Roy and Evelyn Bateman; brother in law Ron (Dot) Bateman; sister in law Connie (Norman) Bateman; brother in law Glen (Betty) Squance.

He is survived by son Michael (Ronda) Van Kleek; and grandsons Brayden, Tyler and Mason; brother Conrad (Elaine) Van Kleek; brother in law Norman Bateman; Tom (Dorothy) Bateman; sister in law Betty Squance; Sandy (Terry) Nahnybida; Shirley (Mel) Kereluik; Dot (Ron) Bateman; plus many nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Murray’s wishes, cremation has taken place and interment will be held in the Birchwood Cemetery in Swan River at a later date.

If friends so desire donations in Murray’s memory may be made to the Swan Valley Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1509, Swan River, Manitoba R0L 1Z0.

 

Swan Valley Funeral Services

363 Kelsey Trail, Swan River, Manitoba

204-734-5775 www.swanvalleyfuneralservices.com