Mr. Murray Russell Fried

Born in Roseville in 1931, Murray moved to Kitchener in 1934 and was a lifetime resident who devoted his life working with youth within organizations and helping youth on a one-to-one basis. Murray was an active member of Calvary United Church since 1934.

Survived by his “sister” cousins Doris Wilson, Helen Radke and Sandi Galbraith, cousins Roswell and Norwood Cress, Howard Fried, Jack Fried, Ruth Brown, Walter Fried, Myrtle Vanderschoot, Susie Good, Ivy Musselman, Dorothy Shantz, Marguerite Reick, Shirley Schiedel, Dorothy Martin, Don Brodhaecker and Jean Rickert. Predeceased by his loving and devoted Mother and best friend, Rose, in 2002 and by his Father, Russell, in 1934.

Family was important to Murray and he became the Fried Family historian, genealogist and an active member of the reunion committee.

Murray’s career in Plastics spanned 50 years, 40 as Sales Manager for Mitchell Plastics Ltd. And 10 as a part-time sales rep for Duron Plastics Ltd. After his retirement from Mitchell Plastics. He was awarded a Half Century Citation by the Plastic Pioneers of Canada.

Murray was involved in coaching ice hockey since the early 1950’s and in 1959 started the first Atom Hockey Team in Kitchener, later known as the Bauer Krauts which gained fame across North America, playing in 6 provinces and 7 states, for it’s competitive, colourful play and excellent sportsmanship on and off the ice. Murray coached the team for 21 years and managed it for 9 for a total of 30 years, 2020 games and 79 tournaments, OMHA and League Championships. He has kept track of over 600 Kraut Alumni members.

Murray was involved with Minor Hockey for 38 years as a Coach/Manager/Convenor, including the 30 years as Coach and Manager of the Kitchener Bauer Krauts Atoms. In 1975 he received a Life Membership in Kitchener Minor Hockey and in 1976 was selected Waterloo Region Sports Executive of the year. In 1984 he received 25 year Service Awards from the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association and the Ontario Hockey Association.

Murray was a former Director of the Don Hayes Hockey Schools and the Kitchener Rangers. He served on the Executive Committee of the Kitchener Auditorium Parade of History and the Parade of History Banquet Committee.

Murray also coached boy’s softball since the 1950’s and started Kitchener’s first Squirt softball team in 1967 and went on to start Kitchener Minor Softball in 1969, of which he was the founding President. He coached the Kitchener Bantams to an Ontario Championship in 1970.

Murray was a member of the Scouting Movement for over 35 years and was a very active Cub and Scout Leader at the 11th Kitchener for 20 years. H recently was awarded a 35 year service pin and previously received the “Medal of Merit” and “Bar to the Medal of Merit” for outstanding service to Scouting. Murray served on the Everton Sub and Scout Camp Property Committee and the Scamper Cam Committee for needy boys for free camping.

Murray continued to contribute to Sports and Scouting throughout his life.

Murray was also active in the “Koats for Kids” Program (Untied Appeal) and the House of Friendship Christmas Hamper Program. He was a member of the Waterloo Historical Society, K-W Field Naturalists, founding member of the K-W Hiking Club, member of the Scouts on Stamps Society International (SOSSI), founder of the Maple Leaf Chapter of Ontario (SOSSI) and a member of the Mutual “Investment” Club for 50 years. Murray also served as the Editor of several Club and Organization bulletins and newsletters.

Murray received the Sertoma Award of Service to Mankind in 1996, was recognized at the Village of Winston Park’s Third Annual Community Builder Event in 199 for his many volunteer contributions to the community, and was inducted into the Waterloo County Hall of Fame in 2004.

Murray will be deeply missed by those whose lives he has touched, and the list is endless.

Friends and relatives will be received at the Westmount Funeral Chapel, 1001 Ottawa Street South (at Westmount Rd.), 743-8900, on Friday, January 14th, 2005 from 2 until 4 and 7 until 9 and on Saturday, January 15th, 2005 from 2 until 4 and 7 until 9 pm. A celebration of Murray’s life will take place at Calvary Memorial United Church, 91 Gruhn St. (at Park and Glasgow) in Kitchener on Monday January 17th, 2005 at 11:00 am with Rev. John Lougheed and Rev. Terry Dunseith officiating. Interment will follow at the family plot in Roseville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kitchener Minor Hockey Association or Scouts Canada-Everton Camp.

Murray’s family would like to thank the staff and doctors of Grand River Hospital, Regional Cancer Centre, the staff of Winston Park, Dr. William Bryant, Dr. David Grant, the staff of Robertson Brown and the volunteers from Hospice of Waterloo Region for the excellent care he received. A special thank you to all of Murray’s wonderful friends for the love and support you have given him.

“God has you in his keeping; we have you in our hearts”