Obituary for Murray Edgar Rowe
Murray Rowe Sr. was born March 1934 in Toronto. Murray was the youngest child and the seventh son. His father, William Rowe, hoped to name him Patrick. Unfortunately, Murray was born the day after St. Patrick’s Day, so his father refused to name him at all. Prior to Murray’s birth, a local family physician (Dr. Murray) won the Irish Sweepstakes. Instead of retiring, he began working pro bono and delivered many babies for the Rowe Family. Each week, Dr. Murray would visit the Rowe household and ask for the name of the new baby. After several weeks of indecision, Dr. Murray insisted that his surname be Murray’s first name.
As a young boy, Murray demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit by having one of the largest newspaper routes in Toronto. In high school, he met the love of his life, Betty (nee Elizebeth Forrest). Their relationship and marriage would last close to seven decades. Murray is survived by his wife Betty, his two sons, Murray Jr. (Ann), Steven (Michelle) and three grandchildren, Ellen, Cameron and Amy.
Murray always maintained a close relationship with his siblings and he loved the large Rowe family picnics and Christmas parties. Murray is survived by his older sister, Dorothy Ingram.
Murray had a lifelong interest in boating. During high school, he joined the Argonaut Rowing Club. During the most intensive training, Murray (stroke and captain) and his crew members would row morning and night. This crew would go on to be the 1951 Canadian National Light Weight Champions. They competed across Canada and the US and were undefeated. Murray was later given the Key to the City of Toronto by the Mayor and a lifetime membership with the Argonaut Rowing Club for his crew’s accomplishments.
He applied his rowing experience to work. He was always well prepared and encouraged teamwork. During his career, Murray would hold many senior titles such as General Manager, Managing Director and President. He was appointed to many boards and worked in every Canadian province and most US states. Murray worked into his mid 80’s. In the last decade of his professional career, he focused on supporting police and Indigenous communities.
Murray, Betty and their sons lived in Thornhill and Richmond Hill. The family vacationed year-round at their cottage in Bracebridge.
During his illness, his three grandchildren all took time to care for and live with their grandparents.
Murray will be remembered for his love of family, generosity, and laughter.
A visitation and service will be held at Marshall Funeral Home, 10366 Yonge St. Richmond Hill, the afternoon of Saturday Oct 29th. The family requests masks be worn.
As a young boy, Murray demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit by having one of the largest newspaper routes in Toronto. In high school, he met the love of his life, Betty (nee Elizebeth Forrest). Their relationship and marriage would last close to seven decades. Murray is survived by his wife Betty, his two sons, Murray Jr. (Ann), Steven (Michelle) and three grandchildren, Ellen, Cameron and Amy.
Murray always maintained a close relationship with his siblings and he loved the large Rowe family picnics and Christmas parties. Murray is survived by his older sister, Dorothy Ingram.
Murray had a lifelong interest in boating. During high school, he joined the Argonaut Rowing Club. During the most intensive training, Murray (stroke and captain) and his crew members would row morning and night. This crew would go on to be the 1951 Canadian National Light Weight Champions. They competed across Canada and the US and were undefeated. Murray was later given the Key to the City of Toronto by the Mayor and a lifetime membership with the Argonaut Rowing Club for his crew’s accomplishments.
He applied his rowing experience to work. He was always well prepared and encouraged teamwork. During his career, Murray would hold many senior titles such as General Manager, Managing Director and President. He was appointed to many boards and worked in every Canadian province and most US states. Murray worked into his mid 80’s. In the last decade of his professional career, he focused on supporting police and Indigenous communities.
Murray, Betty and their sons lived in Thornhill and Richmond Hill. The family vacationed year-round at their cottage in Bracebridge.
During his illness, his three grandchildren all took time to care for and live with their grandparents.
Murray will be remembered for his love of family, generosity, and laughter.
A visitation and service will be held at Marshall Funeral Home, 10366 Yonge St. Richmond Hill, the afternoon of Saturday Oct 29th. The family requests masks be worn.