Obituary of Murray Gold Stark

November 21, 1957- August 13, 2019

On Tuesday, August 13, 2019, Murray Stark, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away at the age of 61 years.  Murray was born on November 21^st, 1957 in Grande Prairie, the fourth child of Desmond and Lorice Stark (nee Weegar).

Murray was a lifetime resident of Bezanson and Grande Prairie.  He graduated from Sexsmith High School in 1977.  Murray developed a love for carpentry and attended N.A.I.T where he obtained his Carpentry Trade Certificate.   After working as a kitchen cabinet builder and installer, Murray went on to work at the Auction Mart.  He especially valued the lifelong friendships that he made there.  Murray loved building kitchen cabinets, projects around the farm and went on to stick build his own home. 

In 1989, Murray lost his vision.   To assist with this transition, Murray was assigned a Leader Dog, named Daisey.  Murray and Daisey began a life long journey together and formed a bond that couldn’t be broken. During this transition Murray wanted to help other people facing these same challenges.  He began the Rehabilitation Studies program at GPRC and graduated with his degree at the University of Calgary in 1998.  After graduation, Murray went on to work with the Accredited Supported Living Society.

Murray enjoyed spending time with friends and family and was always looking for someone to play cards with.  He developed an amazing memory which enabled him to beat anyone who was up for the challenge.  Over the years, even without his sight, Murray provided valuable carpentry expertise, assisting with finishing basements, decks, and garages.  Even though he had no sight, he could always tell when it was being done “incorrectly”.

Murray will be lovingly remembered by his mother, Lorice, and his siblings Lorraine (Wally) Kruger, Garry (Anita) Stark, Ethel (Howard) Curle, Randy (Kathy) Stark, and Dale (Angela) Stark.

Murray will also be fondly remembered by his fourteen nieces and nephews;

Jennifer, Matthew, Sharley, Tiffaney, Kyle, Aurelea, Ryan, Cory, Suzanne, Tristan, Hope, Alise, Kaylyn and Erica.  Murray will also be forever remembered by numerous great-nieces and great-nephews, Kiera, Dayton, Sarina, Areyah, Taleaha, Gunnar, Griffen, Rook, William, Mara, Ben, Jordan, Sydney, Hunter, Mackenzie, Easton, Hayden, Nathan, Grant, and Skylie.

Murray was predeceased by his father Desmond Stark, brother in-law Marvin Rigler, sister in-law Beverly Stark, and his grandparents Rupert and Hazel Weegar. Daisey, his Leader Dog, passed away in 2006.

A Funeral Service in memory of Murray will be held on Friday, August 23, 2019 at 2pm at Bear Creek Funeral Home, 11802 99 Ave, Grande Prairie.  Interment will follow at the Glenn Leslie Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leaders Dogs for the Blind (1-888-777-5332 or leaderdog.org/donate) in Murray’s name.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com