1938-2024
It is with deepest sadness that we share the passing of Murray Lee at Jessica’s House Hospice on May 23, 2024. Waiting to welcome him at heaven’s gates were his parents Jean & Lyell Lee and sister Beth Marjama. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 62 years Jeanie Lee (Sutherland) who was his continual support through this journey, his brother George E, sister Phyllis Tomes (Tom), brother-in-law Bill Sutherland, as well as many nieces and nephews whom he loved and admired. He was always ready to be a part of any family gathering or celebration. He was predeceased by a niece Milda, in-laws Gordon & Catherine Sutherland, Sydney Sutherland, Beatrice Lee and Gunnar Marjama.
Murray was a gentle man who was raised a farm boy with a hard work ethic that continued through his successful dairy farming career and in semi-retirement. His love of the land could always be seen in the lawn and gardens around his home (no dandelions on that lawn).
Murray was a lifelong member of Carlisle United Church where he served in several capacities and shared many happy rewarding times with his church family. Those lasting friendships were treasures that spanned many decades.
Murray had a passion for model trains and antique cars. He spent untold hours tinkering with the train set-up in his basement and cultivated his interest in classic cars through the Shriners classic car group. He had a love of sports having played baseball in his youth and the Blue Jays and Toronto Maple Leafs were top of the list.
He was a very keen and active member of several fraternal groups having been a member of Craig Lodge # 574 for over sixty years. He was a past thrice puissant grand master of London Valley Scottish Rite 33 degree – in addition a member of Minnewawa Chapter R.A.M 78 GRC and Exeter Chapter # 222 Order of the Eastern Star for fifty years and until recently a member of Mocha Shrine classic car unit. These fraternal connections fostered many long lasting and cherished friendships which remained until his last day.
Most important to Murray were the gatherings he shared with family and close friends and he will be greatly missed by those who loved and respected him so deeply.
Special thanks is extended to Dr. Stephen Welch oncologist , Dr Michaela Ondrejicka, Dr. Ming Lam and all the awesome nurses and volunteers at Jessica’s house who provided exceptional care. St. Elizabeth nurse Charlene was always a ray of sunshine when doing her house visits.
Visitation will be held at the Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Friday, May 31st from 4:00-7:30 PM and again on Saturday, June 1st from 1:00-2:00 PM. Murray’s memorial service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday at 2 PM with Jacqui Moraal officiating. An Eastern Star service will be held in the funeral home on Friday evening at 7:30 PM followed by a Masonic Lodge service at 8:00 PM. Cremation with interment in Carlisle Cemetery, Middlesex Centre.
Donations can be made to Jessica’s House, London Scottish Rite Learning Centre for Dyslexic Children, or a charity of your choice.
George & Carol Lightfoot
Jeanie, George, Phyllis & Bill Sutherland, Please accept our deepest sympathy & sincere condolences. Our prayers & thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Jeanie, we know your heart & soul is filled with many treasured memorable moments with your life-long loving husband & best friend. May Murray rest in peace. In God We Trust. George & Carol Lightfoot
Gloria Riddell
Jeanie: Sincerest condolences on the death of Murray. Treasure the memories you had together.
Anne Helm
Dear Jeanie.
My sincere condolences on your loss.
Anne.
Julianne Varley
Thinking of you Jeanie and the times spent at your farm as a child. I always think of you and Murray when driving down the Denfield road and where we would turn to go to the farm. Your home always so pretty and the and the annual drives past your home on Huron St. at Christmas with my kids and now grandkids to enjoy all the lights and displays. Murray will be missed. Take care.
Julianne
Bernice and Ken Guiler
Hi Jeanie
Sorry that we were not able to be there this weekend. We are saddened to hear of the loss of Murray. You are a great couple.You are in our thoughts and wish for you – a time of peace with great memories.
Sharleen&Glenn Phillips
Murray was such a go-to-man! Anything that needed to be done, he got it done. Repairs at church, making meat pies, catering, help decorating Christmas trees, driving his convertible at Ilderton Fair for dignitaries, hosting parties are just a few. Murray was your great partner Jeanie. He will be missed but not forgotten
Janet Heaman
My sincere condolences to the Lee and Sutherland families and especially to you Jeanie. Murray was a great guy and will be missed by many. Thinking of you Jeanie at this sad time, hoping your many memories of happier gatherings and celebrations help fill the void you will feel now.
