In grade 5, Mrs. Shaw’s class was studying Canadian history and she initiated a virtual run from Winnipeg to Vancouver. If you wished–on recess, before class, and at noon-hour, you could run laps around the school field. I recall that 4 laps equalled a mile and our progress was recorded on a large map. (I think we got as far as the Rockies before the year ended. Later that summer, I would take my first train trip to the coast lapping up those last real miles to the coast.)
Murray was a quiet guy and kept to himself, but still waters ran deep. He really got into the run and ran further than any of the rest of us. One noon-hour in the rain, students were congregated at the top of the steps of the old Bannatyne School (now long gone). From there, we were amazed by Murray who, beyond our understanding and appreciation, ran around the field by himself in the rain chalking up something like 17-20 laps before returning to the school steps where he collapsed breathless as the bell ran and we closed in around him as he whispered how many miles he had run for the class.
In another time, he and I had once been very close and we played hockey in his dusty basement with sawhorses for goals. We shared 45s and I played him oldies like “Alley Oop” and “Mission Bell”. Our last venture was to attend a symphony concert downtown on Easter break. We were to meet at the bus stop, but he didn’t show up. Somehow we had gotten our signals confused, so I went by myself. Things were never the same after that.
Today I thought of him again and found his obituary online from 2018. He was a nice, quiet guy and his adult life as described here sounds the Murray I used to know. I’m glad he was able to find as much happiness in his life as he later did after the tragic passing of his mother…
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MURRAY ….. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our brother, Murray, on February 21, 2018 at the age of 68 in his home….Born in Winnipeg on May 28, 1949, Murray later moved to Glenboro, Manitoba where he owned and operated the town bakery for many years, making wonderful bread and amazing cakes and pastries. In recent years he lived in Brandon, Manitoba. Murray loved nature, being outdoors and taking long rides in the country. He was an avid football and hockey fan. Some of his other interests were dogs, bird watching, and cars; having a fantastic memory, he always amazed us with being able to tell us virtually any fact or figure about all of these. He will be remembered as a very compassionate and caring person who would help out anyone. We will always love you, Murray.
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And I will miss you, too, Murray, still amazed by your fantastic running ability and happy for you at how you followed your own bliss in your adult years. My regrets are many and would include not tasting your amazing cakes and pastries, not watching another game with you on the tube, and going for a ride together in the country like pals again.
Rest in peace, old friend.