Obituary of Gilbert A. J. Murray

  MURRAY, Gilbert - 74, Halifax, passed into eternity surrounded by family on October 20, 2012 at the QEII Hospital.  Born in Ponds, Merigomish, he was the son of the late Chandler and Aleta (Murdock) Murray. Gilbert’s dry wit and growling tone belied a tender heart which loved large and completely.  Proud to be a family man, husband, dad and granddad, Gilbert also wore many other hats.  Upon graduating from the Halifax School for the Blind, he went on to be an instructor at the school, furthered his studies at St. Mary’s and Dalhousie Universities, was a rehabilitation officer for blind adults, as well as being employed at the Delta Barrington.  His most recent achievement was spear-heading a committee to erect a commemorative monument for the School for the Blind which was accomplished on Sept. 28, 2012.  Music also played a dominant role throughout his life, playing piano and singing at family and community functions.  But, for all he accomplished in spite of blindness, he felt his greatest achievement was when he married Helen in 1975; he said, "She was not just the love of my life, she was the love of my dreams." He is survived by children, Danny (Mary Anne) Fleet, Diane (Ronnie) Wright, Nancy (Paul) Porter; stepchildren Robert (Flo) Greenwood, Rowena (Jim) MacDonald, Patrick Greenwood, Joseph (Marie) Greenwood, Basil (Marie) Greenwood; Grandchildren Angela (Kevin), Donnie (Tammy), Tara, Chris, Amber; together with many step grand/great grandchildren; sister, Irene (Bud) MacAulay, brother, Leroy (Ellen) Murray; also numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Special thanks to the medical and nursing staff on 8.2, as well as Linda Fynes, plus many others who offered care and support beyond measure for Gilbert and our family.  Also, thanks to special pals Cleon Smith, Allan Calnun and Wayne Huskins for their friendship. He was predeceased by his wife, Helen Margaret (Smith). Arrangements are under the direction of J. A. Walker Funeral Home (2005) Ltd., 149 Herring Cove Road, Spryfield, (477-5601), where visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 24 from 2-4 & 7-9 PM. Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 25 at 2 PM from the funeral home chapel; interment to follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations in Gilbert’s memory may be made to CNIB.