Obituary of Murray Allan Beesley

It is with great sadness and with great joy that we tell you that Murray Allan Beesley has gone to be with our Lord. He passed away on Saturday, January 19th. Murray was born on August 18th, 1927. At the age of two he was adopted by Winifred and Raymond Beesley. He attended schools in West Saint John and in Montreal, graduating from Saint John High School in 1945. Later he attended Modern Business College. As a youth Murray attended Charlotte St. Baptist Church. While first working in Montreal, Murray and Dottie went to Crawford Park United Church. After a job transfer took Murray and Dottie back to Saint John in 1968, they attended Hillcrest Baptist Church. Returning to Montreal for work in 1982, they attended Evangel Pentecostal Church. Upon retirement in 1989, they came back to Saint John and returned to Hillcrest Baptist. For most of his adult life he sang in church choirs. Murray’s entire working life was with CP Rail, overseas trade. Murray and Dotty raised their daughters, Wendy and Wanda in Montreal and Saint John. About 15 years ago Murray connected with the wonderful and loving Bucks, his birth family. Murray and Dottie enjoyed many summers at Crystal Beach with family and friends. Murray performed with the Saint John Carriden Choir, the Montreal Elgar Choir and with Saint John Arts Council (serving as President for a time). Truly Murray loved the stage, especially as a soloist. Other interests included: Traffic and Grunt Clubs of Montreal, Saint John Transportation Club, Saint John Transit Commission, Carleton Union Masonic Order, Order of the Eastern Star (Philip A. Ferguson, Chapter 18), bowling league, cruise ship Meet and Greet, Board of Directors of Seafarers’ Mission, and ushering at the Imperial Theatre. Murray is survived by his daughters; Wendy Faith Murphy (Michael) and Wanda Hope Haddow (Paul), grandchildren; Alina Cartwright (Darren), Ryan Murphy (Heather), Shelagh Murphy, and Alexander Binsley (Fiona), brothers; Darrell Buck, Denton (Marilyn) Buck, sister; Mardie Sprague, sister-in-law; Donna Buck, great-granddaughters; Laura and Avery Cartwright, great-grandsons; Cole and Gavin Murphy, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, Murray was pre-deceased by his wife, Dorothy (Duval) sister; Dolores Graham and brothers; Arnold and Norville Buck. In his last year and a half, Murray lived at Kennebec Manor where he was treated with amazing professionalism, friendliness, and compassion, especially in his last several days. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Avenue, Saint John, NB E2M 2L3, 506-634-1701. Visitation will be held at Castle Funeral Home on Tues., January 22nd from 6 PM-8 PM and Wed., January 23rd from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place at the Hillcrest Baptist Church on Thur. January 24th, at 1 PM with a reception to follow at the church. Burial will take place at a future date at the Long Reach United Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Seafarers’ Mission, Imperial Theatre, or Hillcrest Baptist Church. Online condolences can be made at www.castlefh.com.