William “Bill” Murray
Died: March 25, 2020 | Place: London, Ontario
Obituary
MURRAY, William “Bill” Crawford passed away in his London home on Wednesday, March 25, 2020 at the age of 74. Born on November 16, 1945, Bill spent his formative years in London and graduated from the University of Western Ontario. Although he spent many years living in Toronto and Florida, his hometown always held a special place in his heart, and he happily spent his last years living in London. A master of reinvention, Bill changed careers many times and in 2010 he was appointed to the Social Benefits Tribunal, where he had a reputation for being both compassionate and fair. He parlayed his love of politics into a career of over twenty years at Queen’s Park where he held various roles including Assistant to the Whip, and Director of Operations for the Liberal Party. He always had time for the junior members of his team, who he loved mentoring, and could often be found raising a glass with colleagues at local watering holes. A kind and genuine man with a great sense of humour, Bill had an endless curiosity about the world and never stopped learning new things. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou, his sister Judy Thompson (Rod), his daughters, Kim and Liz (Chris), his stepsons Darren (Melissa) and Craig (Heather) and his beloved grandchildren Alexa, Bobby, Katie, Isabelle, Madalynn and Holly. He will also be greatly missed by his nieces and nephew and extended family and friends. Predeceased by his parents Gib and Beryl Murray and his brother David (Connie). He fought a brave battle, never complained and went peacefully. Rest well, Billy, we love you. Given the current need for social distancing, a celebration of his life will be planned when possible in Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kidney Foundation of Canada. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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I worked with Bill for 6 months on the SBT. He was the most influential person I met and informative on how to be compassionate and fair.
Bill was one of the first members I dealt with at the tribunal when I first started practicing. He always found time to give pointers and advice and was always willing to have a conversation about current events and politics. He was a caring and understanding person to those who were often desperate for support and made sure that every client I brought before him felt heard and appreciated. There are many who’s lives were changed for the better due to his work. His legacy and work will never be forgotten.
Bill was a dear friend whose warmth and humour would fill a room. He was the ultimate “people person”!who knew how to gently organize and motivate both volunteers and workers. He will be sorely missed.
To may Lou and the whole MURRAY family , what can i say but i am so sorry to hear of my good friend and former partner’s passing . He was an incredible man . The best of the 4 amigos ( nat , dave and myself ) . Kind , compassionate . Great sense of humour . Loved a good party and incredible political strategist . He was always the calm and reasonable person amongst us . He was a good public servant serving always the needs of others . I fondly remember our great lunches with bill Buchner and others the past few years . I will miss him dearly . I loved him and will always remember him . Rest In Peace my friend and to family know that a lot of people loved him .
We have lost a beautiful human being. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
My condolences to Bill’s family. I learned lots from Bill about political organization and had fun doing it.
There isn’t a person who worked at Queen’s Park during the Peterson era who wouldn’t agree that Bill and Mary Lou were the heart and soul of the place. Bill was a mentor to thousands, myself among them. While its been decades since I’ve been in touch, this one hurts.
Mary Lou, my deepest condolences. I have many fond memories of our political days together. Bill was always a great person to learn from and work with. We have lost a wonderful soul.
My condolences to Mary Lue and the family on Bill’s passing. He was a fabulous individual who understood that mentoring meant caring…. and boy did he care for his political family. His and Mary Lue’s acts of kindness and caring are legendary. He truly cared!!!!
Bill’s mentoring of me upon my arrival at Queen’s Park aa the MPP fom Sudbury were lessons I learned and lived by throughout my years of service. He brought the best out of people always.
Death ends the life but not the relationship. It will be those memories of our interactions over the years that will keep the bonds between he and I alive forever
Rest in peace my friend and thank you for teaching me so much about political service.
Bill was a wonderful raconteur with a wicked sense of humour. He was my boss at LCSB and we shared many laughs (and cigarettes – it WAS the 80s). I have fond memories of him, his intellect, his bonhomie, his passion for politics and for life. May he Rest In Peace. My condolences to Mary Lou and to his family.
Bill was an amazing person. You won’t find a person who ever had a bad thing to say about him – a remarkable feat for someone so politically active. He exuded natural charm and warmth. He wasn’t bad at poker. My condolences to Mary Lou and the entire family. Sante.
