Bruce James Murray

It is with immense heartache that we announce the passing of Bruce Murray of Calgary, Alberta, who transitioned peacefully surrounded by family. Since being diagnosed with advanced metastatic ALK lung cancer in 2018, Bruce has demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience, inspiring all those around him with his unwavering determination to defy the odds and live life to the fullest. Bruce was honoured by the love and support received from family and friends who stayed close to him on this journey. The memories created over the last six years are with gratitude to his oncology team at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and his Palliative Home Care team.

He is survived by his best friend and the love of his life for 42 years, Kim; his cherished sons Dylan (Emma) and twin granddaughters Sienna and Logan; Tyler (Chelsey) and grandsons Ryder and Landon; sister Heather Murray, sister-in-law Wendy Olson, in-laws, Annie and Al Jones; much loved nieces and nephews, brothers-in law, cousins, and many friends considered to be extended family. Bruce was predeceased by his sister Robin Chow, mother Myrtle, father David and many aunties and uncles.

Bruce was a born and raised Calgarian and a proud third generation Albertan. Bruce spent much of his youth on Mara Lake in Sicamous, B.C. where his parents built a summer home. He embraced lake life, and it was here that waterskiing and boating became part of his DNA. As a young boy, he woke up early on summer mornings, started up his 6hp boat and delivered newspapers to homes and campgrounds along the lake before helping his parents with any home construction jobs.

Bruce’s summer passion for waterskiing was matched only by his winter passion for snow skiing. While attending university, Bruce worked in the shop at Paskapoo Ski Hill (Canada Olympic Park) setting bindings and repairing skis and later ski instructing. Bruce received his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1979 from the University of Calgary where he was active in the Commerce Undergraduate Society and was honoured to receive the Mike Johnson Memorial Award for his positive contribution to the university. Upon graduating, Bruce set off on his own for a summer of traveling through the South Pacific before starting work in Calgary as a Landman for British Petroleum.

In 1982, Bruce’s love for skiing brought him to his next and greatest love when he met Kim during a ski trip to Big White, B.C. Their connection was instant, and they remained inseparable from that point forward, exchanging vows in 1985. United by their shared love for skiing and adventure, they created their beloved family winter retreat in Fernie, B.C. Along with their sons and a tribe of Calgary friends, they made the drive every weekend during the winter months for over 25 years. It was an equally easy decision for Bruce and Kim early in their marriage to return to Bruce’s roots on Mara Lake and acquire their own cabin, which quickly became their magical happy place and the hub of a multitude of memories that the Murray clan continues to build on to this day. At Mara, Bruce water skied early in the morning to his heart’s content with his childhood buddies before joining Kim and then their boys and often more family and friends for boating, beaching, waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing and golfing. Evenings were spent with the best of lake friends on the deck, sharing moments of the day while listening to music and enjoying fabulous food and wine. To those who knew Bruce in his element at the lake, we’ll forever hear his big laugh and always remember him with a tan, a baseball cap and a Corona in hand after a good day on the lake.

Bruce had an extremely fulfilling career in the oil and gas industry for over 40 years. Bruce held several executive roles throughout his career, including 16 years as co-founder, director, and Chief Operating Officer of Purcell Energy Ltd. This was followed by President and director of Tenergy Ltd., and Powder Mountain Energy. In retirement, Bruce continued as a board member of both private and public companies. Bruce volunteered his time in the early years of the Fernie Freestyle Ski Club. He generously served as President of the Board of Directors for the Association for the Rehabilitation of the Brain Injured (ARBI) for 13 years and co-instructed a fourth year Bachelor of Commerce course at the University of Calgary.

After a family ski trip in 2007 to Chile, Bruce became interested in the wine growing regions of South America. An opportunity presented by friends meant that in 2008, Bruce co-founded start-up winery, Zorzal, located in Mendoza, Argentina. Bruce took immense pride in the ongoing success of the Zorzal team and Zorzal Winery, as they continue to earn prestigious world wine awards and were honored twice by Wine & Spirits magazine, being named among the top 100 Wineries in the World.

Bruce’s adventurous spirit led him to travel the world and embark on annual CAT ski trips to Chatter Creek. Bruce also loved to fish and golf, enjoying annual fly fishing events with his pals on the Bull River and annual golf trips with his lifelong friends. Behind the wheel of his favourite TR6 and Porsche classics, Bruce found pure joy in the thrill of the open road.

Most of all, Bruce loved Kim and his family more than anything. There are no words to describe how proud he was of his sons and their growing families. Being blessed with four grandchildren after his devastating diagnosis contributed to Bruce’s strong will to keep living. While more family trips to Europe and South America were not possible, the family often gathered closer to home to create lasting memories.

Bruce embraced life and cherished connections with people, seizing each day and savoring every moment, enjoying a life rich with meaningful relationships and experiences. Bruce touched so many lives and most importantly brought immense peace and happiness to his family. He remains a constant presence in our daily lives and will forever be in our hearts until we meet again.

Please join us for a celebration of Bruce’s life on Monday, April 29, 2-5 p.m. at the Calgary Winter Club (4611 – 14 Street NW). The venue will open at 2:00 p.m. with the formal program underway at 2:30. Please bring your memories to share as we raise a toast to our wonderful Bruce.

The family has provided a webcast link for those who wish to attend virtually, please click the link in service area below Bruce’s obituary.

If you so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to OWN Cancer, ARBI, United Way of Calgary and Area or Bruce’s grandfather, Dr. Guy Murray’s dentist office at Heritage Park Historical Village (1900 Heritage Drive SW T2V 2X3).