Obituary
It is with very heavy hearts that the family of the Honourable Justice Alec Thirlwell Murray announce the passing of their beloved father and grandfather Friday morning July 16th in his home, which was also the day of his wedding anniversary to his beloved wife Irene who he married in 1955, and who pre-deceased him in 2018. Alec lovingly cared for Irene throughout her lengthy illness.
Alec will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Beth Johnston of Duncan, BC; son, Ian Murray of Edmonton and daughter, Jennifer (Curtis) Bartlett of Calgary & Toronto; grandchildren: Rachel, Andrea, Mary and Henry Murray; step-grandchildren Sophie and William Bartlett of Toronto, and his devoted dog Maggie.
Alec was born in Medicine Hat in 1932, grew up in Lethbridge, and moved to Edmonton for his Grade 12 year, where he attended Victoria Composite High School. Alec was a talented basketball, tennis and baseball player, having been recruited by the Brooklyn Dodgers. His sports career was cut short when he contracted polio. After recovering, Alec attended the University of Alberta where he lived in Rutherford House as a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity, including a term as President. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree and worked for MacLab Enterprises. He then attended Law School at the University of Alberta and joined the Edmonton law firm of Parlee McLaws, where he had a successful law practice and was a prominent litigator. Alec was a Queen’s Counsel and Bencher of the Law Society of Alberta. He became a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench, retiring in 2202 at the age of 75.
Alec had a very full life including involvement as a Little League baseball coach and supporting community causes including the Edmonton Downtown Rotary Club. He served a term as President of the Edmonton Huskies, and was an avid fan of the Edmonton Elks and Edmonton Oilers. Upon retirement, Alec and Irene enjoyed their grandchildren’s activities and sports, and travelling with their friends, many of whom they met as part of their involvement with various wine and food organizations. Alec’s passion for his roses and garden was well known. Alec had an incredibly loyal group of friends whose companionship he highly valued. As a father and grandfather, he was incredibly kind, generous and supportive. He had a deep sense of fairness, respect for others and was a true gentleman with a wry sense of humour.
Alec’s wish to remain in his home was made possible by his determination and character, and the wonderful support from Annette Roy, his nurses, Lorna Tablazon, Merrydels Tablazon, Vanessa Hequibal, Maricrist Egot, Karoline De Gier, Evangeline Pinaflor, Leah Joy Malaza, and Dr. Richard Hanelt.
There will be a visitation from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at Foster & McGarvey Funeral Home, Downtown. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday July 22 at 12:30 p.m., at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 11111 – 57 Avenue, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Good Samaritan Foundation Seniors Clinic, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
