August 22, 1936 - March 25, 2019
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved dad and grandpa, Michael St Aubyn McMurtrie at the age of 82 in 100 Mile House, British Columbia, Canada.
Michael was born in London, UK just before the start of WW2. After his schooling at Clifton College in Bristol, UK, he joined the 2nd Battalion King's Shropshire Light Infantry. Immigrating to Canada in 1957, Michael first settled in the Calgary area, where he worked with horses at a ranch.
He graduated from the Southern Institute of Technology with his auto mechanic's diploma. In May 1962, he joined the Canadian Armed Forces (Queen's Own Rifles of Canada) in Calgary, AB as a Lieutenant.
Later postings included the Canadian Airborne Regiment in Edmonton, AB and the 2nd battalion PPCLI Victoria, BC. His last active posting was to the Combat Arms School in Gagetown, NB. Over the course of his military career, he rose to the rank of Major, finally retiring on his 56th birthday (1992) while working at National Defence Headquarters (NDHQ) in Ottawa, Ontario.
Before his retirement from NDHQ was final, he embarked on his next adventure as the proprietor of the McCauley Motel in Prescott, ON for 16 years. Selling the motel allowed him time to focus on his new passion, golfing, while living near Malaga, Spain and Dorset, UK. He returned to Canada in 2018 to join his daughter in 108 Mile Ranch, BC.
Michael was an avid storyteller whose tales seemed to get taller with each recount. The family camping trips with the VW camper were an endless source of stories. He enjoyed rugby, coaching ringette and hockey, all without ever learning to skate. Otherwise he could often be found tending to his garden, always busy, and never wanting to sit down.
He is survived by the mother of his children, Bridget McMurtrie and his partner of over 20 years, Jeannie Olsen. Michael was a devoted dad to Nigel (Carole), Marcia, Paul (Roberta) and grandfather to Carisa, Bryna, Lauren, Connor, Stewart, and Moira. He is remembered fondly by his twin brother Hugh and younger brother Jonathan (Anne). Michael was predeceased by his parents, LtCol Douglas and Kathleen (Wake) McMurtrie, brother David McMurtrie and son-in-law Jon Sortome.
A gathering to celebrate Michael's life will be held on June 7, 2019 at 11 am at Saint Lukes Church, Base Gagetown,New Brunswick.
Thank-you to all friends who provided unwavering love, support, and prayers. A special thanks to Michael's caregivers including the medical staff at 100 Mile District Hospital and the volunteers with 100 Mile Hospice for making his final days more comfortable.
May you rest in peace, Michael, until we meet again.
Cariboo Chilcotin Funeral Service Ltd. entrusted with the arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family care of info@ccfuneral.ca
