It is with great sadness that the family of John Andrew Murdoch announces his passing on April 23, 2015 at the very fine age of 91 and ½ years. Andrew died with his family by his side, proudly in his own home on Birchwood Crescent, the place where he’d lived for the past 57 years. Born in Kilsyth, Scotland in 1923, he spent his childhood there with his mother Edith, father Andrew and beloved younger brother David. He left home to do his duty for King and country and spent the war years in Europe and Africa. While on leave, he met his future wife Winnifred McColl and when the war was over they were married and started a family in Winnie’s hometown of Perth.
In 1952, they boarded a ship and left Scotland with their children Muriel and Fraser to begin a new life in Fort William where their third child Blair was born.
While they had left their families behind in Scotland, Andrew and Winnie were soon surrounded by their own family of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren here in Canada. They travelled this country from coast to coast for many years and made frequent trips back to the “old country”.
Andrew was proud to have worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway Police for 35 years before retiring as Chief Inspector in 1987.
Andrew is survived by his children, Muriel (Gary), Fraser (Connie), Blair (Holly) and his grandchildren and great grandchildren Michelle Murdoch-Gibson (Paul, Sebastian and Rowan), Jodi Phillips (Gilles, Krista and Sydney), Tricia Murdoch (Zachary, Evan, Jacob and Joshua), Jaime Murdoch, Christian Hansen (Molly), Graham Murdoch (Ashley and Macklin), Daniel Murdoch (Ashley), Billy Murdoch (Corina) and Keith Langstaff. He also leaves behind his special friend and brother in Christ, Jimmy as well as extended family throughout Canada and Scotland. He was predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Winnie.
He loved her dearly and has missed her everyday since April 5, 2011. Andrew’s parents, his brother David and great granddaughter Abby also predeceased him.
Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Thursday April 30, 2015 at Evangel Church, 1260 Balmoral Street, with Rev. Gary Wilson officiating. Private Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Andrew’s memory to a charity of your choice.
