Our Deepest Condolences

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Murray James Smith on April 18, 2023 at the age of 93 in Gresham Oregon. He was born on April 11, 1930 to William and Phyllis Smith in Windsor, Ontario. He was predeceased by his wife Darlene (nee Nevels) in 1971, the mother of his 4 children, and his 2nd wife Elizabeth (nee Jahn) in 2013 and his brother Dan and sister Gail. Murray leaves behind his wife of 8 years, Carole (nee Anderson), and brother Philip. Loving father to Dawn (Randy) Yoell, Dan (Marta, predeceased in 2007) Bethany (Charlie) Seefeldt, Melanie (Craig Bowley). Grandchildren, Deanna, Jessica, Adam, Kelly, Britt, Nick, Delia and Josiah. Great Grandchildren Kylie, Jayden and Isla, Step children Laura and Beth and their families.

Murray was raised on a farm in Essex, Ontario. He graduated from Essex District High School. He received an A.A. degree from Graceland College, B.A. from Central Missouri University and then completed his graduate studies in Social Work at Wayne State University. In 1979 he completed his graduate studies at McCormick Seminary.

Murray was ordained a minister in the Community of Christ Church in 1955. During the years of his ministry Murray was employed as a Social Worker at CAS, as a Probation officer for the Juvenile and Family Court and as the Administrator for Social and Family Services for Essex County. In 1976 he moved to the United States and accepted a full time job with the Church. Although Murray formally retired from employment with the church in 1995 he continued serve in the church until the pandemic. Murray was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and was devoted to his family and his church. He found great joy in singing. His favourite song was "How Great Thou Art".

Throughout his life he never met a stranger as he was able to find a common interest with everyone he met. Murray was a dedicated fan of Baseball. The Detroit Tigers and St Louis Cardinals were his favourites. He loved to reminisce about being at the game when the Detroit Tigers won the 1968 pennant. Murray loved carpentry and woodworking which he continued until the age of 86.

The family wishes to thank Sam, Martha, Clement, Godfrey, Charles and Joanne at Golden Nest Adult Foster Care in Gresham, Oregon and also Chaplin Andre and the team from Pinnacle Hospice for the care he received. In following Murray's wishes, cremation has taken place.

Visitation will be at Community of Christ at 5050 Howard Ave, Windsor/Oldcastle, on Saturday May 20, 2023 at 10:30 am. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Graceland University, 1 Lamoni Place, Lamoni, Iowa 50140 or Windsor Community of Christ at 5050 Howard Ave, Oldcastle ON N9H 0M3

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