Murray Meyers

The family sadly announces the passing of Murray Meyers, 88, of Rainy River, Ont., on Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016.
Murray was born July 27, 1927 in Fort Frances, Ont. to Otto and Jessie (nee McMillan) Meyers.
He grew up in Stratton, Ont., where he attended elementary school and then attended high school in Fort Frances. While in high school, he worked for Mel Newman Ltd. after school and on some weekends.
While sitting in school, Murray would look out the window at George Armstrong’s equipment and daydream of one day owning his own trucks and tractors.
He left school in Grade 11 (1946) and bought his very first truck so he could go hauling gravel and pulp wood. When his truck needed new tires in 1947, he decided instead to buy another new truck because he couldn’t pass up a good deal.
He worked on the Red Lake road and the Kenora highway. Then in 1948, he went to work for the CNR as a fireman on the steam engines. During this time, he kept his truck and hauled gravel and wood on the side.
Murray married Dolores “Dode” Nordin on Dec. 8, 1951 and they settled in Rainy River. Murray took over the bulk Esso business from George Bernier in 1954.
In 1958, while still running the Esso business, Murray formed a business partnership with Emil Halverson and Alf Lougheed. Their trucks and equipment worked on the paving job from Stratton to Rainy River, as well as the bridge connecting Rainy River and Baudette.
While the partnership later was dissolved, Murray continued in the construction business on his own. Throughout the years, he had numerous gravel pits, loaders, and trucks, and kept very busy running both the construction and Esso businesses.
He retired from the oil business in 1980 but carried on with his construction business until the early 1990s. He loved his businesses because they allowed him to interact with so many people from the surrounding communities—many that he and Dode came to know as friends.
His wonderful wife, Dode, was equally hard-working and always helped out with the businesses.
Together they raised three children, Diane, Skip, and Bruce. Murray had a cabin built on Lake of the Woods and had many fond memories of spending Sundays there with his family and numerous friends.
Murray was known for his generosity and helping out people in need, especially the younger fellows in the community.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Dode, and children, Diane (Ole) Hensrud of Maple Ridge, B.C., Murray (Skip) of Rainy River, Ont., and Bruce (Joanne) of Kenora, Ont.; and also will be sadly missed by his grandchildren, Casey (Angela) Hensrud, Katie Hensrud, Jennifer Meyers (Adam Schuster), Michael Meyers, and Jordan Meyers.
He also will be missed by numerous cousins; as well as nieces and nephews who will remember him fondly.
Murray was predeceased by his parents, Otto and Jessie; and brother, Douglas.
A service of celebration and remembrance was held Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Rainy River Evangelical Covenant Church, with Rev. Frances Flook officiating.
Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Rainy River at a later date.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Rainy River Hospital Auxiliary c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com