December 15, 1926 ~ November 29, 2012
John Francis Murray of Sechelt, British Columbia passed away quietly November 29, 2012.
He was born December 15, 1926 in Langley B.C., the third son of James and Jean Murray. He attended Kerrisdale Elementary School and Point Grey Junior High and graduated from Magee High School. He later completed a year of business school.
John served our country during World War II as a seaman in the Royal Canadian Navy. Based out of Halifax, he served on a number of ships such as the Discovery, Cornwallis and Ontario.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Marjorie Elnora (nee Broyles), and by his two brothers, Everett and Bert Murray.
John was well known for his contribution to the nursery industry. In 1953, he was one of a small group of businessmen who founded the British Columbia Landscape and Nursery Association. Landscaping was a big part of John’s work and life. Many mature tree plantings and local gardens owe their beauty to his skill as a plantsman. His successful garden centre and nursery, first located on West 41st Avenue and then on West 57th Avenue in the Southland Flats was one of Vancouver’s best known garden centres. He led a full and active life. He enjoyed two of the West Coast’s premiere sports, boating and salmon fishing. John and Marjorie also square danced for many years with the See Saws in Dunbar and enjoyed cruising together. John retired in 2006 to Sechelt, where he grew annuals and vegetables in his greenhouse.
John is survived by his children Susan (Gerry Lamb), Ken (Lynette) and Betty Murray (Rob Silins); grandchildren Jason (Stacy), Christopher, Amanda and Julia Murray, Douglas and Carl Lamb and Nikolaus Silins. He is also survived by four great grandchildren; Braden, Callista, Cassandra and Sarah.
His sense of humour and smile will be greatly missed.
The funeral will be held at Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC, on Saturday, December 22 at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow in the Fireside Room. 
A memorial service will also be held at the Bethel Baptist Church, 5717 Mermaid in Sechelt, BC on Saturday, January 26, 2013 at 2:00 pm for those unable to attend the earlier service.