MURRAY NEIL HARRISON

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MURRAY NEIL HARRISON

August 4, 1935 - February 27, 2025

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Murray Neil Harrison, of Beausejour, MB, at the age of 89 years, after a long illness.

Murray is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret Catherine Harrison (née Doern), his sister Norma Pierroz (Anthony) of Hamilton, ON, his son Murray Neil Harrison (Gwen), Patricia Elizabeth Hendriks (Brenden) and Laura Kathleen Harrison, as well as his four grandchildren, Kyle, Cecylia, Colette, and Ada. He is predeceased by his brother Dennis, and his sister Elizabeth.

Dad was born in Hamilton, ON, to James Ernest and Bernice Evelyn Harrison (née Saunders). He didn’t really talk much about his childhood, which makes telling his story a challenge, but what we do know is that dad often talked about growing up on Hamilton’s “mountain” and riding his bike to Ancaster.

After the death of his mother Bernice in 1948, Dad stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Harry Needham, of Broadway Avenue, in Hamilton, ON. Dad always spoke fondly of his time with the Needhams, often telling stories of the man he called, “Pops”. He also spoke of living near McMaster University and utilizing their library, despite not being a student.

At some point in time Dad decided to join the Armed Forces. After being arrested in Utah while hitchhiking to join the Navy Seals in San Diego, Dad was eventually deported. Upon arrival he joined the Canadian Army in 1954, serving until 1963, in the Ordinance Corps. He was signed-up by Ernest “Smokey” Smith, the Victoria Cross recipient, whose spelling of “Niel” on Dad’s paperwork followed Dad in certain government documents to this day. Dad said, “you never question a man with a VC medal.” Dad was originally stationed in post-war Antwerp, Belgium, where one of his responsibilities was riding in a 3-tonne truck, disposing of old munitions whose gunpowder now more resembled the more unstable and explosive nitroglycerine. His stint in Europe was followed by time in Calgary, AB, and Churchill, MB, where cold weather survival was taught to Canadian and American service members. He was also assigned to his hometown of Hamilton, that lasted all of one evening, cut short by a bar fight. Dad was shipped out and reassigned the next day. Ultimately, Dad ended up in Winnipeg, MB, where he reported to PPCLI barracks until he was discharged in 1963.

Dad settled in Manitoba after the Army, living and working in Rosser, Red Rose, and Lac du Bonnet. In 1968 he began his post-secondary studies at the University of Manitoba before moving to the University of Winnipeg as a “mature” student from 1969 to 1974, where he was a “student of highest distinction” as a History major, often drawing the ire of his professors for referencing too many sources that the professors would ultimately have to factcheck. It was there that he met another “mature” student, Margaret Catherine Doern of Winnipeg, MB, whom he would eventually marry on December 29, 1976.

The tragic death of his younger brother, Dennis, brought Dad to Beausejour, MB, in 1975. Dennis was co-owner of the local weekly newspaper, The Manitoba Beaver. After Dennis`s death, Dad purchased the paper from the other partners, making him owner, editor, journalist, and photographer. Mom would develop photos in the dark room and pick up the papers from Derksen Printers in Steinbach, MB, and then drive around South-Eastern Manitoba, delivering them to local stores. Dad and Mom were always grateful for the assistance that Mr. Derksen provided when they first took over operations. In 1988, Dad sold the paper to Derksen Printers and retired.

The retirement was short-lived. Needing a new mission, Dad ran for, and was elected, as a school board trustee in the Agassiz School Division. Dad’s passion for education, and ensuring that ratepayers were receiving full value for their tax dollars, lasted long after his children graduated. Dad was a lifelong learner himself, signing up for Adult Education, learning how to navigate a new thing called “the Internet”. He also took high school Biology and Chemistry for “fun”.

Dad was a voracious reader, as anyone who has stepped foot into his library can attest to. He also had the ability to retain a lot of information, which made him a formidable force in Trivial Pursuit and at crossword puzzles. He was an avid organic gardener, specializing in garlic, and earning the nickname “Chasnyk Murr”. Dad always grew more than he could keep so he would often give away lots of produce.

Dad played football growing up in Hamilton. He was a Ti-Cats fan during the Angelo Mosca/Rocky Dipietro years. Not sure if he ever fully converted to the Blue Bombers, but he was definitely no fan of the Argonauts. He loved watching Hockey Night in Canada and Don Cherry. He was a long-suffering Leafs fan who enjoyed travelling around Southern Manitoba, and beyond, watching his son play.

Despite his assertion that Harrison men only live to be 75, Dad managed to defy convention, nearly reaching 90 years of age. This was in no small part due to the care that he received from Mom throughout their half-century together. Right up until the end, Mom was in “nurse mode” ensuring Dad was comfortable, and getting the care he needed, which Dad continually praised.

The family wishes to thank the pharmacists and staff at Rexall Pharmacy Beausejour for the assistance in dispensing our parents’ meds. We’d like to thank the doctors and health care providers at the Beausejour Health Centre, Selkirk Hospital, Misericordia Hospital, Grace Hospital, and finally the staff at Grace Hospice where Dad spent his final days. It’s been a chaotic five plus months but when Dad was in your care, we could rest assured he was receiving the best care. Thank you for your efforts and your compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to CancerCare Manitoba, the Grace Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice, in Murray’s memory.

Cremation will take place, as per dad’s wishes, and a private interment will be scheduled for a later date.

Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

Tribute Link: www.chapellawn.ca

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 15, 2025