Gordon "Alan" Murray

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Alan Murray on April 8^th, 2024 at Tiger Hills Health Centre at the age of 71 years, after a lengthy illness.  

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 48 years Gayla Murray (Vincelette) and their children Chance (Kassy) Murray and Whitney (Cameron) Zilkey, as well as grandchildren Addy, Lily, Finley, Sawyer, Hailey, and Wyatt. Alan also leaves behind his brothers Harvey (June), Eric (Louise), and Blaine, sisters Sandra Sharpe, Lynne (Larry) Parker, and sisters-in-law Wendy (Denis), Lois, Debbie, and Doreen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews, and many friends.  He was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Margaret Murray, brothers Keith, Warren, Brian, and Jim, his sister Audrey Trimble, brothers-in-law Hal Trimble and Roddy Sharpe, nephew Mark Murray, and great niece Charleigh Murray. 

Alan was born in Portage la Prairie on October 4^th, 1952. He was raised on the farm near High Bluff and then later in the Allandale District. He started school at Allandale and later attended Ferris, Rossendale, and MacGregor Collegiate. Alan married his wife, Gayla, on April 24^th, 1976 and they began their life near Edwin. In his younger years, Alan worked on the farm for Harvey Coltart, drove truck, and worked at Portage Concrete, while also farming on the side. In 1996, they moved closer to the old Murray farm and that is where he lived until his last day. Here he custom fed cattle and raised cow/calf pairs. 

Alan loved ranching and horses, with old Lady, Dan, Cotton, and Smokey being the special horses throughout his life. Many days were spent herding and working cattle by horseback with family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time with family. For many years, the annual Turkey Shoot was a highlight every fall. He had fond memories from Scuttlebud, countless deer seasons, trips to the Duck Mountains, and Caribou Camp on the tundra. One of Alan’s greatest joys was having people stop by the shop for a visit and “a few.” If those walls could talk…!! In his later years, Alan was delighted to see all the grandkids running wild and playing in the yard.  

He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.  

“Alan’s Last Ride” will be held at the shop at a later date.   

As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made in Alan’s memory to the STARS Foundation (Air Ambulance) online at https://stars.ca or mailed to STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com