It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Allan Murray, at St. Peter’s Hospital on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, in his 86th year.
Beloved husband of Nancy (nee Wallace) for nearly 61 years. Loving father of Ken (Corrine), Colin (Sheryl), Louise, and son-in-law, Leslie. Proud grandfather of Caelan (Shae), Ethan (Esther), Jacob, Lauren (Matthew), Rhiannon, Spencer (Paige), Ronan, and Nicklaus. Adoring great-grandfather to Harlow and Easton. Dear brother to (the late) Nessie, Anne (the late Jim), Ian (survived by Lillias), Gerald (Yvonne), and Margaret (Andy). Predeceased by his parents John and Mary (nee Walker), and daughter-in-law Janine Murray.
Born in Paisley, Scotland, Allan came to Canada with his young wife in 1965, settling in Hamilton to raise their family. They made the west mountain their home until moving to the wee farming town of Ancaster in 1977, where they lived for over 20 years. Allan and Nancy retired to lovely town of Southampton (Bruce County) in 2001, where Allan made many new friends.
A beloved father, Allan never failed in his role as #1 fan and supporter. Honest, generous and humble, Allan will be remembered for his fierce loyalty, staunch work ethic, and genuine interest in people. He would do anything for anyone.
He was a proud 27-year Dofasco employee, starting there as a draftsman in 1965 and eventually becoming manager of engineering, overseeing large projects that took him on many trip abroad to Germany, Japan and the United States. After retiring from Dofasco, Allan spent several years as a consultant (Shaeffer Townsend, Kvaerner, etc.).
Allan was an avid sportsman throughout his life (golf, cycling, hiking, walking, pickleball, soccer, tennis…). He worked out at the local gym several times a week for more than 30 years. He did something everyday that got him outside or active. In recent years, that included walking Molly, his tiny wee dog. Most afternoons, you could find Allan and Molly sitting on a bench “down at the flag”, enjoying the beautiful Lake Huron view with coffee and a biscuit in hand.
Allan will be sorely missed by his loving family in Canada and Scotland, as well as by his cherished friends from his long steel industry career and active community life in Hamilton, Ancaster, and ‘up north’ in Southampton.
Though his loss leaves an ache in our hearts, Allan’s legacy of justice and care for others will endure. Visitation: Monday, September 8, 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. (P.X. Dermody, 796 Upper. Gage Ave, Hamilton). Funeral mass: Tuesday, September 9, 10 a.m. (St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 11 Wilson St. W., Ancaster). See the funeral home website for information about viewing the funeral service online.
Allan was a very generous man and supported many worthy causes. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice in his memory would be greatly appreciated.
“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.”
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Editor’s Note:
Through the years of Saugeen Times (18), Allan often submitted letters to the editor, particularly when he felt there was an injustice, such as public transportation for seniors in the area, lack of public washrooms at lakeside or just holding Town Council’s ‘feet to the fire’ when he felt it was necessary, such as the proposed Aquatic and Wellness Centre.
We would often meet at the local Southampton post office, Allan on his bike. He would stop and our conversation would begin, usually around politics or town happenings and not always agreeing. At the end, I would tell him “write a letter to the editor” – he would ride away on his bike and that night a letter would be received. He never let anything he felt strongly about go by.
Allan was also an avid participant in many causes … Saugeen Memorial Hospital, Terry Fox Run, the Gran Fondo fundraiser, supporting local businesses and others … a great legacy.
While he loved riding in the Gran Fondo, this year was not meant to be, so his daughter and four grandchildren rode in his stead wearing T-shorts with his image …
Team “Murrays in a Hurry”
We will miss him.
