Obituary of Murray James Swanson

Murray James Swanson, who was the fifth of five sons born to Lawrence ‘Tom’ and Mabel Swanson arrived September 7, 1944, in Provost Alberta. Murray grew up on the farm south of Czar and attended school first at Birdsview, about one quarter of a mile from home and then Little Gap which was a four-and-a-half-mile ride by horseback each day. Grandma Fisher waited with cookies for Murray and watched out for him as he passed through her yard on his way home. He did this from grades one through six and then took the bus to Czar School for Junior High. Murray graduated from Central High School in Hughenden in 1963. Murray enjoyed all sports including Rodeo where he tried his hand at saddle bronc. He had horses all his life and was never happier than when he was helping family or friends with cattle. Murray married Myrna Gail Martineau August 31, 1963, and they made their home in Edmonton for the first few years of their married life. Two boys, Bradley, and Brent, were born while the family lived there. Murray worked as a dispatcher for Rempel Trail, then drove truck for Mannion Oil Distributers. Although Murray enjoyed these years in Edmonton he returned with his family to Hughenden where he worked as an operator at Alberta Underground Storage from 1967 to 1984. Murray then owned and operated Murray Swanson Trucking. Murray enjoyed riding skidoos, quadding, hunting and fishing and the family enjoyed camping for many years. Murray looked forward to attending the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas when they were able to go. Murray loved his children and grand children who were the highlight of his life. He would do anything or go anywhere to attend their school activities and sporting events. He especially enjoyed times at the cabin and horseback riding with them at “Skinny’s” or in local parades. Murray was predeceased by his parents, Tom and Mabel Swanson; his brothers, Donny, Ken and Claude; and grandson in law, Aaron Stoodley. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Myrna; their children, Brad (Gail) and Brent (Cathy); his grandchildren Braden, Brenden, Logan, Ashley (Keith) Campbell, Amanda (James) Richardson, Brittney Stoodley; great grandchildren, Kaden, Kennedy and Kolten Campbell, Sydney, Raynah, Kaci and Aubree Richardson, Leah, Allie and Bryer Stoodley; his brother, Dennis (Barbra) Swanson; and sisters-in-law, Irene Swanson, Trudy Martineau and Jolynn (Wayne) Black; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Murray passed away peacefully on January 27, 2022, with family at his side.