Ian Murray

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