Murray Arthur Sabados

On Sunday, November 27th, 2010, Murray Arthur Sabados passed away at the Weyburn General Hospital at the age of 55 years. Predeceased by his father, Art Sabados and his brother, Daryl Sabados. Murray will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Laura of Heward, Sask; his children, David (Sydney) of Redclliff, AB, Katrina (Jason) of LeRoy, SK and Nicole of Weyburn, SK; his mother, Doris Sabados of Weyburn, SK; his brothers, Bruce (Irene) of Vermilion, AB and Scott (Shannon) of Weyburn, SK; his sister-in-law, Sandra of Weyburn, SK and nieces and nephews: Amanda, Brandie, Adam and Ashley; Jennifer, Erin and Paige; Kylie and Tamlyn; Chris and Veronica.

Murray Arthur Sabados was born on July 23, 1955 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. He received his education at the Weyburn Catholic School System K-9, graduated from the Weyburn Collegiate Institute in 1973, receiving the General Proficiency in his grade 10 year. Murray grew up in Weyburn, making mischief and music with his four younger brothers. He and his brothers were often found together playing guitar and singing for the family’s entertainment. He loved playing sports, and played baseball and hockey for the majority of his childhood years

His first marriage was to Felicia Klein on October 12, 1974. They had two children, David Murray in 1979 and Katrina Michelle in 1980. On August 5th, 2001, Murray married Laura Griffin, and warmly welcoming daughter Nicole into his family.

Murray joined the Weyburn Fire Department June of 1980. He was a Charter Member of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2989 and served as president for a number of years. In February of 1993 he was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief, a position he held until his retirement in January of 2006. Murray was a respected Fire Service Instructor as well as First Aid and CPR Instructor, and a well respected Fire Scene Investigator and Inspector. He was considered a father figure for some of the younger members of the department and worked to ensure that women would be accepted into the department without discrimination. Murray received high praise and recognition with his 20 and 25 year service awards in 2000 and 2005 respectively, presented to him on both occasions by the Honorable Dr. Lynda Haverstock. Throughout his career, Murray prided himself on continuing his education and knowledge in his field by completing numerous courses in relation to his profession. After his retirement, his determination to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of all fire fighters led him to start South Sask Fire Training Services, traveling throughout the province to teach courses and certify volunteer fire fighters. He later joined the Stoughton Volunteer Fire Department and began working at the Co-op Gas Bar as a Night Manager. Murray truly enjoyed the constant interaction with the people of Weyburn that this position gave him everyday.

Murray’s love for sports continued his entire life. He took a very active role in Minor Sports throughout his life where he could, from virtually living at the rink with his son during the winter, and spending summers on the ball diamond coaching his daughter fastball. Murray continued this role, umpiring fastball once he had quit coaching, and helping with the Weyburn Red Wings hockey games. He “came out of retirement” from coaching in 2006 to join up with his brother Scott and daughter Katrina to coach one last time.

Murray developed quite a passion for computers, spending time on help and trouble shooting websites helping others find solutions to their computer problems. He became a Microsoft MVP Member in recognition of his knowledge and for his contributions to technical communities worldwide.

Murray loved to travel and camp, and especially enjoyed a retirement trip over the course of two weeks through the United States. He happily took on the role of the Mayor of Heward, SK continuing to make an effort and a difference in his community.

Murray was a constant source of strength and support to his family in times of hardship and struggle, and equally a constant source of laughter and love with his amazing sense of humor. He touched a lot of lives through his career, his coaching, and his involvement with the community. Murray’s accomplishments in his career, and his time spent volunteering in the community were sources of pride, but could not compare to the largest and most significant source of joy and pride in his life; to Murray, life revolved around family, there was nothing more important. There are no words to express how deeply he will be missed.

A Memorial Service was held Friday, December 3rd, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn, SK with Rev. M. Barnabas officiating. The Weyburn Fire Department gave the “Last Call’ and formed an Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to Weyburn Minor Ball, Weyburn Minor Hockey or SPFFA Burn Fund @ 212 4th St. NE Weyburn, SK S4H 0Y2, as these were very important parts of Murray’s life. Arrangements were entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd., Weyburn, Saskatchewan (306-842-5432) Condolences may be given at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com