Obituary of John Murray

Celebration of Life Saturday, June 25, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Melville Seniors Hall Melville, Saskatchewan To celebrate and honour John’s life a light lunch will be held, followed by his love of dancing. ***************************************************** John Heistad Murray Aug. 14, 1942 - May 5, 2022 John passed away on Thursday May 5, 2022, after a brief illness. He leaves to hold his memory dear his beloved wife of 54 years, Heather; his children, Travis (Andrea), Marcelin (Jeff) and Tyler; granddaughters, Kaitlin, Kyra, Emerson and Carys; sister, Anne (Gary) St. Amand and brother, Albert (Marcella) Murray and their families; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends who loved him. John was born in Foam Lake, Sask. and grew up in Leslie with his parents, Victor and Bernice Murray, and siblings Albert and Anne. In 1966, John met Heather Oliver at Pop’s Pavilion, the dance hall at Fishing Lake he then owned. They were married not long after and began their lifelong partnership, and their family, together in Leslie. John spent some time in his early years teaching, then working for the Department of Highways. In 1974 he was hired as Project Manager by the Department of Parks and Renewable Resources, a position that took the young family to Melville, Sask. There he and Heather stayed, raising their children and eventually enjoying their retirement years. John’s work with Parks took him all around the province, where he left his mark on many of our provincial parks, including the campgrounds at Good Spirit Lake, which he designed and developed. In the early 1980s, John purchased additional land at Fishing Lake and developed two subdivisions there - Murray Beach and Pavilion Beach. After spending all week at his day job, he worked weekends and holidays at his lake, pausing only to have a quick chat here and there, rarely sitting down to enjoy the results of his efforts. A generation of children walked the beach in their swim trunks and rubber boots, just like John. The communities at Fishing Lake are an important part of John’s legacy. John was also heavily involved in the Melville community and sat on the Melville Credit Union board and the Melville Foodbank board for a number of years, as well as the Melville Seniors Hall board. John loved bowling and shuffleboard and was an enthusiastic participant at the dances held at the Melville Seniors Hall. John loved dancing with his wife Heather and was ever willing to share a dance with others. But most important to John was family life. He was as solid and dependable a husband and father as any wife or child could hope for. He was a steady and sober source of sound advice. He was a trusted advisor and teacher to many. He was a devoted husband, who loved his wife above all. The home John shared with Heather was always open to those who needed help, and he was always ready to lend a hand. To those who sent cards, letters and texts to him in his final weeks, expressing your love and appreciation for his kindnesses, please know that he read and re-read these messages, and they brought him great comfort and happiness. John will be with us always in the lessons he taught, the memories we will cherish, and the love we will remember. Service Details. Online Memory & Photo Sharing Event Ongoing Online Event About this event In Loving Memory Of John Murray August 14, 1942 - May 5, 2022 Look inside to read what others have shared Family and friends are coming together online to create a special keepsake. Every memory left on the online obituary will be automatically included in this book. View Tribute Book