Murray Alexander ANDERSON

ANDERSON, Murray Alexander
Few lived life as fully as Murray Anderson. Innovator, businessman, achiever, spouse, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend and mentor to so many. Murray was all of these and so much more. After a long and very courageous battle with cancer, Murray passed away peacefully with his loving wife Angie and family by his side on January 10, 2012 in his 81st year. He will be sadly missed by his wife Angie (Tassone) and children Barb (Kenn), Joseph, Rosa (Kevin) and Angela. Murray was predeceased by his son Jeff (Liz) who passed away in 2011 and by his first wife Dolly who passed away in 1995. Murray was the beloved brother of Corey (Bernice) of Gimli, MB, Lloyd (Valerie) of Regina, SK and Heather (Ken) Baldock of Oshawa, ON. Murray was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was the son of the late Beulah-Jean and Clarence Alexander Anderson. He will also be missed by his grandchildren Brent, Amanda, Ben, Cody and Carly. Murray was a very determined individual and at the age of 16 decided to pursue his goals and moved east to Ontario. He began his career working for Margesson's Sporting Goods in Toronto where he sold sports equipment. From an early age Murray had a passion for skiing and with his love of business, in his early twenties, purchased land with a group of individuals and created the Triple S (SSS) Ski Club in Barrie, ON. A few years later Murray bought the club and renamed it Snow Valley Ski Resort. With his venture Murray lived his lifelong dream. Throughout Murray's career he had many successful businesses. In the early sixties, Murray outfitted nearly every major school, college and university in Canada with retractable bleachers, electronic scoreboards, and gymnastic equipment all of which was manufactured in Orillia. He was the only Canadian supplier who virtually dominated the field. In 1971, Murray partnered with the Spieth brothers from Germany and founded Spieth Anderson in Orillia, ON. This company became one of the most successful gymnastic and sports equipment manufacturer in North America. Accomplishments achieved by Spieth Anderson include 1976 Olympic Games, 1980 World Cup, 1985 World Championships, Pan American Games, Commonwealth Games and many more. Murray invented a wrestling mat which is now used world-wide. Murray was committed and fought for what he believed to be in the best interests of his community. Some of his achievements include Brewery Bay Tennis Club, Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, the development of the waterfront in Orillia and fighting for the many environmental issues he felt were for the betterment of the people of Orillia and surrounding area. Murray's life influenced many people. Murray was compassionate, honest, highly respected, generous and humble. Not only did he inspire, but he was a mentor to many. He was strong while still maintaining a sense of gentleness. The family would like to extend their most grateful thanks to the ladies from Bayshore Home Health Care; Sharon, Cindy, Mamie and Annie and the ladies from The Red Cross; Kathy and Karen for their kind and loving support and phenomenal care. Family will be receiving relatives and friends on January 18, 2012, from 2-4 and 6-7 pm at Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St.,N., Orillia, ON. A celebration of Murray's life will be held in the chapel at 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Huronia Motorcycle Ride for Dad (for Prostate Cancer Research). Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com