MURRAY, Ian 'Scotty'

Ian “Scotty” Gilmour Bremner Murray

May 30, 1932 – December 3, 2023

With profound sadness, we announce Ian “Scotty” Murray passed away peacefully with family by his side in London, Ontario on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at the age of 91 years young.

Loving, loyal and proud father to daughters Colleen and Heather. Adored by his cherished grandson Spencer Cradduck. Devoted and caring husband to the late Emily Jane (died July 28, 1995). Predeceased by four brothers, one sister and parents. Brother-in-law and Uncle Ian to many relatives in Scotland and Ireland who remember his kindness and thoughtfulness. Scotty is missed by London friends and neighbours who fondly recall driveway chats and visits, as well as life time old town friends in Niagara-on-the-Lake who would meet to catch up at the local coffee shop.

Our dad was born at Rosehall Cottage, in Drumoak, Scotland. He grew up in the seaside town of Buckie. He often spoke of his adolescent life experiences growing up during the war years and recounted listening to Churchill over the radio. At the age of fourteen, he began a six year apprenticeship building wooden fishing boats at Jones Shipyard in Ianstown. His mother sent him to Canada when he was twenty years old with $54 in his pocket. He stayed with a brother in Toronto for three months. One weekend they drove to Niagara Falls to take in the attractions and returned home along the Niagara Parkway. By chance, they stopped in at Shepherd Boats and my dad got hired that very day in 1953 and began work the following week. One afternoon, while driving down the dock hill, he met our mother outside her nursing residence and they were married in 1961. In 1966, he erected a small garage at Gillingham Yacht Basin where he established Murray’s Boat Repair. Over the years, he moved to a larger shop at the marina, where he continued to work on wooden boats and became an expert craftsman in the repair, painting and maintenance of fibreglass boats. After running a successful company, where business was done by a handshake as a true gentleman, Scotty retired in 2009 at the age of 77.

During retirement, our dad enjoyed memorable family summer vacations to his hometown in Scotland. When relatives visited him in Niagara, he delighted in touring them around sharing the local sights. While in London, Grandpa Scotty could be found cheering for Spencer at whatever sport he was playing each season. We often went out for a coffee and a drive to the park to see the geese. He enjoyed feeding and watching wildlife in the backyard garden.

Dad had a strong will, determination and resilience. Anytime he was challenged by medical issues, he always rallied back. We used to joke that our dad was like a cat with 15 lives! He always had a smile on his face and a story to tell. Dad was a great teacher of life and a genuine friend. We miss him terribly but we carry loving memories that will remain forever in our hearts and minds. Thank you dad for those valuable life lessons and always being present for us.

Cheers to you, dear dad, for a life well lived. Till we meet again. Love always.

We would like to extend our gratitude to friends, family and the endless list of exceptional health care providers who have loved, supported, cared and advocated for our dad and family throughout the years.

Cremation has taken place and upon our father’s wishes, there will be no funeral or Celebration of Life. A private family interment will take place at St. Mark’s Church in Niagara-on-the-Lake in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the charity of your choice would be welcome expressions of sympathy. Arrangements entrusted with Cremation London & Middlesex, 519-858-2467. Online condolences shared at www.cremationlondon.com.