William Alvin Murray

William (Bill Murray)

April 6, 1937 to December 30, 2023

We are deeply saddened to share that our beloved father, William (Bill) Murray passed away on December 30, 2023, at the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax, Nova Scotia at the age of 86. He was surrounded by his daughters, leaving the family heartbroken, yet deeply grateful for the meaningful life he lived and the many gifts he left behind.

Bill is survived by his devoted daughters, Laura Gillham (Jeff), Sara Murray and Allison Murray (Tim Dickinson), his treasured grandchildren; Jack, Avery, Peter, Stewart, Kate and Quinn and his dear cousin Annabelle Murray, whom he considered a sister.

He is pre-deceased by the love of his life, Ann (O’Neil) who left us all too early in 2016. We are comforted to know that they are finally reunited again.

Bill was born in 1937 in Cross Point, Quebec and was the only child of his beloved parents Emily Murray (Farrer) and Alvin (Allie) Murray. A man of true Irish heritage, Bill had many of the same characteristics of Allie: his stature and strength, his deep work ethic, love of family and the river, his soft heart, and that forever twinkle in his eye. Special gatherings at the ‘Ranch’ with their friends in Kedgwick with Bill on the mouth organ is still the stuff of legends. Bill’s musical abilities, his prowess for crossword puzzles, along with his timing and dry sense of humour were all gifts he received from Emily who made sure education and the arts were not forgotten.

Bill and his parents moved to Campbellton, New Brunswick in 1942 and he eventually went to Saint Mary’s Boy’s School in Halifax, Nova Scotia, at the age of 14 where he played on the football, hockey and track and field teams and developed many lifelong friendships.

During his summers, he worked with his parents who owned and operated both Larry’s Gulch and Downs Gulch Fishing Lodges on the Restigouche River. This is where Bill gained his deep knowledge of the Restigouche and his love for salmon fishing from Allie.

Bill went on to Saint Mary’s University and then to the University of New Brunswick to study business. He then became the Manager of Le Petit Chamonix ski hill in Matapedia, Quebec. It is here that a random meeting with a girl from Halifax changed his life direction. They often shared their favorite story that Ann arrived on a day that the ski hill was closed. She walked right over to the Manager and explained how she had come all the way from Halifax and how could the hill be closed? Bill didn’t hesitate and opened the lifts just for her and they had a day of skiing for two.

Bill and Ann married in Halifax in 1965 and they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2015. They lived in Chester, Nova Scotia early on where they had their three daughters, and it was here where Bill fell in love with sailing.

The family moved to Tide Head, New Brunswick in 1977 as Bill took over operations for the Restigouche Riparian Association from Allie while also working for Fraser Inc. Eventually Bill took over managing Fraser Lodge on the Kedgwick River, where he worked with a close team for over 20 years while still overseeing the Riparian Association. Bill worked tirelessly in salmon preservation and re-population and played a role in developing the hook and release program in New Brunswick. Bill was a member of the New Brunswick Salmon Council and the Atlantic Salmon Federation, where he was honored for his commitment to the protection of Atlantic salmon. Bill recently returned to visit the Restigouche River with his grandsons who will continue his love for the Restigouche and passion for fly fishing.

Bill was also an accomplished entrepreneur alongside Ann, in property development, tourism and hospitality. After retiring, Bill and Ann moved back to Nova Scotia to Hubbards and spent many winters in Naples, Florida. They embraced their retirement fully, enjoying time with their grandchildren and many close friends, while enjoying trips to Europe and Australia and many rounds of golf. Bill found sailing again and became Captain of their cherished sailboat, The Murr-maid with Ann as his capable First Mate.

After Ann passed away, Bill found a welcoming home at Parkland at the Gardens in Halifax. He developed deep friendships and reconnected with old friends with his signature twinkle and sense of humour. You could always find him focused on the daily crossword puzzle at breakfast with his fellow puzzler, Dr. C. Bill loved his interactions with the staff and found comfort when he needed it most from the caring team at Parkland at the Gardens.

During his last few years, he grew even closer to his daughters and grandchildren, who would spend hours hanging on to every story and there were many! The family brought so much joy to him, and his pride ran deep. He loved them dearly and he wasn’t afraid to let them know with his biggest “Bill hugs”. We are all eternally grateful for him and all he taught us - he will be so missed.

The family sends deep appreciation to the staff of the 6th Floor Victoria General Hospital for their devoted care during Bill’s final days and to Dr. Daniel French for his knowledge and compassion.

The family will honor Bill in a private gathering. Condolences and expressions of sympathy are welcome and may be forwarded through: www.rawalker.ca. In Bill’s memory, donations can be made to the Atlantic Salmon Federation www.asf.ca or to Ann’s Light the Night for Leukemia Team The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (llscanada.org).