Remembering the days at home in London 1959 and many others . Heart and Thoughts are with you all, Love. Myrna
Loyal, kind and compassionate were just a few of the attributes of Bill Murray. He was the glue in am ya ways that kept the liberal staff together and I would say the caucus as well. So sorry for your loss Mary Lou.
Liz, Kim, Mary Lou and all of Bill’s extended family,
We are so sorry for your loss. I’m so glad you were able to visit with your dad a few weeks ago. We’re sending lots of hugs and all of our love from London.
Love Mina & Nick xoxoxo
Bill was larger than life and the father of Liberal politics for every Caucus member and staffer. I have many fond memories working with him and Mary Lou at QP and on campaigns. To Mary Lou and your family, my deepest condolences.
Incredibly wise mentor and kind man, I will miss you Bill. My deepest condolences to his family, his beloved Mary Lou and their children.
Mary Lou, please accept our condolences on the passing of Bill. We have thought of both of you often since Paul was released from the hospital, after being Bill’s roommate. It didn’t take long to discover that Bill was a kind and caring man. I remember sitting in the room late one night and Bill very quietly said behind the curtain – Paul how are you doing? Did everything go well today? We knew he was struggling, but he continued to be worried about his “roommate”. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts, Mary Lou.
Janet and Paul Doyle
My deepest condolences to the family and to everyone that ever crossed path with “Mr. Murray” as I called him when appearing before him at the Tribunal. He was always fair, but never unkind. Followed process, but never lost his humanity. Rest in peace, Mr. Murray, you will not be forgotten.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing this past week. I remember Bill from when he came to London Central in grade 9 and joined the football program as manager. Then on to politics with the Peterson family in high school with both Jim and David. Then we were on to many political campaigns with his brother and my good friend David Murray. Such an outgoing and gregarious person who will be missed but never forgotten by his many friends and colleagues.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
He was my school buddy all the way through.[St.GeorgesPS,Central SS,UWO.
One of the smartest people I knew.
If I was as smart as Bill I would have gotten through a lot quicker.
My condolences to Bill’s family.
RIP my friend.
Curlie Willoughby.
Bill was an incredible adjudicator with the SBT and I was always happy to learn I would be appearing before him. He was compassionate and fair, and more than willing to listen to my clients who often just desperately needed to be heard. As others have noted, there are many, many people living better lives across the province because of Bill. Bill was a joy to be around and chat with, even in the brief moments I had with him before and after hearings. He will be sorely missed.
Many memories Curly.Grosvenor and Thornton. Brilliant guy
I have just learned of Bill’s passing and want to tell his family how much I and everyone else in the Smith family enjoyed his friendship, his expertise, and his mirthful (Just can’t think of a better word right now) presence. My mom Joan loved him dearly, and if they’re together now in spirit, that would make her both sad for his passing, but happy for his companionship. What a great guy, what a great teacher, and what a whole lot of fun he was. I sure hope I can come to the celebration!
My condolences to Bill’s family in a very difficult time. Bill was a tremendous colleague and remarkably kind person. Bill was always so generous with his time and knowledge and his chuckle really warmed a room. He will be remembered very fondly.
My mother and I were saddened to learn of Bill’s passing. The four of you had some wonderful times together…I heard for years about Mom and Dad’s visit to you in Florida in ’94!
Mary Lou and family, our thoughts are with you.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Like many in the legal clinic system, I had the highest respect for Bill. He truly exemplified the best traditions of fair and respectful adjudication.
& I always enjoyed getting his take on the latest political developments. His analysis was expert.
Truly a fine man. I’ll miss him. We are all poorer for his passing.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. Like many in the legal clinic system, I had the highest respect for Bill. He truly exemplified the best traditions of fair and respectful adjudication.
& I always enjoyed getting his take on the latest political developments. His analysis was expert.
Truly a fine man. I’ll miss him. We are all poorer for his passing.
Dear Mary Lou,
I know we’ve spoken on the phone but I wanted to publicly acknowledge your wonderful husband and my amazing colleague. He was one of kind……..our gentle giant……so respected and admired with all those whom he served at the Social Benefits Tribunal……….He is already SO missed. I cannot imagine the enormity of your grief. Neal and I are holding you and yours close to our hearts. See you at the celebration of this wonderful man’s soul and life! With love, Audrey and Neal
Judy has made a donation in memory of her fun loving great brother ??