MURRAY, Gratton Keith
(1937 – 2009).
Gratton Keith Murray was born July 25, 1937, at Shaunavon, SK, and passed onto a new life on January 23, 2009, at Saskatoon, SK. He was born to Joseph and Lila Murray and was the eldest of five children. He graduated from Shaunavon High School and attended his first year at the University of Saskatchewan in Engineering. It was in March of that year when his life took a very different path. His father passed away of pancreatic cancer and Gratton came home to take care of the farm and his mother and siblings. He had no regrets. Gratton loved the farm, was a keen business man and active in his church and community. He valued his membership in the Knights of Columbus and the fellowship he found there. He followed the fortunes of the Shaunavon Badgers for a number of years, and rarely missed a morning coffee with the “Senators” at JB’s. He was especially proud of the success of the Southwest Terminal of which he was a founding board member. Gratton was actively involved in politics for a time and always had an opinion on the latest happenings in government and all current events. All of these things took second place however, to his family. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Gratton was predeceased by his father Joseph; his mother Lila; his sister Joyce; and his brothers Gary and Donny. He is survived by his wife Carolann; his children Catherine (Mike) Close of Kindersley, SK, Joe Murray of Shaunavon, SK, Jennifer (Eric) Clarke of Toronto, ON, and Jon (Kelly) Murray of Norman Wells, NT; his grandchildren Braden and Justen Close, Michael and Hanna Clarke, and Livia and Ayla Murray; his sister Carol Selinger of Edmonton; and sisters and brothers-in-law Betty and Frank Korycan of Ottawa, ON, Art and Aline Schafer of Maple Creek, SK, Darla and Andy Turianyk of Edmonton, AB, and Ron Taylor of Gull Lake, SK; as well as by numerous nieces and nephews. “You only live life once, but if you do it right, once is enough”. This quote brought a smile to Dad’s face near the end and we believe that it summarized his time with us. We wish this time had been longer but Dad’s deep spiritual faith has made it easier for all of us. Prayer Services were held from Christ the King R.C. Church on Wednesday, January 28, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. Funeral Services were held from Christ the King R.C. Church in Shaunavon on Thursday, January 29, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Father Rick Krofchek officiating. The eulogy was presented by Gerald Girodat. Members of the Knights of Columbus attended and formed a Guard of Honor. Honorary Pallbearers were Alex McFayden, Gerald Girodat, Bernard Murray, Russ Markell, Edward Busse and Gordon Speirs. Binkley’s Funeral Service of Shaunavon (www.Binkleys.com) was in charge of the arrangements.