Hugs, Janet
Sandra & Larry Hern
Dear Jeanie, Phyllis, Tom, George and Murray’s family members,
We extend our love and sympathy to you all as you deal with the sad loss of Murray. He was a wonderful husband and brother, brother-in-law and Uncle, and a dear friend to many. Murray and Jeanie were a perfectly matched pair who did so much for their Church, The Order of the Eastern Star and the Masonic, Shriners and Scottish Rite communities to raise money for many, many Charities. Whether it was making meat pies, helping with catering, decorating 15 plus Christmas trees inside their home and Lights galore outside and then inviting the public in to enjoy the beauty…or having weekly Choir practices and then enjoying the fellowship after, we will miss his laughter and jokes, and being asked “How you are?!”. We will always remember him with a smile and appreciate the opportunity we were given to be blessed with our friendship with such a kind, unassuming and gentle man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Roy and Mary Jane van Kasteren
Lee and Sutherland Families,
Sorry to hear about the loss of Murray, he was a kind and caring man and we remember him as always having a smile on his face! We will have you in our thoughts and prayers, and may the memories you have of Murray bring joy to you in the future days ahead!
Ken & Joan Agnew
Dear Jeanie,
We were saddened to hear of your loss of your best friend. We remember how dedicated you were in visiting your many lodges and participating as a couple, also the fantastic Christmas themes you created in your home as a charity and joy to the community.
Our sincere condolences, Ken and Joan
Rob Marshall
My heart goes out to you Jeanie for your loss. Working for Murray was my first job weekends and after school. It was great experience and I learned a lot. Milking cows and field work is still in my blood. I will miss Murray. Hugs for you Jeanie you were the one that cooked our lunch and gave us energy to finish the day. Rob
Wally & Elaine Gray
Jeanie, we send our deepest sympathy to you
Wayne and Barb Paton
Jeanie and family. Sending you our sincere condolences on the passing of Murray. He was a special, caring, gentleman in all his capacities. Keeping all your special memories close to heart will get you through the sad and difficult times today and in the days to come.
Wayne and Barb.
Kay Tripp
My condolences to all the Lee Family..Kay Tripp
Doug Eagleson
Murray has been a valued member of Craig Masonic Lodge for over 60 years. We will miss his leadership and good nature. A wonderful man respected by all who knew him.
Marlene Meggett (Hotson)
Jeanie, George, Phyllis, Tom & Families. Please accept my deepest sympathies for loss of your life long partner and brother.
Sincerely, Marlene Meggett.
Don Lankin
Mrs Lee Phyllis &Tom my deepest condolences
Lawrence & Carol Amos
Our sincere sympathy to Jeanie, Family and Friends at this sad and difficult time. Murray always had a smile serving the Community with Commitment and Dedication. May all the Wonderful Memories bring peace to each.
Harold and Margaret Saunders
Dearest Jeanie,
This is such a sad time with the loss of Murray. He was always a positive force whether it was at Lodge or in the community. We shall miss that smile and sense of humour. Our love and thoughts are with you.
Brad & Anne
Dear Jeanie, we are deeply sorry to read of Murray’s passing. To meet Murray was to love a kind & humble man with a great sense of humour. He quietly accomplished so much in helping others through all his organizations. Murray will certainly be missed & remembered by so many. Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers.
Hugs. Love Brad & Anne
Doreen Lee-Jones
So sorry for your loss Jeanie.
Dianne De Wys and family
My heartfelt sympathy to you, Jeanie. Murray was a best friend to everyone, highly respected and hard working. It was always interesting to view his car collection and enjoyed his sense of humour. It was a pleasure and honour to know him.
Gary and Linda Hayter
Phyllis, Tom and family. Gary and I are so sorry to hear of your brother, brother-in-law’s passing. Our prayers, and thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Betty Louisa St.Onge
Dear Sister Jeanie:
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear soulmate Murray.
He was a wonderful mate and friend to many. May he rest in peace.
God be with you as you mourn his loss.
With Star Love and Friendship;
Betty St.Onge
RW Bro Michael Stilwell, Huron DDGM
Please accept our deepest condolence on behalf of the Brothers of Huron District for the loss of Murray. He was respected and loved by all and his contributions to the World will be missed.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Phyllis, family and friends
Sorry for the loss of your brother Murray.
