Brian Harris Murray

Funeral service for the late Brian Harris Murray, 68, Antigonish, was held October 5 in St. Ninian Cathedral with Father Ray Huntley officiating, assisted by Father Jim Oliver and Father Donald MacGillivray. Burial will be in the parish cemetery at a later date. Mr. Murray died September 29, 2018, in St. Martha’s Regional Hospital. Placement of the hat, gloves and medals at the funeral Mass was by Jeffrey Murray, Ben Brown and Eli Brown. Readers were Kerri-Lyn Brown, Michelle Murray and Jason Brown. Marley Murray, Sam Murray and Andy Murray presented the offertory gifts. Eucharistic ministers were Cathy Chisholm and Rosemary Poirier. Music was provided by Emery Van de Wiel, vocalist Lisa Colton, violinist John Pellerin and piper Scott Williams. Active pallbearers were Terry Balleine, Mick Cashen, Brian Field, John Kelly, Lesley Philpott, Henry Poswiata, David Skead and Dave Thibeau. Honorary pallbearers were Andre Gauthier, Duane Hill, Melissa Hill, Kevin MacDougall, Bobby MacLean, Brian MacLean, Danny MacLean, Eleanor MacNeil, Florence MacPherson, Mary McGillivray, Michael Nugent, John Pellerin, Dave Sinclair and Maurice Smith. He was a son of the late Harris and Phyllis Murray. A highly respected member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for almost 38 years, he was recognized with numerous awards over a distinguished career. Following training at the RCMP academy, he served at various detachments in Manitoba before being transferred to Antigonish. In his years with the force, he was proud of his many accomplishments, especially those achieved during crucial times when working with the Underwater Recovery Team, whom he considered his second family. He was a valued member of this close brotherhood for more than 17 years. He also served as a Community Policing Officer and as a representative of the Member Employee Assistance Program. Following his retirement from the force, he was elected to the Strait Regional School Board, where he proudly served for two terms during difficult times of transition, for which he was also recognized with an award for outstanding service. His colleagues considered him a leader in their work on the board. He believed in and lived truth and integrity in his work and in his family life, offering many words of wisdom with a smile. He was passionate about motorcycles, especially when his wife was along for the ride. He also enjoyed sailing. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rita (MacLean); daughter, Kerri-Lyn (Jason Brown), Antigonish; two sons, Jonathon (Michelle), Jeffery, Antigonish; five grandchildren, Marley, Ben, Andy, Sam, Eli; brother, John (Pauline), Sydney; mother-in-law, Frances MacDonald, Antigonish; two sisters-in-law, Yvonne (Michael), Miriam (Duane); three brothers-in-law, Danny (Debra), Bobby (Cindy), Brian (Angela); many nieces, nephews. He was predeceased by his father-in-law, Garfield MacLean. Memorial donations may be made to Antigonish Challenger Baseball www.antigonishbaseball.com or to a charity of choice. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com