Our family is very saddened to announce the peaceful passing of Brian Murray on November 27th, 2023 at Trillium Manor in Orillia. Brian was in his 86th year and is survived by his loving wife, Julie (Lutjens). He was the extremely proud father of Kim and Lee (Allan) Argue. He loved his grandchildren Mark (Jenn), Kirsten (Hayden), Marielle, and Anisse and adored his great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Rory.
Brian is also survived by his sisters, Margaret (late Ron) Collier and Leanne (Peter) Clipsham. He will also be fondly remembered by his niece Nicole and nephews Stephen, Kris, and Pete and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents, Wib and Iva (Lamb) Murray.
Brian was born in Toronto on May 21, 1938. As a young boy, he enjoyed doing outdoor activities. He grew up in Swansea near High Park and became involved in Scouting at an early age. He was very proud of his achievement in earning the Queen’s Scout Award which is the highest award in the Scouting movement. Later, as an adult, he became a Scout leader in Sunderland where he helped many local boys appreciate the outdoors as he had.
Brian attended Humberside Collegiate where he met the love of his life, Julie Lutjens, and his lifelong friend, Gord Jackson.
Throughout the years, Brian and Julie enjoyed many adventures with Gord and his wife, Elaine.
Brian and Julie were married on August 17, 1962 at Windermere United Church in Toronto.
As a youngster, he enjoyed visiting his grandparent’s farm in Thorah Township and, probably, the idea of farming was never far from his heart. After a brief career as a heating and air-conditioning specialist, Brian and Julie decided to move to a farm near Wilfrid, Ontario in 1964 and begin a new career in agriculture. They settled into a very cooperative community and, through the help of neighbours including Roy Bagshaw, Ken Miller, and Wilf Tamblyn, Brian and Julie were able to very successfully operate their farming business. Brian operated a dairy business until he was 50 years old when he transitioned into a Limousin beef breeding operation.
The farm was a rural refuge for many people with the families of his sisters, Margaret and Leanne, enjoying many holiday celebrations on the farm. The farm life also taught his daughters, Kim and Lee, the joys and hardships of farming with many lessons learned which they utilized in their own lives.
They sold the farm and moved to Bayshore Village near Brechin, Ontario in the fall of 2007 where they again enjoyed a welcoming and close community. This community provided a great deal of support to both Brian and Julie as his health deteriorated and many will miss Brian’s adventurous and inquisitive nature. They were frequently looking out for him and his silver scooter as he got into mischief around the community.
In 2001, Brian and Julie began wintering at Recreation Plantation in Lady Lake, Florida. Through their avid participation in the activities at Recreation Plantation, they developed close friendships with people from many different parts of the U.S. and Canada. Brian enjoyed the many new sporting opportunities that Florida had to offer including golf and pickleball. In particular, he was a valued member of the volleyball squad where he was known as ‘the secret weapon’ for his masterful serves. Their love of the fun and sun drew many friends and family to the park as well over the years.
Brian valued community service and served as a board member for the Cannington Curling Club as well as Chairman for both the Sunderland Co-Op and the Ontario Limousin Association.
The family would like to thank the staff at Trillium Manor for their care and concern for Brian during the past year.
A Celebration of Life for Brian will be held at The Hayloft in Bayshore Village, Brechin on January 7th, 2024 from 1-3 p.m. All are welcome.
A private internment will take place at Cedar Vale Cemetery in the spring of 2024.
Memorial donations can be directed to Parkinson Canada.
Please call 1-800-565-3000 or email [email protected] or visit their website for further information.
Arrangements entrusted to the Doolittle Chapel of Carson Funeral Homes, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705) 326-3595.
Condolences may be shared at www.carsonfuneralhomes.com