Our condolences to all.
Shirley Stewart
Jeanie, Uncle George, Phyllis and families
Our sincere condolences to Murray’s family and friends at this sad and difficult time. Keep all of your memories close to your heart and treasure them always. Prayers and peace to you all in the days and years ahead. Rest in peace Murray
The family of Art & Freida Stewart
Stacy Somerville
Dear Jeanie,
We are very sorry for your loss. Sending our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Stacy and Vince
Nancy and Bob Manning
Jeanie, I am so sorry to hear of Murray’s passing. May the memories you shared together, give you strength in the coming days and weeks.
Carolyn (McClure) and Gerald Johns
The beginning of the Christmas season was always marked by the light display and the large “SEASONS GREETINGS” sign lit on Huron Street. Thank you for the many seasons of smiles that brought us.
Steve & Kim Bowman
Dear Jeanie
Our deepest condolences on the loss of Murray.
I will always remember his big smile as he greeted us at church.
May your heart be filled with all the wonderful memories you have with Murray at your side.
Joan Teahen
Dear Jeanie,
We send our deepest sympathy for the loss of your life long loving partner and best friend. Murray’s kindness, dedication and commitment will be deeply missed in our Carlisle Church Community.
Sincerely,
Frank and Joan Teahen
Deb Baskerville
Condolences Jeanie
Chuck Daigle and Barb Rosser
Our sympathy to the Lee and Sutherland families, very sorry to hear of Murray’s loss. He was such a lovely man.
Keith and Liz Selves
Jeanie, George, Phyllis and Tom: we are so sorry to hear of Murray’s passing. I remember Murray from school at SS#3. He was always such a nice guy. We used to tour through the Lee sugar bush for a drink of sap on our way home from school. Murray will be missed by every one that knew him. Liz and Keith Selves
Linda Dietrich
Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich.
Murray and Edith Yeo
Jeanie, Bill and Family, George and Family
It is with great sadness that we read of Murray’s passing. Murray was such a gentle man with a smile that warmed everyone’s heart. May he continue to be a guardian angel watching over you. Our hearts are with you all.
Keith & Dianne Ahrens
Jeanie
So sorry to hear of Murray’s passing. So enjoyed visiting with Murray at the bank and Christmas gatherings at your home. Always a story and that great smile. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. Hugs to all.
Ernie & Dianne Ahrens
Jillian Collings
Sending my sincere condolences Jeanie, I’m so sorry for your loss. Quite a remarkable life lived, it sounds like he had a heart of gold. May he rest in peace.
Ken Moor
Dear Jeanie
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. We have so many memories of Masonic, Classic and Motor Corps parades from over the years. Lots of laughs and good times. Please treasure these memories and be assured that Murray was a wonderful man who will be deeply missed.
Love Ken Moor, Pamela and family.
Carol Whiteford
Dear Jeanie, so very sorry to hearing of your loss of your life partner and best friend! May your precious memories of the good times together help ease the pain, keeping you in our thoughts and prayers! Doug and Carol Whiteford
Jim and Sue Rolph
Jeanie,
We are so sorry to hear of Murray’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Jim and Sue Rolph
Cathy Broome
Mom (Doreen Carter) and I send our deepest condolences to you. She really enjoyed any time she spent with you both. He was such a kind funny gentleman
Ann Maxwell
Jeanie
I am so sorry to hear of Murray’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences,
Ann Maxwell
Tanya Deschamps
Jeanie, Phyllis, George and Family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Murray. He will be sadly missed.
Tanya, Mark and Spencer Deschamps
Debbbie Kennedy
So sorry to hear about Murray. Thinking of you and the family.
Kollin and Debbie Kennedy
Evelyn Vincent
Jeanie Lee
So sorry to ready of Murray’s passing. May the good memories help bring peace and comfort.
Elaine McNair & Dennis
Sorry to hear of Murray’s passing…Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Carol Nicholson
Jeanie: sending thoughts of deepest sympathy and memories of years gone by. Hug for George!! Blessings of comfort and peace on the journey ahead.
Carol Nicholson, Port Alice BC
Sandi Brintnell
Jeanie, and families
So sorry to hear of Murray’s passing.
