Murray George Van Buskirk

Murray was born near Hamiota on May 13, 1939 and died on May 8, 2024, 5 days short of his 85th birthday. He was raised on the farm at Crandall with his two brothers. His mom and dad supported their boys in participating in sports, hockey, baseball, curling, etc. They all worked hard on their mixed farm, raising various animals and grain production. He left school at 16, never was a big fan of school, and moved to Brandon to begin his work life at Western Motors. Murray often would reminisce about those days.

He married Blanche Leach in early 1960. They raised 4 children together,

Russell, Debbie, Kim and Crystal. They lived in several places, moving toNeepawa in the early 70’s, when he was employed as a milkman, then worked at Murray’s garage after he upgraded to be a mechanic. He and Blanche divorced in 1986. He then worked for many years at Agassi Equipment, when he began his career as a salesman. He finally found a career that suited his personality, he could sell ice to Eskimos! From then on he worked at Bayes equipment, then at PetroCan, retiring in 2000. Up until a few weeks before his death, he continued to sell tickets even when he couldn’t get around to visit in person, he did it by phone. He helped Marg in supporting ticket sales, pizza sales, stew etc etc. for various organizations.

In early 1984, he met Marg, they first lived in Neepawa, then bought their acreage near Arden, and married in 1988. Their time on the “farm” was filled with family events, grandchildren, friends and countless wiener roasts in the fire pit. They raised a few steers for a few years, and raised chickens and had huge gardens. He always wanted to plant enough potatoes that he could dig however many hills he needed to have the new baby potatoes as early in summer as possible. Murray and Marg moved to Neepawa to a suite in 2011, where they continued to live until his passing. They were able to travel during the winters to the south for many years, and in summers attended many Goldeyes baseball games in Winnipeg.

The last year and a half has been really difficult, with Murray’s health failing. He spent many months in hospital but was finally able to return home in October and remain at home with much help from our local home care services, until the last days, when he returned to hospital for care.

Murray was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Marj; brothers Garry and Wayne; in-laws Bert and Ettie Sutton; brother in law, Bill Wright and his wife Marlene; and a precious granddaughter Erin Dohan, and brothers in law, Cornie Furdievich and Obby Cavers.

He is survived by his wife Margaret;son Russell and his wife Mavis, grandson Andy, his wife Brooke and great grandkids Camry and Daly, and granddaughter Amy; daughter Debbie; daughter Kim, her husband Lorne, grandson Brett and his fiancé Kendra Meyer, and granddaughter Haley and husband Taylor Schettler and great grandson Lane; daughter Crystal; stepdaughter Terrie Sherb, partner Mike Coates, granddaughter Kelly and great grandson Luca, granddaughter Dayna and her husband Dustin Shane and their children Jackson and Parker; stepdaughter Melanie and her husband Bill Neuman and granddaughter Rosemary.

He is also survived by nieces, Kathy and Kerry Van Buskirk, in-laws, Edith Furdievich (Wayne Smith); Barb Cavers; Chris Wright (Bernadette); Irene Freynet(Real); Debbie Shurvell (Kelvin); and Rob Wright(Marla) and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family is very grateful to his doctor, Dr. Tariq; all hospital and Country Meadows staff, and home care staff, including nurses and health care aides, for all of his care.

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