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WILLIAM MURRAY Obituary
William Donald "Don" Murray, age 77, passed away unexpectedly at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre on January 5, 2026.
Born March 8, 1948, in Fort William, Ontario, Don was the son of Bill and Nancy (née Glover) Murray.
Don is lovingly remembered by his children, David Murray and Jody (Phil) Ukrainec; his grandchildren, Cameron, Aaron, Jase, and Jesse; his fiancée, Mary Kostynick, and her son, Chris Kostynick; his brother, Gerry (Aury) Murray; sister-in-law Colleen (Bob) Hodgson; as well as his niece, nephews, and their families.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 50 years, Lesley Murray (née Douglas), who passed away September 22, 2020; his parents, Bill and Nancy Murray; his brother, Jim Murray; his in-laws, Jack and Violet Douglas; his sister-in-law, Jackie Douglas; and his nephew, Kasmir Douglas Drewno.
Music was a lifelong passion for Don. He was a proud member of the Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay for over 60 years and played in numerous bands, including The Fugitives and Diamonds in the Rough. After a long and dedicated career with the Ministry of the Environment, Don retired, later returning to work and retiring a second time as Superintendent of Environmental Affairs at Bowater. He was also a long-time member of First Presbyterian Church.
Don had a love of travel and adventure. He and Lesley travelled extensively, both overseas and with their fifth-wheel trailer, creating many cherished memories along the way. In recent years, Don and Mary shared many special trips together, including visits to Portugal and Italy, several cruises, and had many more adventures planned for the future.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Neebing Roadhouse on March 8th from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Andrew's Dew Drop Inn or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for WILLIAM MURRAY
Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM MURRAY
9 Entries
Kelly Hilton- Group Commissioner -15th Fort William Scout Group
January 22, 2026
I met Don when I became a leader at the 15th Fort William Scout Group sponsored by 1st Presbyterian Church 35 years ago, over the years my position changed to Group Commissioner and Don would share many stories about his time as a youth in Scouting at the 15th F.W. he was very passionate about helping us and keeping Scouting going strong at the Church and would always stop and smile and watch when he seen us at our meetings, like he was walking down memory lane. Don passed on lots of Scouting memorabilia to me which I will treasure and pass on to others when the time comes. Our prayers go out to Don and his family and friends, as a group we will plant a tree in Don's memory at our Scout Camp Grey Wolf. Rest in peace Don
Ian Macdonald
January 14, 2026
Sincere condolences to Don's family. I grew up with Don and his family in Westfort. Don and I spent many years together in Cubs and Scouts, along with other pals Reid Macleod, Brian Perry, John Sypus, and Bill Hughes, and about 20 years ago we began annual reunions at each other's camps at Round, Shebandowan, Oliver, and Pete Lakes. Don will be missed dearly. - Ian Macdonald, Kelowna, B.C.
Rhonda MacArthur
January 11, 2026
Our deepest condolences for the whole Murray and extended family. He was a wonderful person and will be sadly missed. Rhonda, Craig and Jayda and Wayne MacArthur
Kate Stasiuk
January 10, 2026
Sincere condolences to Gerry and Dons children and families. I was a Macdonald and grew up together in the First Presbyterian church. His mom was our CGIT leader and she always gave me rides to it . Don amd Leslie were friends of ours and my brother Ian and Don went through scouts for years becoming Queen Scouts with other fellas in their group. they all were friends to this day. Don will be missed if I ran into him over the years we would have a chat about what we were up to. My husband Don and I send our sincere condolences to the family. Kate amd Don Stasiuk
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Kathleen Kinsman Ott
January 10, 2026
Don was one of the good ones! We were life long members of First Presbyterian Church and our mothers were CGIT leaders together. Don was so musical and his expertise helping us with the Junior Choir/musicals at First was always so appreciated. When we needed the Pipes/Drums at the Conservatory we just had to ask Don.
To the Murray family, may your wonderful memories help you through this time. Don gave so much to his community and that is something to cherish.
Rev. Joyce Yanishewski
January 10, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Don´s passing. He was such a gift to me as worked with the congregation of First Presbyterian and then in the work that was done during and after the closure of the church. I enjoyed our conversations and the time spent with him. I will miss that there is no longer an opportunity to have more time together. May those who were closest to Don know God´s enduring presence, love, and compassion.
Jennie Hartviksen
January 10, 2026
Jody and family. So sorry for your loss. I remember having great conversations with your dad at the plasma centre years ago. Such a gentle man. Big hugs during this difficult time
Jocelyn Douglas Tait
January 10, 2026
I was very sorry to hear of Don´s passing. A life well lived! He will be missed.
Diane Ambro
January 10, 2026
Sincere condolences to your family and Mary.
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