It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Murray Allan Black. Murray peacefully passed away September 29th, at the age of 75, surrounded by all of his children, enveloped in their deep love for him.

Murray’s kind and creative soul was shaped through many unique experiences over his lifetime. From being raised in Ethiopia where his parents served as missionaries, his 24 years of serving the Township of Otonabee as a volunteer firefighter, and owning/operating the Indian River Lodge in Keene for 25 years, he developed a deep sense of compassion towards all those he came to know. His love for people and for nature was often documented through his paintings and photography.

He now joins both of his parents, Evelyn (Schultz) and Vernal, as well as his sister-in-law Jane in peace, and is survived by his siblings, Dorothy (Grant Adair), Howard (Claudette), Bob (Sue),  Beth (Tom Fellows), and Carol (Demetrius Apokremiotis). Murray leaves behind 6 children: Michael (Stacey Phelps), Aaron (Leah), Caroline (Alex Anstice), Lily (Andrew Mulder), Jane (Nikesh Narsimulu), and Julia (Ming Ma), as well as his five grandchildren: Tommy, Vienna, Emily, Ben, and Chloe.

As well as to his own children, Murray was a father figure to many others who were touched by his unwavering desire to see others doing their best. Although we know Murray is at peace, he will be greatly missed by all.

The family would like to thank the amazing staff of the Health Sciences North ICU for their care and compassion at such a difficult time.

A memorial service to celebrate Murray’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider helping someone in need in your community, or making a donation in his name to DevXchange (devxchange.org/murray), a development organization dedicated to helping people help people, with many projects in Ethiopia which were very close to Murray’s heart.