MURRAY JAMES CRADDOCK

On Monday, September 2, 2013, surrounded by family, Murray passed away at the Gimli Community Health Centre, after a lengthy illness. Murray leaves his wife Lorraine Sigurdson, his sons Jason (Connie) and Adam (Jocylin), his precious grandchildren Kaleigh, Joseph, Emberlynn and Aaliyah. He is also mourned by his sister Joyce, brother Lloyd (Glenda), his brothers-in-law Ray Mitenko and Jim Milne. He leaves his Sigurdson family, mother-in-law Gudrun, brothers-in-law Brent (Kathy), Warren (Stacey) and sister-in-law Noreen (Don Barkman), numerous nephews and nieces in the Craddock and Sigurdson families and many dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Mary, and his sisters Bev and Brenda.

Murray was born in Winnipeg. While he was still in school, he began a number of part time jobs including Bethania Personal Care Home where he secured full time employment. At Bethania, he was involved in organizing CUPE Local 1629, and became the first President of the local, the youngest local President in Manitoba at the time. His involvement with CUPE led to his becoming a staff representative in 1983 retiring in 1995. He loved his work with CUPE and fighting to improve the working conditions of CUPE members.

Murray and Lorraine met through their involvement with CUPE and were married on December 30, 1988. They lived in the West End of Winnipeg. In 1992 purchased a cottage at Balaton Beach which was renovated for their dream retirement home where they moved in 1996 when Lorraine retired from CUPE.

Murray was able to build his garage with his dream workshop. He loved photography, the Beatles, woodworking, old movies, biographies and working in the yard. He loved to have friends and family over, both in Winnipeg and at the lake, especially when he could use his barbequing skills. Murray believed in the principles of the New Democratic Party and worked on numerous election campaigns. He was a member of the Manitoba Hazardous Waste Board for over 10 years. In his retirement, he joined the Riverton Elks, was involved for a time with the Riverton Transportation Museum and was a member of the Interlake (Interlake Eastern) Health Authority board.

Cremation has taken place. A private interment will be held with a reception at the Riverton Community Hall at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2013. Murray did not want a funeral but “a party” so this will be a chance for us to share memories of this wonderful, funny and caring man. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff of the Gimli Community Health Centre for all the times that Murray received care there. Flowers are declined.

Donations may be made to Riverton Elks, #530, Box 660, Riverton MB or to a charity of choice. Donations to the Elks will be accepted at the reception. Gilbart Funeral Home, Gimli in care of arrangements.

As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on September 05, 2013

MFL – In Memoriam