Murray French Chambers

Murray French Chambers, 93, of North Vancouver B.C., died peacefully October 5th, 2020, at Westminster House Long Term Care in White Rock, B.C.

He was born on March 3rd, 1927, to parents Charles Haddon Spurgeon Chambers and Janet Irene Chambers in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Murray and his family moved to Edmonton where he spent most of his childhood and teen years. After working on a crew that surveyed part of the Alaska Highway system in 1944-45, he moved to Vancouver.

He married Barbara Eileen on March 15, 1963 and they raised four children, Jeffrey, Duncan, Jennifer and Michael in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver.

He was a Salesman for AJ Forsyth & Company for 39 years and retired in 1992.

Murray was an avid sportsman, enjoying golf, tennis and badminton well into his later years. He was an active member of the Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club which he joined in 1952. Murray was also a member of the Seymour Golf & Country Club. He regularly attended events and tournaments and enjoyed the friendships he made along the way.

Murray was a happy man with a great welcoming smile. It was not fleeting but all encompassing. His eyes smiled too! Murray loved his wife, was engaged with his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren.

Murray enjoyed many adventures. One of his memorable stories was his adventure at the age of 17 up north to help survey the Alaska Highway. While working, Murray and a co-worker became thoroughly lost, taking turns climbing trees to try and locate the river. They happened upon a blaze cut into a tree. This led them to a trail to the river and back to base camp. Together, they made the decision to cease work and head home. Because they ended their contract early, the survey company would not fly them home. They travelled a short distance to Fort Providence, N.W.T, just west of Great Slave Lake. There they purchased a wood and canvas canoe for $5. They provisioned and set out to paddle the Mackenzie River west. At times at night, they placed stakes in the ground to avoid sliding into the river. When they reached Fort Simpson, the strong current of the Liard River took them several miles downstream from their destination and they fought the current, paddling hard to get back.

Both managed to fly back home to Edmonton, whereupon, Murray learned that his mother and brother had moved to Vancouver. After his release from the Army, his father followed several months later after the end of the Second World War.

For many years, Murray and Barbara enjoyed their trailer at Cultus Lake with their children and grandchildren. Upon retiring, they travelled to Europe and China. They cruised the Yangtze River, climbed the Great Wall for Murray’s 74th birthday, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Alaska with their children and grandchildren and enjoyed many cruises with friends and family over the years.

Murray is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Chambers, his children, Jeffrey (Elizabeth), Duncan (Lanie), Jennifer (Terry) and Michael (Robyn), and his 11 grandchildren: Hayden, Cole, Max (Jeffrey & Elizabeth) Paisley, Mason (Duncan & Lanie) Jack, Troy, Scott, Alexa (Jennifer & Terry), Morgan and Jordan (Michael and Robyn).

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his older brother, Calvin Chambers.

A memorial service will be held at a later time.

No flowers by request. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

Rest in Peace dear Murray.