Obituary of Wallace P. MacMurray

MacMurray, Wallace P. – The death of Wallace Peebles MacMurray of Saint John, husband of Norma (Wright) MacMurray, occurred on Friday, May 30, 2008 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in 1928 in Saint John, he was predeceased by his father James MacMurray, his mother Ann (Peebles) MacMurray, also by his sisters Joan O. Bush and Barbara A. Brown and by his brother James A. MacMurray and his son John. He is survived by his wife Norma; son Stephen and his wife Sheila McGinn; grandsons Adam, of Winnipeg and Wallace of Halifax; daughter Sandra of Halifax, daughter-in-law Susannah, and grandsons Andrew and Matthew of Manchester, England. Mr. MacMurray spent most of his working career in the investment business as a partner in Eastern Securities Co. Ltd. The latter part of his working years he was Securities Administrator, Secretary of the Public Utilities Board, for the Province of New Brunswick. He served as a director of MRA's, Ltd., New System Laundry and Maritime Beverages Ltd. He was an extremely active member of the Saint John community. Most recently, Mr. MacMurray spearheaded and was President of the restoration of the Lily Lake Pavilion. Throughout his community life he has served as President of the Y's Men's Club, campaign chairman of the United Way, president of Fernhill Cemetery and president of the New Brunswick Museum and served on their board for 25 years. Active in the development of the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra, Mr. MacMurray was also a president of the New Brunswick Branch of the United Empire Loyalist Association, and President of the Saint John Horticultural Association. As a Mason he was Past Master of Albion Lodge as well as a member of the St. John Lodge of Perfection, Harrington Chapter Rose Croix, 32nd Degree Mason in the New Brunswick Consistory. He was a member of Luxor Temple, Royal Order of Jesters Court as well as Pipe Major of the Shrine Pipe Band for many years. He was active all of his life in the Church of St. Andrew and St. David and served there in many capacities. With the Saint Andrew's Society he was Treasurer and Historian for many years and President in 1967-1968. He was re-elected President in 1998 to chair the 200th Anniversary Celebration of the founding of the Society in 1798. He was President of Saint Andrew's House Inc. He held memberships in the Parrtown Club, Chisholm Lake Fishing Club, Clan Murray Society, N.B. Scottish Cultural Association, Probus Club, Union Club and the Royal United Services Institute. Mr. MacMurray was an active piper in the Caledonian Pipe Band for 20 years. He attended the New Brunswick College of Craft & Design in Fredericton where he received an Honours Certificate in metal in 1991. In 2002 he was the recipient of the Queen's 50th Jubilee Medal in recognition of his volunteer services to his community. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral will be held from the Church of St. Andrew and St. David, Germain Street on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 2:00 PM, with interment to follow at Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.