Donald Murray

Donald F. Murray June 23, 1950 May 15, 2010 It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Donald on Saturday night, May 15th at his home in Calgary. Donald grew up in Zelma, Saskatchewan where he attended school until his tenth grade when it was at that time the school closed. He completed grades 10 and 11 in Young and grade 12 in Watrous. He went on to the U of S where he ended up graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1972. After University Donald successfully became a Chartered Accountant. At his time of passing he was employed with Jim McManes and McManes Group of Companies of Calgary as their Chief Financial Officer for the past 15 years. He enjoyed the challenges and many friendships with everyone there. This job was the culmination of a very rewarding career. His first love was the family farm. In 1979 he came back to farm with Dad. He spent about 5 months a year in Zelma and the other 7 months a year working in Calgary. Due to his asthma, he finally retired from farming but never missed a spring out at Zelma. He loved coming home to Zelma for a couple of months every spring where he spent time with his Farm Friends. He always had time for an early morning coffee, a game of golf, a few hands of cards and many happy hours. His Calgary Friends shared his love of harness racing, golf, curling and more games of cards over the years. The accountant in him analyzed everything he did except for owning horses where the numbers just didn`t add up but his heart took him there anyway. He also had his Hunting Friends of which the boys from Iowa were a big part. He enjoyed the times with his American Friends where Duck Lodge was home for one week every fall. His Family Friends shared in many fishing trips at Little Bear Lake and of course more card games; of which Smear was a favorite. The Family has a tradition to finish off every night we are together with a game of Showdown. The family farm was named after this game and Donald always enjoyed flipping over any Ace. Donald was predeceased by his mom, Vivian Murray in May 16, 1979. He is survived by his dad, Bruce (Pat) Murray; his sister, Twila Teal; and nephew, Mark Teal of Saskatoon. He will also be remembered by his aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and business associates. A service of Remembrance will be held in Calgary, followed by a Memorial Service at the Zelma Cemetery on Tuesday, May 25th at 2:00 p.m. with a get together at Don's home in Zelma. Should weather not permit a graveside service then we will gather at Don's home in Zelma. Friends so wishing may make a memorial donation in the name of Donald Murray to the Zelma U.C. Heritage Site indicating the Cemetery Fund, care of Norman Cline, Box 1902, Rosetown, SK, S0L 2V0. In our world, the lights have dimmed for grief is the price we all pay for love. Until we meet again, Donald ...