Obituary of William John Murray
MURRAY, WILLIAM (Bill)
September 1, 1934 - December 6, 2017
Affectionately known by many as "Mr. Fantastic" and owner of Pratt & Murray Realty 1969-1995.
Bill will be missed by his loving wife of 62 years Lorene (Mickey) Gilmour and his three children Danny (Karina), Janice Mulrooney (Michael) and Deanne Buck (Larry). Cherished grandfather of Ryley, Spenser, Eliza and Charlotte Murray, Krista Way (Aaron), Melanie Bowes (Ryan), Stephanie & Amanda Buck. As well as three great grand-daughters Paige & Ellis Bowes and Olivia Buck.
Predeceased by his parents Jack and Katie Murray and a brother Ross. Survived by his sister Patricia Breen (Bernard) and brother Wayne (Mary Lou).
Bill lived life to the fullest at his careers firstly in appliance sales at Boyd and Corkey even selling appliances door to door before shifting to DuPont and DuPont Research over a 15 year span. In 1969 he joined with Bill Pratt, in the continuing formation of Amherstview and beginning his career in real estate. When Bill Pratt passed away in the mid-70s Bill continued his real estate company ownership becoming one of Kingston's largest. His company Pratt & Murray Realty sponsored and administered a Jail and Bail for three consecutive years, having raised over $180,000.00 for Cancer Research. They were also the event sponsors to the Willy Pratt Annual Golf Tournament raising over $200,000.00 for Minor hockey.
Along with that career he entered local politics. Over a twenty year period he served the Township of Ernestown (Loyalist) as Councillor and Deputy Reeve. Bill created the Ernestown Recreation Committee and Coached Hockey CAL.
Bill was President of the local Real Estate Board, President of the Chamber of Commerce, past Honorary Chairman Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal, past chair Lennox and Addington Library board and former majority owner of the Kingston Frontenacs Hockey Team.
Bill was honoured as Kingston Retailer of the Year in 1983. He was recognized by the province of Ontario and awarded the Bicentennial Medal in 1984 and the Celebrations 88 Medal by the Government of Canada in 1988.
As a Rotarian of over 40 years with the Kingston Frontenac Rotary Club, he was recognized as twice President, four times as Rotarian of the Year, and twice awarded the Paul Harris Fellowship.
Bills' family would like to thank Trillium Care Community, where he has spent the last two years, for their loving and attentive care and especially Nurse Practitioner Lindsey LaBrash for her professional help to them during this trying time.
Funeral service will be held at 1:30pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 382 Palace Road, on Tuesday December 12th, 2017 with a Celebration of Life at James Reid Reception and Celebration Centre, 1900 John Counter Blvd (Please enter from the rear parking lot) immediately following.
In memory of Bill, donations can be made to the Parkinson's Canada or the Boys and Girls Club through James Reid Funeral Home.
Bill loved people. He loved life. He will be sorely missed by his family and all who had the privilege to know him. His stories, his sense of humour and his slogans will live on. Have fun -make money, Sell or so long, List or Get Lost, were just a few.
Good bye Bill, we will all miss you.
