My darling husband Murray.  It is hard to believe it has been one year since you left us so suddenly.  They say time heals all wounds,  but it will take a long time for me to even accept and cope with losing you. I miss you more than words can say.  I know you are in a better place, and I pray and hope you are truly happy in your new home.
I love you always and forever.

It was with great sadness when I learned of Murray's passing. I had first met Murray in 1996 because he worked with my wife and they carpooled as we lived just down the street. We became instant friends and continued until the present. We shared a passion for travel, music, especially Bob Dylan and "The Band",motorcycles and very hot food. As I moved on it always gave me great pleasure to swing by and sit in the garage talking as Murray polished his Harley. I don't think I have ever seen a thing shine so much. The only time I ever heard him say anything negative it was about Robbie Robertson who Murray held accountable for splitting up"The Band". On that topic I was in complete agreement. Murray was a wise person and also like a brother to me by virtue of his age and experience. I will always think of him and now that I have my own Harley bequeathed to me recently by my biological brother I think of him and my brother both when I ride. I would like to share a poem that brings me peace as a sailor and is akin to the ride into the sunset on a bike. Rest in Peace my friend.




Crossing the Bar 
BY ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON
Sunset and evening star,
      And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
      When I put out to sea,

   But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
      Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
      Turns again home.

   Twilight and evening bell,
      And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
      When I embark;

   For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
      The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
      When I have crost the bar.

We Love you Grandpa
In our Hearts always & Forever

Christmas 2019

Murray I met you about 15 years ago through my friend Dahlia. I always admire your calm and caring spirit. I enjoy you hugs and kind greetings. You will be greatly missed. To the family and friends may you find comfort in the loving memories of a great man who God lent us here on earth. May is soul RIP

It was that voice and the words that were so carefully choreography as he spoke on the phone that peaked my interest in Murray.   Since then I have listen countless times as that baritone voice rumbles out words of kindness, tells a story, share a thought, have a laugh, became thoughtfully silent in contemplation only to rumbles on  again in jest, appreciation and  care.  Your life continues with the peoples life you have touched,  influenced and nurtured.
To the family, Ms D and everyone, we are hopeful because Murray lived a full life and through living, a piece of him is within each and everyone of us. Lets rejoice for his life, the joy he brings and the positive impact he left us with. I will see you in the rainbow my friend. Rest peacefully  


We hope the tears of grief, 
Are replaced with the echo of your stories,
A lifetime of your smiles.
The memory of you will be a happy one. 

As you ride the highways of heaven, 
We will ride the highways of earth,
Beginning with a biker’s wave in respect and memory of you. 
Until we meet again, 
Rest in peace my friend.

Murray and his kids and my daughter were friends when the kids were very young. We spent many dinners together. We used to go to the local Maple syrup festivals. He was a kind, smart, sweet man with a great laugh and a big heart. I was very fond of him. He had a great sense of humour. He loved his bikes and he loved the world. My sincere condolences to all of you. We are never ready for death. May God heal you and embrace you in your sorrow. 

Uncle Murray,
Your friends and family knew you so well. The love and adoration for you through these messages rings so loud and true. 

I also feel blessed to have had you in my life. The childhood memories of motorcycle rides, air shows, the cottage, camping and playing billy goats gruff will forever be in my heart.  You and Dad together taught Susie, Kelly and I a love of nature that we instil in our own children today which I am so grateful for. You treated me like your own, coming to stay with you was always an adventure that I looked forward to even if it meant learning how to remove a leech from my sisters leg lol. 

I will miss you - your impromptu Sunday afternoon drop ins for a chit chat on a warm summer day bike ride, your wise advice about being true to yourself, that big laugh,  your sharp mind, your insanely crazy and unique sense of humour, our intelligent conversation and your love. 

I hope you are up there blazing a trail on a hot summer day xoxo

You will be forever in my heart and on my mind xo. 
Love Ellen xo


Dearest Dee and family, 
What words suffice when someone has lost the love of her life? I am so grateful for the love and joy that Murray brought to your life together. I pray that memories of that love and joy will bring you a smile and sometimes an outright laugh-out-loud. The love from our family flows your way, but more importantly, the love of our God envelopes you completely and His commitment to being the resurrection and the life is an unshakable  assurance  for you and for Murray. You have always been a woman of great faith, so I pray that, in this season, you will experience God’s nearness and His unfailing love in all its abundance. 

