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Murray KRAHN Obituary

Dr. MURRAY KRAHN It is with much sadness that the family announces the passing of Murray on July 1, Canada Day, peacefully at home. He passed away 18 months after being diagnosed with Glioblastoma Multiforme. Murray was born in Kodaikanal, India, and grew up in Seattle, WA and Fresno, CA. As Murray was graduating from high school, he moved with the family to Winnipeg, MB. It was there that he studied philosophy at university and completed his medical degree. Murray decided to pursue a specialty in Internal Medicine, and together with Linda, moved to Toronto. During his residency at U of T, he became interested in the field of medical decision making. He followed his Internal Medicine training with a degree in clinical epidemiology and a year long clinical fellowship in medical decision making in Boston. Murray's career filled him with immense joy and gave meaning to his life. He loved caring for his patients as a staff physician at TGH, as well as mentoring and training the medical residents and clerks that he worked with on medical teams. He also had a passion for research, especially when working together with others. He helped found the Toronto Health Economics and Technology Assessment (THETA) Collaborative and was director there for 13 years. In both the clinical community and the research community, here in Canada and internationally, Murray treasured his friendships and collaborations with colleagues and students. The last chapter of Murray's life, following his diagnosis, was also filled with goodness. He enjoyed things that gave him pleasure outside of work: growing vegetables in his garden, becoming an inventive and talented baker of bread, taking photographs in nature, hiking, going for runs with the dog. He and Linda travelled to Alberta, BC, and Quebec, and he was overjoyed to walk his daughter down the aisle in the fall. Murray lived a wonderful, rich life, and he made the lives of others richer. The family was overwhelmed by the kindness and support of the many people that walked with Murray throughout his illness and gave him strength and comfort. We would like to thank the amazing medical teams at PMH, TWH, and TGH. Murray was cared for compassionately and faithfully by the palliative care team and the PSWs who came to our home daily. We were also lovingly carried by our extended family, by our pastor, by colleagues, friends and neighbours, who delivered food, flowers, and packages, walked the dog, shovelled the driveway, sent emails, texts, and came to visit. Thank you to you all. Murray is survived by his best friend, his wife, Linda; and his children, who were the lights of his life and his inspiration: Thomas and Kristi, Philippa and James, and Harry. He is lovingly remembered and will be forever missed by his sister and brother, and his in-laws and their families: Val and Stew, Stan, Betty and Christian, Ruth, and Kathie and Dave. A memorial service will be held for Murray on Saturday, July 16, at 1 p.m., Kingsway Baptist Church, 41 Birchview Blvd., Etobicoke (one block west of the Royal York Subway Station). Everyone is welcome, please dress casually. The service will also be livestreamed. Please check the Turner and Porter website 24 hours prior to the service for the link. Refreshments will be served following the service. If you would like to make a donation in Murray's honour, please give to MCC Canada-Ukraine Emergency Response. donate.mcccanada.ca

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Jul. 7 to Jul. 11, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Murray KRAHN

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17 Entries

Andrea Doria

July 24, 2022

Murray was my teacher during my MSc in Clinical Epidemiology at the UofT, and in this difficult moment for his beloved family, I send them my condolences in gratitude for the great learning experience that I had with Murray and for his immense kindness and solicitude to me and others at all times. Wish that he rests in peace.

David Kasper

July 13, 2022

A note from the past. The last time I saw Murray was 45 years ago when our paths intersected for three years in Fresno, CA., and Abbotsford BC. And I can't say I've really thought of him much during that time, but for some mystical reason {while I was getting ready for bed, last night} his name popped up in my mind, and after a short search I read the sad news. Murray and I shared a rare connection: we were both born in Apr. in Kodaikanal, India. And I have such keen memories [the little green MG Midget and the 'bomb shelter' raspberry residence, among many others], of those formative years, that will stay with me forever. My sincerest sympathy to all his family and friends, and I know that his presence will live on in the rich memories of his life.

Karen Okrainec

July 12, 2022

Murray was my chosen mentor as an early career clinician scientist back in 2018. I was captivated by his knowledge and successes yet humbleness and sincerity. He never seemed rushed and was always attentive, even when he clearly was on his way out (with his bike helmet on). He had such great advice at all levels, and always with a smile: personal, research, clinical. I took away many of his mentorship skills and take home points from our monthly meetings. It was with great sadness that I learnt that he was diagnosed with the same illness which had taken my father only a few years prior. May he rest in peace, and my sincerest condolences to his partner, children and everyone else who loved him dearly.

Paul Ritvo

July 12, 2022

A great and good person who helped many selflessly. It was a pleasure and honour to conduct research with him.

