Murdo Fraser MacNiven passed away on Monday June 12, 2023, at the incredible age of 97 years old. Murdo was born August 8, 1925 in Fort William, Ontario. He was the youngest of four children in his family who immigrated from Scotland, and was the only sibling to be born in Canada. Although he was appreciative of his Scottish roots, Murdo was always proud to be the true ‘Canadian’ in his household.
In his late teenage years, Murdo eagerly enlisted in the Canadian army. After his training, he was sent overseas to proudly serve his country in World War 2. With the end of the war shortly after his arrival, Murdo returned home safely to continue his life and work in Thunder Bay. He started a lifelong career at the local paper mill, which would lead him into his expertise as a millwright for many years to come, known by all as Mac.
Shortly after he met and married his beloved wife Gwen on July 28, 1950, sharing almost 70 years of marriage together.
Murdo was always an outgoing and hard-working gentleman. At a young age he built his parents family home on Vickers Street and then later, his own home on Arthur Street for Gwen and his children. But there was always more work for Murdo to find, which led him to his beef farm during his spare time. Murdo was incredibly passionate about his farm in Marks Township, and with the help of his family, he maintained it for 32 years.
Murdo never ran out of things to do. He also loved having a garden, travelling to Winnipeg to see the horseraces, camping with his family or helping someone with a building project. He truly was a ‘jack-of-all-trades’ that knew no limits. Murdo also had a vibrant and sociable personality, that allowed him to make conversation and friendships everywhere he went. In the quieter moments of downtime, Murdo was an avid reader devouring western novels, as well as a stock enthusiast always studying the market. Murdo’s love for life and everything it had to offer was reflected in the fullness of the life that he lived.
In retirement, Murdo and his wife Gwen spent time exploring North America in their motorhome. But everyone knew that Murdo’s favourite years, were the 13 years spent wintering at their house in Bradenton, Florida. Helping his neighbours, playing shuffleboard, attending social gatherings and picking oranges and grapefruits to haul home to his family. These were golden years that Murdo treasured.
In his later years of retirement, he enjoyed endless time with his family. Whether it was visiting his children’s homes for the holidays, or attending his grandchildren’s birthday parties and graduations, he never missed a moment with family. These last three years Murdo enjoyed his new home and social life at Chartwell Isabella Retirement Residence. Murdo’s family would like to extend a huge thank you to the incredible staff and residents that made Murdo feel like he was part of yet another family during his time at Isabella.
Above all his work accomplishments, travels and hobbies, Murdo’s greatest success in life was his partnership with his cherished wife Gwen. Even after her passing three years ago, he continued to speak of how lucky he was and that if he went back in time, he would choose her and their life together, over and over again. He often reminded his family, that it was the best decision he ever made. A partnership that brought him a close, loving family that he was always grateful for. Murdo lived a full, adventurous and beautiful life filled with no regrets and lots of memories and love.
Murdo will be lovingly missed and remembered by his family, including his children: Donna (Ron) Carroll, Don (Daina) MacNiven, Brian (Betsy) MacNiven and Cathy (Rick) Precosky; niece Janet (Robert) Spence, who was like another daughter to Murdo; his grandchildren: Jason (Melissa) MacNiven, Jordan (Cheyenne) MacNiven, Robyn (Wayne) deBruin, Brittany Precosky (John Heerema), Lesley (Jon) Racco and Kimberly MacNiven (Mitch Caruso): and his great-grandchildren: Logan and Brody MacNiven; Taylor and Kolby deBruin and Holden Racco.
He was predeceased by his parents: Murdo and Janet MacNiven; his siblings Betty (Harry) Ells, Dorcas (Ed) Holmes and Duncan MacNiven. Survived by his sister-in-law Phyllis Greaves.
Murdo’s immediate family will be holding a private ceremony to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate that donations be made to St. Thomas Anglican Church, a continuation of Murdo’s effort towards faith, community and always helping others.
