Allan Lynn McMurray

Good Night Dad…

It is with heavy heart, we said Good Night - for the last time - to my 87 year old Father…

(Allan) Lynn McMurray passed peacefully, Sunday March 23 at Scarborough General under the watchful care of the Palliative team, after a wonderful visit from his brother Don and surrounding McMurray family.

Allan may have been his first name - but he was always known as Lynn.

At the age of 5, Dad went up to the Beaches Police Department to get a licence for his bicycle…

“What’s your name son?” Asked the Sergeant

Lynn, sir.

“What’s that?!?”

Lynn, sir my name is Lynn McMurray…

“Ah well that Can’t be right, g‘won home and find out your real name…”

…and the stories continued…

Lynn grew up in the Beaches with his 3 brothers, Bruce, Bill & Don on Kenilworth Ave. Toronto, where adventures in The Dump seemed to have ruled the day. From skiing, to high jump, chasing chickens, and dump-pond hockey - The Dump was life for these lads.

Quarterback for Malvern C.I., Lynn was asked to play for the Toronto Argonauts, but politely tuned down the offer - to attend University.

Lynn graduated University of Toronto - Trinity with a Teacher’s Certificate, and met Merla - his Wife and Mother to Patrick and Christian.

Lynn was married to Merla (Lilley) McMurray in 1965 and remained married for 58 years - until her passing 2023 - he’s now joined her for their 60th! Huzzah!

Teacher & Head of Geography at North Toronto C.I. for 30+ years. Lynn retired to live his best life in his century old, “Massey Estate - Gardener’s Cottage” home of 55 years.

Antique Dealer - choosing to live in a century home in Toronto has its quirky perks and hunting the elusive antique deal was Lynn’s entrepreneurial passion for years!

“Who’s up for the Pancake House?!” was Lynn’s 7am call to the wildlings on weekends, as at 8 am, to him - “the Day is over…” Hoodwinking the kids with a syrupy breakfast before the 3.5 hour air conditioning-less car ride to Parts Unknown.

Warm enough to melt crayons in the back seat, dad’s finds were hauled back home where the Kids became talented furniture movers at early ages.

Traveller - Lynn & Merla would travel every chance they could. Before the internet… letters were written, calls were made, and eventually their children were added to the luggage list, inspiring the love of travel and learning along the way.

Author - Lynn wrote several books and passages on Urban Geography, Antiques and furniture of Upper Canada.

Heart Patient - 1991 Lynn had a heart attack and since then, became the “poster boy” for Do What Your Dr. Tells You!

Lynn was most thankful & proud for his annual appointment with Dr.Lefkowitz who would parade Lynn’s file around the office upon arrival. (one of the last of the “paper based” patient files as well…)

Lynn will be greatly missed by his sons Patrick & Christian, grandchildren Leiden, Spencer & Borden. Daughters in-law - (Daughters…) Alison & Zophia will miss Lynn’s Dad jokes, and banter. As you do…

Stories will be told, Songs will be sung…Good Night Dad!

A memorial service for Allan will be held Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Giffen-Mack & Trull Funeral Home, 2570 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4C1L3.