It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Murray Dale Bettenson in Fairview, Alberta, on February 13, 2017, with his family by his side after his short but courageous battle with ALS at the age of 71 years. Murray was born in Berwyn, Alberta to Verden and Iris Bettenson on September 5, 1945. He grew up on a farm outside of Brownvale, Alberta, with 5 other siblings, and attended school in Berwyn, Alberta. When he turned 16, he left school to enter the workforce. He found jobs in the oilfield and eventually obtained his Class 1 Drivers licence and pursued a career in trucking, even owning his own business with his brother for a time. On December 14, 1974 he married Linda Pohr in a small ceremony in Burns Lake, BC. Together they raised 4 children, Laurie, Dale, Lorne and Loretta in Fairview, Alberta. Murray was a talented musician and singer. He started a band in his early teens with his brothers and played for dances at Griffin Creek and the Brownvale area. Over the years he formed many bands and provided entertainment for weddings, anniversaries and dances all over the Peace Country. Murray also enjoyed camping, fishing and playing music around the campfire with friends and family. Murray’s greatest joy was his five grandchildren. He spent many hours entertaining them with music, teaching them how to carve whistles from poplar branches, even playing Super Nintendo with them for hours on end. Murray will be missed by his wife Linda, children Laurie (Dean) Verbicky, Dale Bettenson, Lorne Bettenson, and Loretta Bettenson, grandchildren Rylan and Ceara Dettling, Nevin Bettenson, Dylan and Jennifer Verbicky, brothers Leonard (Kelly), Terry (Rachel) and Mickey (Barb) Bettenson, sister Bonnie Forsythe and sister-in-law Betty Bettenson, his aunts Marguerite Henry, Faye Feenstra and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. Murray was pre-deceased by his parents Verden and Iris Bettenson, parents-in-law Nick and Rose Pohr, brother Adrian Bettenson, sister-in-law Janet Bettenson, brother-in-law Bill Forsythe, nephews Len Bettenson and Kelly Pohr, and niece Coralie Clair. Murray has requested no memorial service. There will be a private graveside service to be held in the spring/summer of 2017. The family would like to thank Dr. Irvine, Dr. Rousseau, Dr. Star and the nursing staff at the Fairview Health complex for their compassion and the wonderful care they provided Dad. We would also like to thank the family and friends who brought flowers, food, or just popped in or called to provide us with support. We feel truly blessed. If desired, memorial donations can be made to the ALS Society of Canada. https://www.als.ca/donate/memorialtribute/one-time-donation ALS Canada 393 University Avenue, Suite 1701 Toronto, ON M5G 1E6