To Dahlia and family, we are sad to hear of the passing of Murray. Although we can’t all be there physically with you, please know that we share your grief and pain.  We will continually hold you up in prayer that our Father in heaven will comfort you in the coming days.  We hope that you will call on Him when the burden feels heavy or you need encouragement to get through the days ahead.
Your sisters from Bible Study and Prayer , 
Ianthie, Yemi, Lona, Anita, Bonnie and Carolyn 

Murray and my sister Dahlia (Dee) met while on jury duty. The verdict was “guilty”, guilty of falling in love.  Murray had a booming baritone voice which I thought should be on radio or TV.  He was “king” of the barbecue pit, grilling just about anything that can be grilled. He was oh so proud of the hot peppers he so carefully tended in the backyard.  Did I mention the moose roast at Christmas or was it caribou? 

Murray totally embraced our Jamaican heritage and to my children he was “Uncle Murray". He loved my sister dearly. Yes, we weep for him but in our hearts we know he would not want us to be sad. So like my sister Carol, I too have turned to poetry for some words of comfort to my sister and Murray’s family.

I'll Be Waiting for You
By Kelly Roper

Although your heart may be broken,
There's no need to weep for me.
I'm in a wonderful place now,
Where I'm happy and so carefree.

I had to go, but I've left behind
Good memories to comfort you.
Concentrate on the best times we had,
And try not to feel so blue.

For one day we'll be together again,
To laugh and sing and play.
You'll be so glad to see me again,
It will seem I was gone just one day.

So try to lift up your heads now,
And dare to set grief aside,
Because I'll be waiting here for you,
To welcome you to the other side.

Rest in Peace my dear brother-in-law
Elaine (Fay)




My uncle Murray was as a beautiful man.  He had a unique sense of humour, and inquisitive mind and the deepest laugh that you could feel in your own belly.  Over the years I didn’t see him as much but when our family came together he was always the icing on the top.  He would bring his latest venison dish that he hunted himself and shared with anyone that was brave enough to try.  He actually played with children down in all 4’s as he chased us around the furniture.  He lifted us up on his shoulders so we could have the best view.  He added something that I have never seen in another human till this day.   That’s what I will miss the most about him.  We loved him for being exactly who he was, Murray.  We will miss you uncle Murray, give grandma a kiss from me.  Until we meet again.

I would catch Murray every few weeks on my walks in the neighbourhood over the past few years.  I would make a point of catching him in his garage ...tinkering on his bike or whatever.
I found him a genuine guy that shared common topics of interest in music from the old days, bikes, the outdoors. I sensed he was a bit of a rebel in his past days...maybe it is why I liked and respected Murray so much...my hound just adored him....Dogs know people they can trust...Will miss you my friend.
Jake

Murray showed me the way many times. I rode with him for 32 years, bang on 100. He was one of the last real gonzo cowboy angels. Murray was a major influence on my personality and my view of the world. He lived many lives and was an animal fat outlaw.
He said what he meant and he meant what he said.
Since I met him, Murray was always the first one I would turn to when life's substance would inevitably hit the fan. He was always there to listen and give his often so loving wry replies - some of those words still roll around in my head.
He is and will always be my best friend, and I feel forever honoured by that. I miss you Murray.

I have so many fond memories of Murray. Whenever he and my sister Dee visited me in Maryland, my brother-in-law -the history buff- would have a list of must-see places  he needed to visit: battlefields like Antietam and Gettysburg,  Blacks in Wax and other museums, monuments, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, to name a few. He had such a wealth of knowledge which he generously shared; I learned so much from him! I thank him for so much, but especially for the love he gave to my sister Dee. I now share in an acrostic poem I wrote for him, my farewell and some of those memories.
***************************

For Murray   
By Carol G Rose

                            
M y brother you’re free from suffering and pain
U nleashed, he's now  part of wind and  rain.
R ide like the wind; let the Harley roar;
R ide through the clouds; continue to soar;
A im for the stars; be part of their light;
Y ou're free my brother, free; take flight!

B ob Dylan soundtrack:  let the memories roll.

M achu Picchu stories of  head in the cloud,
A nnapolis crab cakes, fallen heroes proud,
C hesapeake skipjacks, Key’s flag unfurled,
D impled Dee  dancing not minding the world
O n the National Mall  your car got towed
N o parking allowed on that side of the road.
A ppreciating Gettysburg history and sounds,
L oud singing along  when homeward bound.
D ylan soundtrack:  it is well with your soul.
****************************

Photo caption, in Murray's own words:
Thanks for the Father's Day best wishes. Dee took me to the Jamaican Canadian Association of Nurses annual Charity Gala for Father's Day! Here is a picture of us on the red carpet at the event.




