Murray Joseph LaBrash
Feb. 8,1950 - July 31, 2017
Murray LaBrash, born in Saskatoon,SK who left a legacy gift to the Nature Trust of BC, died peacefully at his home near Burns Lake, BC after many years of ill health.
He was predeceased by his parents, Anna Lorraine (Felix) and Hilary Anthony (Tony) LaBrash. He leaves to mourn his sisters Sharon (Keith Boyles), nephews Michael (Andrina) & family, Kevin (Kelly) & family, Lynn Richards (John Leong), Elaine (Jesus Hernandez) nieces Marta, Pilar ( Mike Stevens) & family, his brother Kevin LaBrash & sister Maureen (Kenneth Kuhling), niece Alana McVey (Adam) & family, nephews Matthew & Michael.
Blessed with a soft and gentle nature, Murray will be remembered for his generosity of spirit, kindness, compassion, innate decency and a wry sense of humour. He was an idealistic, social justice warrior. He enjoyed his involvement with Community Futures, Rebroadcast Society and Community Forest - they in turn benefitted from his strong moral compass and intelligent insights.
His love of animals was legendary, in particular “his” deer, birds and cats. Many thanks to Dr. Paula Wiebe, Small Blessing Vet Clinic - Houston, BC for her sensitive care & treatment of Murray’s cats. Murray supported many animal welfare causes, including Mother Millie Fund/ Simond’s Sanctuary in Burns Lake, Roxanne Ophus in Houston for care of stray cats, Parrot Fund and Nature Conservancy.
We will remember and be inspired by his courage in the face of many health challenges.
The family would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Stephen Nantel and colleagues at BMT program of BC, Dr. Greg Norman and colleagues at Burns Lake whose expertise and caring both enriched and prolonged Murray’s life. Special thanks to his steadfast neighbours Judy Kleiger and Dr. Lois Martin who provided extraordinary support to Murray. Cousin Noel LaBrash’s special bond with Murray in addition to his counsel and support was a great comfort to Murray especially during the last difficult years.
Donations in his memory may be made to: Nature Trust of BC or Vancouver General Hospital - Dept. of Hematology.