Obituary

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Murray Golub on August 26, 2014 at the age of 67.  He will be dearly missed by his wife of 43 years, Marilyn and by his two sons, Mark and Michael.  He also leaves to mourn his brothers, Larry (Bonnie) and David (Melody), Uncle, Earl (Gloria), his mother-in-law, Molly, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Marty and Lori and sister-in-law, Carol (late Darryl) as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.  Murray was predeceased by his parents, Sydney and Edith and by his father-in-law, Norman Lachter.

As a youngster, Murray attended Luxton School and St. John’s High leading up to a B.Sc. and B.Ed. at the University of Manitoba. While attending university, at Hillel House, he met the love of his life and best friend, Marilyn.  They married four years later in 1971, a year before Marilyn began practicing as a dental hygienist. They spent their seven week honeymoon travelling in Europe and returned to countless outings involving golfing, camping, bowling, curling and winter excursions to Florida and summer trips to Clear Lake, which continued as an annual tradition after the birth of their two sons.  Together they took pride in raising their boys.  Their lives were always filled with activities centering on their children.  In addition to attending their numerous lessons and games, Murray was also involved in coaching their various teams.  Any holiday, birthday or accomplishment was an excuse for a family celebration.

Murray was loved for his optimism, smile and caring personality.  He had countless hobbies and interests that always made sharing time with him a great experience.  Murray’s love for his wife and two sons was endless.  As his health declined, he always handled each challenge with a smile right to the end.  Murray had phenomenal strength.

Murray was well known for his unique ‘Golubian’ teaching style and creative learning programs in the junior high classroom in the St. Vital School Division.  Utilizing his amazing lapidary program, he was recognized for his teaching excellence and innovation and was awarded the Hilroy Fellowship Program and Emerson L. Arnett award.  Murray’s passion for Edgar Allan Poe was also one of the many highlights that his students cherished for years to follow.  For over 30 years, Murray gave countless memorable hands-on learning experiences and opportunities for developing sense of self-worth to many students who fondly recollect those invaluable teachable moments. His teaching continued in the gym where Murray successfully implemented his training as a volleyball coach and also held dance lessons.  Murray often guided many of his students through their difficulties and learned years later that he helped them avoid choosing the wrong path.  Right up until his passing, several of his former students continued to visit with him and schmooze over dinner.

As Murray’s health declined, he still continued educating by volunteering in the classroom.  When his mother entered the Sharon Home, he visited her almost daily. After her passing, Murray volunteered there, helping the seniors who adored him.  Murray remained active by gardening in his beloved yard, researched and developed a digital comprehensive family tree, took courses in numismatics and attended numerous coin shows and auctions, making friends near and far.

Through thick and thin, his two precious boys were always at his side helping and supporting.  He was so proud of their achievements; both currently network marketing professionals and public educators in the Health and Wellness sector and Mark as a High School teacher and professional photographer and Michael first as an aviation maintenance engineer and now a firefighter paramedic.  While they helped him, Murray continued to be a pillar of strength as a father, always attentively listening, sharing and guiding.  As Marilyn helped Murray through difficult times, he still continued to lovingly give her support and strength through his courage.  Murray’s family was the pride of his life.

A funeral service was held on August 26, 2014 at the Etz Chayim Synagogue with interment at the Shaarey Zedek Cemetary and Shiva was held at the Golub residence.  Thank you to Rabbi Lander and pallbearers, Dr. Larry Golub, David and Daniel Golub, Ryan Solomon, Doug Tiltman and Jack Fraser and honorary pallbearers, Earl Simmons and Marty Rayman.  We would like to express our appreciation to Kathy, Blessilda and Meli and sincerely thank all of Murray’s healthcare professionals for their endless support and care over the years.

We would also like to express our heartfelt thanks to our family and friends for your thoughtfulness and comforting support in our time of sorrow. Your generous gifts of donations, food, flowers and cards of sympathy in Murray’s memory were greatly appreciated.

As many know, Murray impacted the lives of countless students in the classroom.  At this time, in honor of continuing Murray’s legacy, the “Murray Golub Teaching Innovation Trust” has been created. It will award $1000.00 annually to a deserving educator who develops and continuously implements a unique and innovative hands-on classroom learning program.  In addition to donation information, an online tribute page is available for viewing at www.murraygolub.info

Murray will be eternally loved and missed by everyone whose lives he touched.

“Mur/Dad, you will live forever in our hearts and minds.”