Obituary of John Francis Murray, New Waterford

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our loving father, husband, son, brother, uncle and brother-in-law, John Murray, on March 4, 2020. The disease that robbed us of him was 4th stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. He was born Jan. 15, 1951 to the late Art and Helen (MacKinnon) Murray. As a young boy at age 15, he landed his first job at White's Bakery in New Waterford. In the very early morning hours before school, he loaded the fresh bread into the trucks for delivery. Many a time he had his ears pulled for mistakenly squishing it. When he became of age, he made the trip to Toronto that many other young men took advantage of while working in the factories for the summer months. Johnny drove taxi and also delivered parcels at the New Waterford Post Office until he accepted a position as letter carrier. For 35 years he delivered mail in the Roaches Road area to King Street, Scotchtown area and later on the No. 12 or St. Agnes School area. He thoroughly enjoyed conversing with each and every customer he encountered. At age 55 he happily retired. While employed with Canada Post, John partnered up with his friend, Blaine Carpenter, to operate B & J Dairy. In the early eighties, he purchased 1/3 ownership in Hogan's Beverage Room (The Stag & Doe). He also bought Copeland's Dairy on Mahon Street. By the 1990's, these corner stores were phasing out. His love for music and vast knowledge of the many wonderful artists at that time nudged him to try Deejaying. For many years he played for the 50's and 60's dances, specializing in weddings. On many occasions, when he would spot a couple he played for, he would remind them of their first dance at their wedding or a favourite song frequently requested by someone. Photography became a love of his also and with guidance from Ray J. MacLellan, he tried his hand at both photos and editing videos for weddings or special occasions. He was often hired to do music photos and videos for his customers. He could also be seen at Center 200 operating the camera for Seaside Communications. Johnny loved to spend his holidays around New Haven, Conn. and made frequent trips to New York to browse around. Later in years, he became fascinated with Las Vegas driving and spending time there over the winter months. He loved a good game of poker with his 'chosen few' players and it wouldn't be a surprise to spend half the weekend playing. Fishing and hunting with the boys in Loch Lomond was a must throughout their seasons and he really enjoyed playing golf at Passchendaele Golf Club with buddies Wayne and Louie and having a 'chin wag' with Harvey and Ann and the boys at the end of his game. John was a man you could fervently trust and depend on. He treasured his family and friends and if he wasn't playfully teasing you, he didn't love you. Much thanks and gratitude to friend, Paula Morrison. I'd like to acknowledge Dr. McCarville and the exceptional nurses, Robin White and Jean Gillis. Johnny couldn't have been treated with any more respect and comfort. You guys have truly found your passion in nursing. Surviving are his wife, Helen (Heffernan)l one son, Eldon; brothers, Tommy (Darlene Cameron) and Arthur 'Cid' (Debbie); sisters, Shannon (Calvin) MacKinnon; sisters-in-law, Rita Poirier (Wally - deceased), Netty Stapleton (Sonny Corbett), Shannon (Ron MacCormick); nieces and nephews, Ashley and Justin Murray, Otis, Joe and Shauna Murray, Shawn and Melissa and Kevin 'Bart' MacKinnon, Paul and Brie Poirier, Mark and Michelle Poirier, Leah and Brent Castel, Michael Stapleton, Jeffrey and Ronalda Stapleton, Claire and Madeline MacCormick. Besides his parents, Johnny was predeceased by mother and father-in-law, Albert and Bernadette 'Nett' Heffernan; brother-in-law, Walter Poirier; niece, Helen Claire MacCormick. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 10 from 6-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 380 Smith, New Waterford. A Funeral Mass of celebration will take place Wednesday, March 11 at 10 a.m in the Parish Church of St. Leonard, Mount Carmel Avenue, with Father Ray Huntley officiating. Burial will be held in St. Agnes Cemetery at a later date. A luncheon will be held at the Knights of Columbus Hall, Plummer Avenue, immediately following the funeral mass. Donations in his memory may be made to the B.E.C. band. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.