Sending our condolences. Treasure all the fun memories you have.
Sandi and Rob
Gwen Bestard
It is with my deepest sympathies that I send this message to you, Jeanie. I have always admired the incredible devotion you and Murray had to each other, your many charitable organizations and close friends. My parents thoroughly enjoyed the special friendship they shared with you as a couple. Murray was a terrific help to Dad each spring during maple syrup season and they shared many wonderful memories. He was a most loyal, honourable and dear friend! May the love and support of your family, friends, and strong faith help you through this most difficult time, Jeanie. You will remain in my thoughts and cares.
Sincerely,
Gwen
Margaret McConnell
It is with sadness we hear of Murray’s passing. He will be missed by all the Eastern Star Family in Canada So sorry for your loss Jeanie.
Star Love
and Fellowship
Margaret/John McConnell.
Sadie carr
He is now safe in the arms of Jesus,
Ray and Judy Mills
Jeanie, Phyllis, Tom, George and families:
Please accept our deepest sympathy at your loss of a wonderful, kind man. My memories go back to your home on the farm and many visits there. We remember seeing you often with mom and dad, heading to dances on a Saturday night, square dancing, getting together, playing cards to the late hours, snowmobiling on Sunday afternoons and lots always lots of laughter. Even though time has passed, the memories are as sharp as if it were yesterday. Thinking of each of you and praying for comfort and peace for all. God Bless.
Stu Murray
My deepest condolences. Stu Murray
Joyce Sovereign
Jeanie
I was so sorry to hear of Murray’s death ,sorry for you both .
He was such a nice guy and good husband lm sure .
Sending caring thoughts your way at this sad time ,May God send you the comfort you need right now and in the sad days to come .How l miss all the family stuff, when we are no long doing your hair .
Ron Walker
Jeanie
Ann & I offer you the most sincere condolences on the loss of not only a partner, but the best friend you could ever have. Yours was a rich example to others.
May God hold you in his arms!
Ron & Ann
Sue Shafer
Jeanie,
I’m so sad to hear of Murray’s passing. His big smile and friendly teasing will be missed by many.
Sue Shafer
Bill & Heather Montgomery
Sending our deepest sympathy to you Jeanie and family at the loss of your of your beloved Murray. Praying you find comfort and peace to help you through this time of grief and may your memories be a sweet comfort of his touch on your lives.
Jean Deluce
I am so sad to know that Murray Lee will no longer be at our meetings and will be greatly missed by many but not forgotten.
Freedom and John Dobson
Jeanie,
So sorry to hear of your sad loss of Murray. John and I have so many fond memories of our travels and shared hospitality for Eastern Star. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Don and Edith Lewis and family
Jeanie, Phyllis and family
We are sorry to see the passing of Murray.
Cherish his memories and he will not begotten.
Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time.
Betty Romenick-McIntosh
Extending my sincere condolences to Jeanie, family and Exeter Chapter #222, O.E.S. on the passing of Bro. Murray Lee. A kind a gentle man whenever you were in his presence. You will be sadly missed by many Murray. May God hold you safely in the palm of his hand as you begin your final journey. Always In Star Love and Friendship, Betty Romenick-McIntosh.
Elaine Ford
Dear Jeanie family and friends. Thinking of you at this time. It is difficult learning of Murray’s passing. A very special gentleman. He will be missed. My sympathy to you, family and friends. ❤️🤗🌟
Liz Jenkin
Jeanie,
I wish to extend my deepest condolences for your loss.
I remember Murray visiting you in the Bank, just to say Hi.
May the memories of you working side by side with Murray help you now as you grieve
George W Lee
Please accept my condolences
Russ Radcliffe
RIP Murray!! Sympathy to your good wife and relatives.
Jerry and Alice MacLean
Dear Jeanie and all those who loved Murray,
It is with sadness we hear of Murray’s passing.
Looking back over our square dancedays with singsongs starting at 11:00pm and You folk leaving for home just in time for Murray to do his early morning chores.Snow mobiling ..card games some traveling.. and you both were always so kind to our young children at that time.
Memories are a wonderfull thing and I know Jeanie you have many good ones. When you think of Murray..smile and the happy thoughts keep you going.
Rest in peace Murray,and Jeanie may God give you peace knowing Murray is with him.
Hugs, Alice and Jerry.