Vincent Leonard Murray

Many things can be said about Vincent Leonard Murray. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive man, his compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing his charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. He was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things he sought to accomplish. Vincent was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around him. He generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

      Vincent was born on December 6, 1933 at home in Townhead, Westmoreland, Jamaica. His parents were Matilda Morgan and Jeremiah Murray. When he was young, Vincent's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe him. Even as a child, Vincent demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around him.

      Vincent grew up with four siblings. He had three younger brothers, Ainsley, Anserd and Lascelle, and one younger sister, Evelyn. Vincent was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with his family. He was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served him well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Vincent carried these traits into his adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found him pleasurable and delightful to be around. Vincent was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those he knew.

      As a young boy, Vincent was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether his peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Vincent could easily relate to other kids. He was an active child who took part in cricket and soccer. However, to Vincent, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with his many friends.

      Vincent attended Townhead Primary School. He did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to him. Teachers and classmates knew Vincent as an excellent listener. He placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for him just around the corner.

      Always considered a “good” friend, Vincent sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Vincent always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Vincent’s friends found him easy to know and get along with because of his talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in his dealings with others. Throughout his life he had many friends. While growing up, some of his best friends were Lou Williams, his brother Anserd Murray and Carmelita Holland. Later in life, he became friends with Ralph, Miles, Burt, Nigel, Sandy and Zaidya.

      On June 14, 1968 Vincent married Beryl Brown at the Church of God in Burnt Savannah, Westmoreland, Jamaica. Compassionate and devoted, Vincent worked hard to make his new family happy. He was always generous with his time and this meant that Beryl came first in Vincent’s book. He was always caring and made certain that he considered Beryl’s feelings. By trusting his emotions, Vincent did his best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Vincent was truly a person of empathy.

      Vincent’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good father to his children. Vincent shared these values with his five children. He had three daughters, Hyacinth, Marlene and Sonia, and two sons, Derrick and Henry. Vincent was also blessed with fourteen grandchildren, Anthony, Roseline, Johnathan, Brandon, Tawsha, Marcus, Keira, Marsha, Alexcia, Kamiah, Meghan, Mariah, Marquise and Henry Jr. Vincent related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved him and he was completely and totally devoted to them.

      Vincent experienced success in his work life over and over again. His primary occupation was as a Stock Keeper and Material Handler. He was employed for many years at Frome Sugar Factory in Jamaica and then at a clothing factory in Montreal, Quebec. Vincent always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by his colleagues as a team player. Vincent took pride in managing his professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Vincent was one to take the initiative and his skills at working cooperatively were highly valued.

      Vincent was something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching his favourite teams' events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list was baseball.

      Vincent enjoyed travelling, his gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Vincent were always enjoyable. Favourite vacations included going home to Jamaica.

      When Vincent’s retirement finally came in 1997, he was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that he was, Vincent had taken care to plan for this part of his life. When that time eventually arrived, Vincent knew exactly what he wanted to do. His new life involved relocating to Whitby, Ontario in June 2006 to be closer to his children. In retirement, he found new pleasure in enjoying time with his grandchildren and his friends before he took ill and had mobility issues. Even in retirement, Vincent continued to stay in touch with his old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

      Vincent passed away from multiple heath issues on October 16, 2016 at Fosterbrooke Nursing Home in Newcastle, Ontario. He is survived by his children, Hyacinth, Marlene, Derrick, Henry and Sonia; his brothers, Lascelle and Ainsley; his grandchildren, Anthony, Roseline, Jonathan, Brandon, Tawsha, Marcus, Keira, Marsha, Alexcia, Kamiah, Meghan, Mariah, Marquise and Henry Jr. Funeral Services were held at Oshawa Funeral Home and Vincent was laid to rest in Thornton Cemetery in Oshawa, Ontario.

      Throughout his life, Vincent was a gregarious and enthusiastic man. He was generous in sharing his personal attributes, giving and helping those he knew and loved. He was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Vincent leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives he touched will dearly remember Vincent Leonard Murray.

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MURRAY, Vincent Leonard

Peacefully at Fosterbrooke Long Term Care on Sunday, October 16th, 2016 at 82 years of age. Predeceased by his beloved wife Beryl. Cherished father of Hyacinth and her partner Michael; Marlene and her husband Wayne; Derrick and his wife Alena; Henry; and Sonia. He will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Anthony, Roseline, Jonathan, Brandon, Tawsha, Marcus, Keira, Marsha, Alexcia, Meghan, Mariah, Kamiah, Marquise and Henry Jr. Survived by his brothers Lascelle Murray and Ainsley Murray. Vincent will be fondly remembered by his many nieces, nephews and friends. A special thank you to the staff at Fosterbrooke for their care and compassion over the last four years. Visitation will be held at the OSHAWA FUNERAL HOME, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) on Thursday, October 20th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of the Oshawa Funeral Home on Friday, October 21st at 11:00 a.m. Interment Thornton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.