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MURRAY KENNETH COUCH Obituary pic

MURRAY KENNETH COUCH

Date of Passing: Jul 15, 2014

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MURRAY KENNETH COUCH 1934 - 2014 Peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2014, Murray Kenneth Couch passed away in Stonewall, Manitoba. Left to mourn his loss are his children: Bryan (Lynn), Tami (Curtis), and Cathy, as well as his six grandchildren: Celine (Riley), Adria (Derek), Stefan, Brock, Jackson, and Blake. His wife, Ruth, predeceased him in 2005. Murray was born in Winnipeg and grew up in Swan Lake, Manitoba, where he enjoyed sports from a young age. At 16, he moved to Colorado after receiving a hockey scholarship. Upon return, Murray moved to Winnipeg and graduated in the same class as Ruth at Daniel MacIntyre Collegiate. Murray continued to play hockey and baseball competitively with Winnipeg Monarchs, Winnipeg Warriors, Winnipeg Maroons, the Canadian National Team, Columbus Club, and St. Boniface Native Sons and won numerous awards and championships, most notably the Allan Cup in 1964 with the Winnipeg Maroons. He would later be inducted into the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame for his accomplishments in both hockey and baseball. Murray's career as a head cattle buyer began at Swift's in Winnipeg. From there, he and Eddie Oldershaw developed their own company, Oldershaw & Couch Ltd., at Union Stockyards. In 1988, he became part owner of Winnipeg Livestock Sales where he would finish his career with Jim Oldershaw. His grandchildren have vivid memories of visiting Grampa on Friday afternoons with Gramma to watch the cattle sale and have lunch in the restaurant. Murray and Ruth settled in Winnipeg and had Bryan, Tami, and Cathy in 1960, 1961, and 1962, respectively. The family moved to the country outside of Stonewall and built a home next to their friends, Barry and Pat McQueen. They lived here for the next 40 years. Murray and Ruth raised their children in Stonewall and became active participants in the community. Murray coached several baseball and hockey teams and began the Power Skate program in Stonewall. Murray and Ruth made many friends through his involvement with the Stonewall Oldtimers hockey and baseball teams. These friends got together often to socialize and remained close right up to today. Later in life, Murray loved spending time with his grandchildren and watching them play sport. He was present at every practice and game and would travel for any and every tournament, even if it were across the country! His and Ruth's home was the hub of family gatherings and his children and grandchildren were always busy in the yard: Grampa housed golf carts, skidoos, and ATVs in the shed that the grandkids went crazy on; maintained a pool in the backyard; and bought calves for pets each summer to entertain the grandkids. In 2010, Murray moved to Lion's Manner in Stonewall. There, he was close to his children and spent his days visiting friends and family. Murray continued to value occasions with his family and never delayed on his way to watch a sporting event. Right up to his last days, Murray could often be seen at the rink or baseball diamond. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Funeral service to take place on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Home, Stonewall. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 17, 2014

Condolences & Memories (21 entries)

  • Our condolence to the whole family. Your entire family are certainly pillars of the community. No doubt both Ruth and Murray had a lot to do with that...through their tireless community involvement and support for so many. Murray was so well respected in the hockey community. He leaves quite a legacy... - Posted by: Barry and Rae Tuck (former Stonewall residents) on: Jul 23, 2014

  • An excellent opponent and later a great teammate. He will be missed! - Posted by: john morrison (Teamateand friend) on: Jul 22, 2014

  • Dear Bryan, Tami, Cathy and families, We are so very sorry to hear of Murray's passing. He was an incredible man. So very kind, considerate and gentle. He was so very proud of all of his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by all his family and friends. May your memories of him help ease your sorrows. - Posted by: Bernie, Lorrie and Tony Kratzer (Friends) on: Jul 21, 2014

  • Sincere condolences to all the Couch family ... Murray was a real gentleman and a great teammate when National Team came to Winnipeg in '64-65 ... his accomplishments in sports and business will be remembered by all his friends and associates. - Posted by: Marshall Johnston (Friend) on: Jul 19, 2014

  • Our sincere condolences to the Couch family. the Laxdal & Lindsay families - Posted by: kris Laxdal (aquaintance) on: Jul 19, 2014

  • Saddened to hear of Murray's passing! As a teammate on hockey and baseball teams Murray was always held in such great respect! An old cliche but for Murray it is true....as good of an athlete as he was he was even a better person! My condolences to all of Murray's family and friends. - Posted by: John Rendall (friend/teammate) on: Jul 19, 2014

  • Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing...condolences to you and your family. - Posted by: Jane Bell (friend) on: Jul 18, 2014

  • I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during these difficult times. - Posted by: Cahie Grauls (Co-worker MCI) on: Jul 18, 2014

  • So many wonderful memories of Murray and his long-time friendship with Gary and our family. - Posted by: Beryl Lockhart (Sister of Gary Aldcorn (Murray's long-time friend)) on: Jul 18, 2014

  • Our hearts are saddened by your loss. I have so many fond memories of all of us on the farm. May your memories give you peace and comfort. "When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know" - Anonymous - Posted by: Brenda, Cody, Alexis & Madison Reimer (Pat and Barry's daughter ) on: Jul 18, 2014

  • Bryan, Tami & Cathy...So many great memories of your wonderful Father. Murray was best man at our wedding 50 years ago, all the successful duck hunting trips with Murray and your Grandfather (my Dad) at Hextall's Lodge and all over Manitoba. I'll never forget shooting Murray in the eye. Murray and friends working on the dock & boathouse on Dorothy Lake, building the barn. Tremendous family man, great Brother-in-law and friend forever. Love from Uncle Dennis & Aunt Bernice. - Posted by: Dennis & Bernice McKee (Ruth's Brother and Sister-in-law) on: Jul 18, 2014

  • We will remember Mr Couch, always smiling & attending any hockey or ball game he could sneak in. He was amazingly familiar with all the players & parents. Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family. This wonderful man will be deeply missed. xoxo - Posted by: Bill & Elizabeth Abraham (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2014

  • Our sympathies to your family. Sure will miss our weekly family updates....take care Bryan, Tami, Cathy and your families. - Posted by: Lesley Boisvert (Friend) on: Jul 18, 2014

  • I remember visiting Auntie Eileen and Uncle Bill when I was young and walking over to Ruth And Murray's home to play with Bryan, Tammy and Cathy. I have pictures of all my second cousins and I together. There was many happy times. So sorry to hear about you dad and grandfather. He was a very nice man and the love of Ruth's life. My mom and dad were Jim and Dorothy McKee. My mom was very fond of your grandma Eileen. They were good friends. Again take care and may God bless you all now at this sad time. - Posted by: Catherine Jurkowski nee McKee (Ruth's cousin) on: Jul 17, 2014

  • Bryan, Tami, Cathy & your families, So sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Another pillar of our community is gone too soon. His spirit will live on in the hearts of your family and especially through the love he noticeably shared for his Grandchildren. Take care, our sincere condolences. - Posted by: SUZANNE CAMPBELL & Dean Meyers (Neighbour, friend.) on: Jul 17, 2014

  • So sorry to hear about your loss, will miss seeing him. - Posted by: Chris Scrivener (acquaintenance from the medical clinic) on: Jul 17, 2014

  • To Bryan, Tami & Cathy, I know that no words can help ease the pain and the loss that you are feeling right now. I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My heart is with you in sympathy and friendship - today and all the days ahead. - Posted by: Liz Morrell (friend) on: Jul 17, 2014

  • We will miss seeing Mr. Couch at the ball parks! Our condolences to all the family. - Posted by: Barbie, Randy & Jake Unger (Friends) on: Jul 17, 2014

  • So sorry to hear, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Uncle Murray, not our Uncle by blood, but always called him Uncle. Remember one day the Couch kids had a pony by the name of Scout. Well Scout was a very , well he was a pony! Do not have to say any more. So Uncle Murray got on him one day to straighten him out. Uncle Murray's long legs almost or maybe did touch the ground when he got on. But Scout gave him a ride to remember . Scout ran as fast as he could with his short little legs , Uncle Murray hanging on as best as he could, then Scout stopped suddenly and there went Uncle Murray over the head of Scout. I could not believe it! Uncle Murray was ok and I don't know how long Scout lasted on the farm. - Posted by: Heather Sarraillon (Pat and Barry's daughter , ) on: Jul 17, 2014

  • Murray will be remembered forever as a friend. - Posted by: Jay & Irma Webster (EUR Ranches) (Freind) on: Jul 17, 2014

  • Our sympathies to Murray's family on their loss... a heck of an athlete and a gentleman in every way. - Posted by: Rick Brownlee (MB Sports Hall of Fame) on: Jul 17, 2014

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