Murray Elder Straker

Murray Elder Fitzroy Straker passed away on January 7th, 2023 at the age of 88. Lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Barbara (Ford), his son Garnett (Charlaine), daughters Glenda, Alison and Devra (James Henderson), grandchildren Luke, Christian, Lillianna, Samantha, Kayla, and Kelsey. 

Murray was born in Dubuc, Sask., the second born child to Cecil and Ena (Keith) Straker, and sibling to sister Nita. He grew up in the Bangor and Dubuc area, and following the death of his mother when he was two, Cecil later married Helen Gibson and they added siblings Gail, Lyle, Joan, Merle and Jimmy. 

Murray completed his education in Yorkton and he then headed to Alberta, where he spent 20 years. During that time, he and Barbara got married and started their family, before returning to Saltcoats where they remained surrounded by family and friends for the remainder of his life. 

Throughout his lifetime, Murray had many careers, always in pursuit of a better life for himself and his family. 

Murray's interests were many. Passionate and varied, they included woodworking, photography, camping, boating, fishing, hunting, firearms, motorcycles, history, and genealogy. In later years, he had a keen interest in the world wars, and authored two WW2 books. 

One of Murray's major accomplishments was facing the challenges of a lifetime with diabetes and having a normal, productive life despite this obstacle. One of Canada's longest surviving insulin dependent diabetics on insulin for over 74 years, he participated extensively in diabetes research with the Diabetes Research Institute Foundation Canada (DRIFD) and the Joslin Diabetes Center (Harvard Medical School affiliate) in the USA. 

In lieu of flowers, a donation box is set up and donations to the DRIFD in memory of Murray are much appreciated. 

The family will be hosting a gathering in honour of Murray on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 2:00 PM in the Saltcoats Community Hall, 203 Glasgow Ave., Saltcoats, SK 

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