Dave was born in 1914 in Falls City, Oregon, the fourth of seven children to Dave and Ethel Murray. The family moved to Nanton, Alberta for a short stay before settling on the family homestead on Francois Lake in 1921. Dave spent most of his 95 years on the Southside homestead. His parents, brothers and sisters have all predeceased him: George and (Virginia) Murray of Seattle, Ellen and (Dick) Nichols of Powell River, Sandy and (Mabs) Murray of Powell River; Bob Murray died in WWII, Doug and (Bernice) Murray of Langley. An older sister, Ethel, passed away when the family was in Oregon at three or four years of age.
Dave learned to work hard when he was very young. He was the one who had to stay home from school to help his Dad clear the land. His first job was as water-boy for the Southbank Hospital, hauling water daily. Dave also learned how to hack ties and would float the hand-hewn ties down the lake and Stellako River to Fraser Lake where they went on their way by rail to complete the new railway.
Dave spent a few years in the late 1930’s and early 1940’s working in the Yukon gold fields near Dawson City. He did many jobs while there: Dredge #4, firewood cutter, camp cook, sled dog mail carrier and more. He moved back to the family farm and spent the rest of his life working on the Southside. He operated his own logging and milling business for years before taking a job on the Francois Lake Ferry as deck hand and mate starting in 1964 until his retirement in 1979. Dave married Hilma Berglund in 1949. Their first child, Ellen predeceased Dave in 1952 and they raised their other four children on the family homestead. Hilma predeceased Dave in 1982 and in 1985 he married Mary Michaud and they spent nine years together.
Dave spent is retirement years catching up on the farm chores, gardens, fencing and other projects, sailing his converted life-boat turned sail boat, visiting with friends and family, playing crib, dancing and fiddling!
In the late 1980’s Dave started his battle with cancer and underwent a major operation. His last few years were spent in The Pines care home in Burns Lake. Dave slowly lost his hearing, eyesight and memories. He accepted this as he had lived his life, with a little grumping but mostly patience and humour. Though he has gone on to be with his Lord and the rest of his brothers and sisters, he is ever in our hearts. We love you Dad! Tammy Murray and Beverly and (Larry) Badowski of Prince George; Louise and (Darrell) Anderson and Bob and (Rosanne) Murray of Southbank. Grandchildren: Donna Badowski of Prince George; Michael and (Tammy) Badowski and great grandchildren Rachel and Ryan of Edmonton; Vivian and (Steve) Bigler and great grandchildren Susie, Alex and Adam of Prince George; Stephanie Murray and (Cory Hackett) and great grandchild Brooke of 100 Mile House; Gregory and (Chantelle) Murray of Kamloops; and Glen Murray and (Erica MacNab) of Southbank. Also, step-children: Ray Michaud of Burns Lake, Madeline Pederson of Fort St. John and Loran Michaud of Whitehorse.