Murray James Smith

April 11, 1930 – April 18, 2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Murray James Smith on April 18, 2023 at the age of 93 in Gresham Oregon.  He was born on April 11, 1930 to William and Phyllis Smith in Windsor, Ontario. He was predeceased by his wife Darlene (nee Nevels) in 1970 the mother of his 4 children and 2nd wife Elizabeth (nee Jahn) in 2013, also predeceased by his parents, his brother Dan and sister Gail.  Murray leaves behind his wife of 8 years, Carole (nee Anderson), and brother Philip.  Loving father to Dawn (Randy) Yoell, Dan (Marta, predeceased in 2007) Smith, Bethany (Charlie) Seefeldt, Melanie Smith (Craig Bowley), Grandchildren, Deanna, Jessica, Adam, Kelly, Britt, Nick, Delia and Josiah, Great Grandchildren Kylie, Jayden and Isla, stepchildren Laura and Beth and their families.

Murray was raised on a farm in Essex, Ontario.  He graduated from Essex District High School.  He received an A.A. degree from Graceland University, a B.A. from Central Missouri University and completed his graduate studies in Social Work at Wayne State University.  He completed Theological studies at McCormick Seminary in Chicago Illinois.

Murray was ordained a minister in the Community of Christ church in 1955.  He held several priesthood offices during his life.  Before accepting a full-time job with the church in 1976, Murray was employed as a Social Worker at CAS, as a Probation Officer for the Juvenile and Family Court and as the Administrator for Social and Family Services for Essex County.  Full-time employment with the church brought him to the United States.  Although Murray formally retired from full-time employment with the church in 1995, he continued to serve until the pandemic.  Murray was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and was devoted to his family and his church.  He loved to sing, his favorite hymn was HOW GREAT THOUGH ART.

Murray loved the game of baseball, visiting over 14 MLB ballparks.  The Detroit Tigers and St Louis Cardinals were his favourite teams. He loved to reminisce about being at the game when the Detroit Tigers won the 1968 pennant!

He never met a stranger as he was able to find a common interest with everyone he met.  His favourite pastime was carpentry and woodworking which he continued until the age of 86.

The family is grateful to Sam K., Clement, Charles, Godfrey and Joanne at Golden Nest Adult Foster Care in Gresham, Oregon, Chaplain Andre and the team from Pinnacle Hospice for the care he received.

In following Murray’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 1:00pm at Community of Christ church at 4837 NE Couch St., Portland.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Graceland University, 1 University Place, Lamoni IA 50140, or Outreach International 112 W. 18th St, Kansas City MO  64108