Peter Rossos

July 11, 2022

Murray was among the first residents I worked with as a medical student. His thoughtful inspiration continued without interruption since. It has been a great privilege working with and learning from Murray. He will be sadly missed by all.

Condolences to family, friends, colleagues, students, and many grateful patients for this tragic loss while Murray was still at the peak of a remarkable career. Our memories and his numerous contributions will last for generations.

Fiona Miller

July 9, 2022

Murray was a wonderful mentor and colleague. I knew him as a research colleague, through his leadership at THETA. He was a smart, kind and gentle man - I always imagined than any patient would be fortunate to have him as their clinician. He will be sorely missed.

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Ba' Pham and family

Planted Trees

Peizhong Peter Wang

July 8, 2022

I was greatly saddened to hear that Dr. Murray Krahn, a long-time friend, passed away. There are no words to express my disbelief and profound sorrow.
My last correspondence with him was February, 2022 and I knew he had health issues then; it was only 5 months ago.

We got to know each other in 1999 when Dr. Qilong Yi and I were invited to join him on an HCV project. Gradually, we became good friends and our friendship only grew stronger over time. Academically, I benefited from his vast knowledge, rich research experience, sharp mind, clear version, and strong leadership. In the long past 20-years, we worked on a number of projects and I consulted him from time to time. Approximal 15-years ago, I invited him to visit the Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University; his presentation was well received, which made me proud. He was one of the supervisory committee members for Dr. Angelique Myles, who benefited greatly from Dr. Krahn´s advice and guidance.

In November, 2018 we had lunch together at Mercatto (inside MaRS building) and he enthusiastically told me his team, ongoing reserach projects, and future plan. I recall I promised to arrange an opportunity for him to visit Tianjin (my home town in China). Afterwards, he kindly gave a thorough tour of THETA and I was very impressed. In May, 2020, we invited him to join me for a CIHR grant and we had numerous e-mail correspondences. While my application was unsuccessful, it didn't affect my gratitude to him.

On the personal level, Murray was so kind and generous to people around him. He was always optimistic and energetic. He is a role model for many young doctors and researchers. He will forever be remembered as an outstanding scientist, doctor, mentor, a genuine friend, and dear colleague.

May Murray rest in peace!

Naglaa Shoukry

July 8, 2022

Dr. Murray was a great mentor, professor and scientist. He was one of the founding members of the National Canadian Research Training Program on Hepatitis C (NCRTP-Hep C) and later the Canadian Network on Hepatitis C (CanHepC) where he mentored many trainees over the years who went on to be leaders in the field. His collaborative, collegial and caring attitude was greatly appreciated by all members. He will be sadly missed. Deepest condolences to his family.

Sam Lee

July 7, 2022

Murray was a giant in the world of hepatology. I had the privilege of working with Murray on some projects, and was always impressed by his expertise and intellect, but also terrific common sense and sense of proportion.
A terrible loss to Canadian and international medicine.
Deepest condolences.

Victoria Lee-Kim

July 7, 2022

I worked for Dr. Murray Krahn in the summer of 2020 at THETA as a summer student. I've cold-emailed a lot of supervisors over the years, and his response was by far the kindest and most genuine. We worked together for the summer and a bit into the school year. I could immediately tell that his colleagues and friends respected him and that the THETA community was close-knit. I bet a huge part of that was due to the time & effort Murray put into fostering it. He was a brilliant mind and great person, but he lives on through those around him and the legacies that he has left in the academic world. Wishing his family and friends all the best.

Jeff Dyck

July 7, 2022

What an incredible life and legacy. Sending prayers and thoughts to your family.

Raisa Deber

July 7, 2022

My deepest sympathy on Murray's loss. He was a wonderful person and contributed so much to U of T.

Franklin Bialystok

July 7, 2022

Very saddened at this news. As a lay member of the Canadian Transplant Network I learned of his work, admired his intellect, and enjoyed hanging out with him. May his memory be for a blessing.

Arlene Nugent

July 7, 2022

So sorry to hear the news. Murray was an amazing mentor with a great personality. He will be missed, but always rememberd.

Robbi Howlett, PhD

July 6, 2022

What a shock to hear of this very sad news. I knew Murray when I worked at Cancer Care Ontario. There was no doubt of his brilliance and his focus on finding solutions - truly a loss for our broad health community. Best wishes and support for his family and close friends.
Hold close to your heart all those positive and enduring memories
Robbi Howlett

Sherry and Tzvi Taub

July 6, 2022

Dear Linda and family,
It is with such sorrow that our family learned of the passing of Murray. I can remember like yesterday walking with Liron and Thomas and Murray on the snowiest Halloween night ever, in our olden days in the valley. May your memories of all the wonderful days ease your sorrow at this time.
Sherry and Tzvi Taub

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