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| Murray Family Photo |
Our thoughts are with Sheilagh and Chris and their families, Barney, Caragh, Maya; Kristina, Megan and Trent. Those who know the Murrays well, know that Sheilagh, Chris and their families went above and beyond to allow Neil to stay in his own home as long as possible.
Neil was a friend, and all of his family are special people in my life. I was fortunate to have extra time with Neil during the 2021 fire evacuation. Chris and Kristina hosted me in my trailer at their home.
I'll let the obituary tell the story, but you should know that Neil and Shirley were quietly behind the scenes doing many things for Baldy. Their business knowledge and legal connections were key in setting up a company and account to hold our utility payments, when there were install issues in the '80's. Old story, not telling it.
Through the OK Tire store, two generations of Murray's provided a place for pass purchases, parcel and supply drop offs for Baldy.
When Neil was in business, I never researched tires. I always asked what Neil was running on his truck.
We had some laughs and excellent customer service one day when a contractor had a box of nails fall off the back of his truck on McKinney Road.
Shirley's passing was a huge loss for the family. I'm sure Neil appreciated all that the family did to make his last years the best that they could be.
Obituary from Nunes-Pottinger
It is with deep sadness that we give a final toast to our father and grandfather, Neil Murray, at the age of 90, after a short hospital stay and long course with dementia. He lived a full and accomplished life and he will be dearly missed by his all his family and friends.
Neil was born July 25, 1934 in Saskatoon and he and his family moved to Sea Island in Richmond. We as children would hear about all the many adventures and mischief that Neil and his brother Jerry would get into.
Neil left school early in pursuit of bigger and better plans. He was a strong willed man who was determined to make a better life for himself and eventually his family.
If you knew Neil you knew he was a man on the move. He never sat quietly. From a young age he was in constant motion. He left Richmond and travelled to Montreal for a job with CN rail. After a few cold winters he decided to come back to BC. Once back in Vancouver he did multiple jobs at the same time, anything to make a living. He drove taxis for Black Top cabs and in 1962 he met his wife Shirley. They married in 1963 and they moved to Penticton and bought Peach City cabs.
From Penticton, Neil and Shirley moved to Oliver in 1971 and bought the Imperial Oil/Esso Bulk Fuel agency. You could find Neil driving his fuel truck all over the South Okanagan delivering fuel to farmers and residents. Then in 1976 Neil bought the Oliver OK Tire business and continued to provide fuel and automotive services to residents until his son Chris and his wife Kristina bought the business in 2001.
Always up for a new challenge and making a deal, he started Ultra Fuels card lot and bulk fuel services in Oliver and expanded fuel delivery in the area until 2002.
Neil took pride in his community and was an advocate of community supports. In 1980 he was appointed the government representative for the South Okanagan General hospital board for which he was a part of for many years. Neil and Shirley were founding members of the Oliver Community Foundation, helping to ensure that money is allocated for community groups and organizations needing financial support.
In 1979 Neil and Shirley built a ski cabin at Mt Baldy and created a legacy of family memories and traditions. Christmas was a highlight for all the family and he loved to ski and snow mobile and he embraced the apres- ski philosophy.
Neil loved to travel and once retired he and Shirley spent winters in Palm Springs and summers finding the good local spots in their motor home. They always invited and included their family and grandchildren in their holidays and as such their grandchildren have over 20 years of amazing memories.
Neil will be remembered as a hard working man with a tremendous work ethic. He was bold, outspoken, funny and fearless. He lived his life to the fullest and was an example to all his family of what hard work and tenacity can do.
Neil is predeceased by his loving wife Shirley Murray (Oliver), his parents Doug and Hazel Murray (Langley) and his brother Jerry Murray (Tsawwasen).
He is survived by his daughter Sheilagh (Barney) of North Vancouver and his son Chris (Kristina) of Oliver and his very special grandchildren Caragh and Maya Lang and Megan and Trent Murray. He will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews and friends.
A celebration of life will occur at a later date.
Neil and Shirley loved their community and would appreciate any donations to go to the Oliver Community Fund in Neil and Shirley Murray’s name. https://www.cfso.net/funds/oliver-community-fund/
Condolences and tributes may be directed to the family by visiting www.nunes-pottinger.com
