It is with great sadness that the family of Dowdall
Sylvester Leo Raymond Murray announces his
passing on Saturday August 10, 2019. Dowdall
was the youngest son of Hannah and Thomas
Murray, born on August 27, 1927 in Barry’s Bay. He
is predeceased by his loving wife Rita (Leveque),
son Sean and siblings: Father Joe Murray OMI
(New Westminster), Casey (Edie), Michael James,
Daniel (Theresa), Olive Duffy (Patrick), Teresita
Conway (Francis), Inez MacGillis (Joseph) and
Mary Bernardi (John).
Dowdall graduated from St. Patrick’s College in
Ottawa in 1945. He often reminisced about his time in
Boarding school. He had an avid interest in world history
and won the History Medal in his final year.
Dowdall began work in the lumber business as a log scaler for Abitibi and the
MNR in Blind River. The years he spent here in the camps, provided fodder
for many stories that he would later recount to family and friends. In 1947, he
joined Murray Brothers Lumber Company, a firm founded in 1902, by his father
Thomas and uncle Michael. His early years with the company were spent as
a lumber inspector. He continued his career, moving into management and
eventually assuming the position of President and CEO.
Dowdall was an avid fisherman and private pilot. He spent much of his
retirement fishing at his Rockingham farm. He was an animal lover and had
wild turkeys, and Springer Spaniels at his farm as well. He got a tremendous
amount of joy taking his grandchildren fishing at the farm and showing them
the latest Springer pups.
Dowdall was a true Canadian and declared the Madawaska Valley “the
best place to live” in the country. He enjoyed purchasing logs from local
farmers and listening to their stories. He understood the value of hard work,
and was especially appreciative of the contributions that the employees of
Murray Brothers made and continue to make to the success of his company.
He was proud of the fact that several generations of the same family were
employed by the Murray Brothers and had a soft spot for the employees.
Dowdall will be lovingly remembered by his children: Terry (Stephanie),
Mary Lynn, Patty, Ted (Liz) and Rob (Tracy). He will be missed by his 11
grandchildren: Gaelen (Erin), Keenan, Jamie, Anne, Teri, Thomas, Liam, Fiona,
Abbey, Grayson and Beckham.
The Murray family wishes to thank Dr Joe Cybulski and Dr Steven Chen for
their excellent care of both Dowdall and Rita. We would also like to express
our gratitude to the staff of the Valley Manor and St. Francis Memorial
Hospital. We are truly blessed to have such a caring group of individuals in our
community that provided first class care to our parents.
Visitation took place at Heubner Funeral Home on Tuesday August 13, 2019
from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at
St Lawrence O’Toole Roman Catholic Church on Wednesday August 14, 2019
at 12 noon.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Valley Manor New