Murray Alban Thomas

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Murray Thomas, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend to all on Monday, July 13, 2026, at the age of 55 in Pikangikum, Ontario. Murray, a proud native of Big Pond, Cape Breton, was born at St. Rita’s Hospital, Sydney on July 15, 1970.

Murray grew up in Big Pond and was proud of his community. He went to Riverview High in Coxheath and married his high school sweetheart Kelley. Murray started his career as a baker. After the birth of their son Andrew, Murray and Kelley moved to Troy and both worked for the Superstore in Port Hawkesbury. Later they moved to Miramichi, New Brunswick where Murray managed the Superstore.

Seeking new adventures, Murray and Kelley went to work for the Northern Stores (North West Company) in Northern Ontario, Saskatchewan, Nunavut and Manitoba and managed several stores in Churchill, Moosonee, Chesterfield Inlet, Stoney Rapids, Cross Lake, Rankin Inlet, St. Theresa Point, Sandy Lake and Pikangikum.

Murray gave generously to the communities where he and Kelley worked. He always kept a vegetable garden and raised turkeys and chickens and shared freely with the people wherever they worked. He and Kelley were dearly loved where they lived as they put their heart and soul into their work and their community.

Murray found his true calling in the Northern parts of Canada as a true leader. He worked for the North West Company (Family) for the last 13 years with his soulmate Kelley. In 2022, Murray was honored with the President’s Award for his Leadership. As the old adage advised, he took his work seriously, but never himself. Murray was always a larger-than-life character. He loved to hunt and fish and make memories with his cherished family – which also came to include two rescued African Gray parrots, Scarlet and Splinter, who eventually spoke fluent Murray and kept things lively around the house. Murray always had a smile and a hug for everyone he met and was generous almost to a fault. If he could do anything for anybody, he made sure it was done.

To the broader community Murray was also known for his Facebook telecast, “Comin’ to you Live! Comin’ to you Live!” where he took viewers into his life and along on his adventures. The show gained notoriety all over, especially back home where friends and family could be assured of a cheerful time joining in.

Murray is survived by his loving wife, Kelley (MacKinnon), his treasured son, Andrew and much-loved daughter-in-law, Melanie. Murray is also survived by his siblings: Colette (Algonquin Highlands, ON), Danny (Big Pond), Christina (Jim) Kinnear (Dawson Creek, BC) and Michael (Emily), Westmount. He will be lovingly remembered by his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, Godchildren Jade Konopke, Michael Kinnear & Kaitlynn Anderson and numerous friends from around the world – especially his childhood best friend Jackie Anderson and special friends Will Mollon and Wil & Suzanne Pottie. Murray will be deeply missed by his mother-in-law Cecilia MacKinnon (Sydney River) and his sister-in-law Michelle (Mike) Finigan, Sydney River.

Murray is predeceased by his parents Alban and Therese (Burrows) Thomas, his father-in-law Michael MacKinnon and many extended members of his family who will all be gathered to welcome Murray home.

Murray will be remembered for his warm personality, his faith-filled heart and his desire to include everyone. He left an impression on all he met and lived his life on his terms. A talented baker, cook and gardener, he shared his bounty with everyone. No one would ever leave Murray’s empty handed. He loved to gather people together and “feed them”, as a true Cape Bretoner would!

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, Sydney River, on Tuesday, July 28th, 2026 at 11:00 am with Father Conrad Edwards presiding. Murray will be laid to rest near his Mom and Dad at Resurrection Cemetery in Sydney Forks. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com. The funeral Mass will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person.

Murray went home leaving this world a better place. And his kindness was exemplary. So, in keeping, donations anyone would wish to make may be made in the form of a kindness or good deed to somebody in need. If desired, donations can also be made to The Healthy Horizons Foundation (https://www.northwest.ca/foundation/get-involved).

In this world of worry, everybody should be a Murray.