THOMAS MURRAY PRITCHARD

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THOMAS MURRAY PRITCHARD Peacefully, with family by his side at Stonewall Hospital, Murray left us on Friday, April 3, 2015, just in time to spend Easter with his beloved Angela who went ahead in December of 2010. Left to cherish his wonderful memory are five sons, Campbell (OJ) of Winnipeg, Paul (Faith) of Thompson, Stephen of Stonewall, Dennis (Sandy) of Saskatoon, Charlie (Cathy) of Calgary, and one daughter, Margaret (Dean) Ward of Stonewall. Murray loved children and was proud to be Grandpa to Jon (Lynzy) and Jeff Ward; Dan and Andrew Pritchard; Claire, Becky and Sarah Pritchard; and Annie, Tom and Matt Pritchard; and Great-Grandpa to James and Gavin Ward. Murray was predeceased by his only sibling, Harold Pritchard. Murray was born in Brandon on July 11, 1930, the second son of Richard and Harriett Pritchard. Murray married the love of his life on April 17, 1954. Murray worked for the Department of Highways for 42 years, retiring in December of 1988. Murray's work eventually saw the Pritchard family settle in Stonewall in 1967. Murray loved to ride the roads'. He found many lifelong friends amongst his highways family. Following their retirement, Murray and Angela spent 12 years travelling to Weslaco, Texas and Mesa, Arizona during the winter months. Many new friendships were formed in these years. Murray often referred to these years as the best years of their lives. Life changed for Murray and Angela in November of 2003 when Angela suffered a stroke. Murray's focus turned to ensuring Angela was cared for she was always his number one concern. Many wonderful caregivers allowed Murray and Angela to stay in their own home a place they both dearly loved. Each and every caregiver along this 11-year journey has truly been a blessing from above. After Angela's passing in December of 2010, Murray had to find a way to carry on without his best friend. Although he missed her dearly, he soldiered on and stayed connected with trips to Sig's each morning for coffee and, for the last few years, with daily appointments at the Stonewall Legion with a newfound group of comrades. Murray loved the small town life that Stonewall provided. A place where he knew most of the people he would run into at the Post Office; where the Mayor would walk by and wave to him as he sat in his living room, comfortable in his favorite chair, watching the world go by; where his coffee-pals would call out of concern if they noticed something was not quite right; and most importantly, a place where he had safely raised six children with his beloved Angela. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 18, at 1:00 p.m. at MacKenzie Funeral Home in Stonewall. Murray had a quick wit and a love for interacting with people. He was full of cheeky one-liners and snappy comebacks. Thankfully this sharp wit stayed with him right until his last moments - exactly how he wanted things to be. The other thing he desperately wanted was to be reunited with his true love and so it is that all is well again for Murray and Angela. We know you had a wonderful Easter, Mom and Dad. So very glad you are both at peace. Gone is the face we loved so dear, Silent is the voice we loved to hear, Too far away for sight and speech, But not too far for thought to reach. Sweet to remember he who once was here, And who, though absent, is just as dear. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2015