Francis "Sonny" Xavier Murray

Survived by wife Margaret (nee Miller), sons Hugh (Lorna) and Scott, daughters Terry (Stephen), Mary Anne, and Heather (Rob); grandchildren Alex (Aditi), Michael, Catherine Louise (Colin), Erica (Connor), Kyle, Dylan, Matthew (Autumn), Amelia and Rhys and great grandchildren Claire and Arjun.

Born, June 25th, 1937, in Nevada Valley, Inverness County, Cape

Breton, he was predeceased by parents Hugh and Theresa Murray, sisters Catherine, Georgia and Julia, brother Denny, son Angus and brothers-in-law Joseph Seward Ryan and Parkie Ryan.

He moved to Halifax as a teenager with his sisters. Following completing his education in Halifax, he worked for IBM for 30 years as a service technician. Upon retiring from IBM, he worked for St. Mary’s Parish, East Bay for 30 years.

Sonny married the love of his life, Margaret, on June 30, 1959. He said his life began when he met her. They raised their six children in Halifax and Sydney Forks.

Sonny had a lifelong love for traditional Cape Breton fiddle music. He provided guitar accompaniment to many fiddlers before taking up fiddle playing himself. He was modest about his talent but respected for his playing. He and his wife, Margaret, hosted many house parties over the years and formed many friendships with other musicians and their families. Sonny’s passion for the traditional style of playing was recognized by other musicians, and he had a few fiddle tunes written by others that were named after him.

While living in Halifax he was a member of the Cape Breton Club. Upon his return to Cape Breton, he became a member of the Cape Breton fiddler’s association and was also a member of the Sydney Scottish Strings group.

For several years, he enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes with his youngest son Scott.

Having always wanted an antique car he finally got himself a 1931 Model A and spent several years restoring it along with the help of his friends, Don Meister and Shane Currie.

As per Sonny’s wishes there will be no visitation or funeral. A private graveyard service for family and friends will take place at a later date. Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting twcurry.com.

Donations may be made to: St. John The Baptist Cemetery, Brookvillage, NS, The Heart and Stroke foundation or a charity of choice.