It is with sadness we announce the passing of Murray George Shearer, this 6th of April.
Murray was born on March 27th, 1930 in the Castleavery District. The second child of James and Isabell Shearer, he attended school at Castleavery and Tummel. Murray then attended the University of Manitoba where he earned his Diploma in Agriculture.
Murray married Jessie Pyott on June 20th, 1959 at the Knox United Church in Roblin. They farmed in the Castleavery District until May of 1968 when they moved to Swan River with their three young children.
Murray farmed for 30 years before retiring and becoming the maintenance coordinator for the Manitoba Housing Authority. He enjoyed that position for 10 years before retiring permanently in 1999.
All throughout his life Murray loved animals, and there were always cattle in the yard. He looked his most content with his old dog Max. He enjoyed metalwork and building things. He had forged his own tools, built a snowplow, wirewinder, wood splitter, and more than a few wood stoves. In later years his workshop was a quiet place to sit by the fire in his favorite old chair and contemplate the world.
Murray enjoyed family time camping at Whitefish Lake and driving to the Rocky Mountains most summers when the kids were young for the adventure of seeing something truly amazing. Once the kids left home Murray and Jessie explored western Canada regularly, visiting both celebrated and obscure travel destinations. In later years they shortened their winters with time spent in BC. Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Adams River, and Kamloops for the Cowboy Music Festival. Murray loved driving and had a mind for cartography. If he had been somewhere once, directions were permanently available. Murray’s most social endeavor was with the Swan Valley Hoedowners. He and Jessie were active in square and round dancing for 30 years.
Murray is survived by his daughter Kathryn, Salt Spring Island BC; son Grant (Deborah) Grande Prairie AB; son David (Sandra) Winnipeg MB; and grandchildren Paul, Richmond BC and Loïc, Winnipeg MB, plus many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Jessie, and brothers Donald (Don) and Lloyd.
In keeping with the family's wishes, a quiet burial ceremony was held on April 13th at the Birchwood Cemetery in Swan River. A celebration of Life for Murray and Jessie will be announced for this coming fall.
In keeping with Murray's wishes,
A Private Family Service will take place
And a Celebration of life will be held at a later date
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Murray Shearer, please visit our floral store.