MURRAY, DONALD MacLEAN - The death of Donald "Don" MacLean Murray, Fredericton, NB, occurred peacefully at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital on Sunday, July 21st, 2013 after several years of declining health. Born June 22, 1925, Fredericton, Don was the son of Roland Murray and Isabel (Lewis). Don is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Bernice (Bea) (Newman); his children, Kevin, Toronto; Stephen, Charlottetown; Bryan (Heather), Ottawa; Graeme (Jim), London; and his five grandchildren, Christopher, Jonathan, Andrew, Scott, and Lauren. Don enjoyed a long and successful career. His BSc and MSc, Electrical Engineering, University of New Brunswick, took him to General Electric, Peterborough, where he began his career and married Bea. Career advancement moved him to The National Research Council, Ottawa, where he built his home and started a family. Through National Defense Headquarters, Ottawa, Don addressed a wide range of technical issues in three key roles. He was Scientific Advisor to the Canadian Forces Maritime Warfare School, Halifax. He then became Head of Systems Section, Directorate of Maritime Operational Research, Ottawa. Later, he was Director of the Operational Research Division, Maritime Command and COMCANLANT, Halifax. Don retired from National Defense Headquarters to participate on the global stage with NATO, Norfolk, Virginia. He worked for The Supreme Allied Commander Atlantic (SACLANT) in the role of Director, Long Range Studies and Analysis. In this role, Don received a commendation from D.M. Smith, Rear Admiral, US Navy, for his continuous demonstration of the highest standards of professional ability, initiative, resourcefulness and dedication, while discharging his various and important duties. His extensive knowledge of maritime operations, especially Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), was the basis for maritime force planning throughout the Alliance. He made an important contribution to SACLANT’s shipping protection policy, which was used extensively for high-level decision making during major warfare exercises. He represented the Supreme Allied Commander with distinction at numerous conferences and meetings of the Defense Research Group, the SACLANT ASW Research Centre and other ASW groups. Don’s devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself, the Allied Command Atlantic and The Government of Canada. Don retired the second time in 1985 to Fredericton, with Bea, to reconnect with the people, history and natural beauty of his childhood home. Athletic interests were many: snow and dune skiing; skate, ski and board sailing; skating, snow shoeing, rowing, competitive shooting (1942 NB provincial champion and winner of the Strathcona Shield), hunting, fishing and kayaking. Creative interests were varied: photography, wood carving, pewter crafting, inventing, wood working and boat building. Don was energetic, strong-willed, mischievous, inventive and competitive. He was also loving, loyal, humourous, creative and giving. He was a great example and companion to his four sons and grandchildren, who shared his many interests. Don was a truly courageous and joyful person much loved by his family and friends.
There will be no visitation by request. The funeral service will be held at the J. A. McAdam Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, August 7th, 2013 at 1:30 pm. Rev. H. G. McKenzie will officiate. Interment will be in the Fredericton Rural Cemetery Extension. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in memory of Don may be made to your charity of choice. On- line condolences may be made at www.mcadamsfh.com