Murray Keith Robinson

It’s with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our gentle giant Murray Keith Robinson on Monday July 14th, 2025, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, at the age of 99. Anyone who knew Murray knows he did not want the fuss or attention that this kind of message brings, but this tough old boot was well worn, loved, and deserving of a tribute.

Murray was born on April 29, 1926, in Russell, Manitoba to George and Adelaide. He had two siblings, his twin brother Lorne and his younger brother Vernon. He grew up on the family farm southwest of Russell, Manitoba. He joined the army at the age of 17 and served at the bases in Shilo and Winnipeg.

In 1951, he married Doreen, and they had three children: Perry (1953), Mark (1960), and Karla (1965). While they lived a couple of other places in their early years, Murray and Doreen made a home in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Their doors were always open and had several borders throughout the years who became like family. They had a vibrant social life full of dances and parties where Murray often could be found at the piano or guitar keeping the crowd entertained.

Murray and Doreen welcomed two granddaughters, Britainy (1979) and Alexis (1982) and spent many days keeping them entertained and well fed at their home and the cabin at Emma Lake.

Murray worked as sales manager for Burns Foods as the crisscrossing Northern Saskatchewan. He also worked as the business manager of the Associated Medical Clinic in Prince Albert. Murray retired in 1991, and in 1998, they set out on a new adventure moving to Abbotsford where they welcomed friends and family and continued to enjoy the activities they loved.

Murray became a doting great-grandfather with the arrival of William (2009), Mataia (2010), Katie (2014), and Tavaric (2016). Though the miles separated them, every visit was filled with love and the “stinky feet” game that made them all giggle. Murray was always ready with a stash of toys waiting for their arrival.

He was a man of few words and many talents. Happy to spend the early morning hours on his deck at Emma Lake watching the birds and enjoying a strong cup of coffee and getting together with friends at the lake. He spent countless hours in the garden with his prize tomatoes. All the produce he grew, large, ripe and ready for canning. He was handy! Murray loved puttering in his woodshop creating a dream playhouse for his granddaughters as well as beautiful planters, chairs, and chests for his family, neighbours, and selling to passersby who admired his handiwork.

A man who loved sports. Baseball, hockey, golf; hours spent cheering on his kids and playing himself. His happy place was the golf course, well into his 90s, where he quietly dominated, never boasting about his game… well except for several times he got a hole-in-one. We all got a call when that happened. His competitive spirit thrived at the card table. Trash talking his granddaughters and posting scores on the fridge. Many evenings at the community centre playing in bridge tournaments with Doreen and darts with friends.

Murray was predeceased by his father in 1967 and his mother in 2007, his brothers Vernon in 1995, and Lorne in 2020. In 2015, he said goodbye to his wife of 64 years Doreen. He is survived by his children, Perry (Robin) and their two children Britainy (Jake), William, Katie, - Alexis (Adam), Mataia, Tavaric - Mark, and Karla (Lindsay). Murray was a simple meat and potatoes guy, a true no-nonsense gentleman who took care of everyone around him. He tended to us like he did his garden with love and support…anything we needed to thrive.