I remember the Sunday morning vividly when Dalaih walked into Malvern Methodist Church with Murray on her arms like her handbag and said to Arnold and I " Letna and Arnold meet my husband Murray". Lord was he handsome, the perfect height for her.  He had a beautiful voice and was well spoken if you were to have a conversation.  Other wise he was quiet.  He was a dignified man with all the qualities you want in a Godly man. 
Murray you will be missed by not only your wife and immediate family, but also by yourMalvern Methodist Church Family.  May your soul rest in peace and perpetual light shine on you. Till we meet my friend. "Walk Good"



Mom and Murray.  They were just so in love and happy together.

My Uncle Murray was a man of genuine integrity. Always willing to say a good word, recall a funny story, and share a hearty laugh. He was the type of man you could approach if you needed an ear or some wise advice. And, he was the king of the barbeque! The family could always rely on Uncle for providing some mouth-watering steak. He had a kind face, a sweet smile, a reassuring voice, and a loving heart. He is truly loved and will be deeply missed. I'm so glad, and proud, to call him my Uncle. 

13 APRIL, 1943 – 17 APRIL, 2020
Obituary of Murray Brian MacDonald.
At the age of 77, Murray Brian MacDonald left us suddenly on April 17th, 2020 in Aurora.  He was the son of the late Edith MacDonald (Norkus) and Murray C. MacDonald.  He is survived by his Wife Dahlia Rose-MacDonald, Son Morgan MacDonald, Daughter Dorinda MacDonald, Stepson Darace Rose, Stepdaughter Safiya Rose, Daughter-in-law Grace Ng-Rose, Sister Evelyn Morrow, Brother-in-law Jim Morrow, Best Friend Frank Cassellis, Nieces Ellen Peterman, Susan Luff, Kelly Holiday, and Grandchildren TaeJah, Jade, Darius, Haven, Michaela, and Vanessa.   

Murray grew up in Toronto, Ontario, graduating from York University with a degree in Political Science.   He worked as a Linesman with Bell Canada throughout the 1970s and 1980s, and became self-employed in the 1990s as a Technical Writer in Information Technology. He worked for various companies in that role before retiring.

He was wise and quick-witted, and could engage anyone in conversation. We will remember him for his good heart, generous nature, love for his family and brilliant mind. 

Murray will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Murray we remember you as an intelligent and caring person. We love you and miss you. I remember the times in Parry Sound fishing and playing chess on the dock with you. Condolence to Dahlia and family. 
R.I.P Murray
Love Larry, Brett, Evan.


Murray, 
We will miss our chats as we crossed paths each week, while out walking our dogs.  We always had good conversation, whether we discussed the state of the world, the state of our dogs or the importance of never selling your first motorcyle 😉,  we covered a lot of topics.   
We will miss you neighbour!
John & Julie Wood


My darling husband Murray. Words cannot express how much I miss you.  You gave me so much love during our 22 years together.  You were always there for me.
Our neighbour took a beautiful pic of a beautiful sunset encircling our home the day you went to your permanent home.  You rode off in that sunset.
I will love you forever. You were one of a kind. You had a  personality that was so unique, only people who were very close to you understood.  You bought joy into my life and also into the lives of our family and close friends.  Your step-children Darace and Safiya doted  on you and took pleasure in spoiling you. You meant the world to them. 
A large part of me has gone with you.  I try to take comfort in the fact that you are now at peace and are suffering no more.  Rest in peace my darling. God wanted you home with Him. We will meet again some day.

Me (Morgan) and Dad at the park together.

Truly an original, Murray was one of a kind.

The poem shared by his sister-in-law, Carol, is a perfect sentiment, thank you for sharing.

I’m thankful to have some very fond memories with this maverick, I picture his spirit travelling around the universe on his motorcycle, still sharing wry moments with each of us in his own special way. 

Continue on your journey Murray.

My sorrow at the passing of my dear brother-in-law Murray is immeasurable. I truly have no adequate words, but I find this poem comforting and wanted to share it with his loved ones especially  my sister Dee:

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Rest in peace Murray, Rest in Peace.

We remain deeply committed to the health and well-being of our community, due to COVID-19 and physical distancing requirements, we regretfully cannot offer a public funeral service at this time.

OBITUARY

Murray Brian MacDonald

April 13, 1943 – April 17, 2020

Thompson Funeral Home

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