Obituary of Murray Tays

With heavy hearts, the family of Murray Wilfred Tays, husband of the late Mary (Mercer) Tays, of Passekeag, NB, announces his death which occurred on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at the Sussex Health Centre. Born on September 11, 1929, in Titusville, NB, he was the son of the late William and Edna (Long) Tays.

Murray Tays, many will say, was many things. He was a loving husband, an encouraging father, and a caring grandfather. He was welcoming to all and his home was your home. Throughout the years Murray had a few different jobs. He was a Woodsman in Williams Lake, B.C, he drove for city transit in Saint John. He helped build the runway at the Saint John Airport. His last job before retirement was driving the School Bus. A job he absolutely loved. Murray and Mary's children have so many great memories with their Father. Like the time Mary was patiently waiting for him to come home after his bus run only to find out he stopped for a visit somewhere and was having a nice supper elsewhere. He was a bit of a talker and never in a hurry. An example of that was when he was driving Linda to the hospital when she was in labor. He took things nice and easy, even stopped for gas. Luckily Jamie wasn't in a hurry either. He and Arnold would often go for a "quick coffee" and would end up finding someone to talk to and place a few magazines along the way. A quick coffee could easily turn into a 3-4 hour trip. 

Murray loved to drive. Whether it was in an old station wagon rounded with kids headed west or a loaded-up motorhome off for a week of camping. He made sure his family all had their license and would take them out to practice their driving skills in an old jeep at the gravel pit. He let Shelley drive the rig out of the woods one day after a day of helping him load wood. He was always encouraging his children to try to do things even if it seemed a bit scary.  He would get Joe to drive the pulp truck to get loaded even though Joe didn't have his license to drive it while loaded.  Murray asked Ronald to back up the truck knowing there were no brakes on the truck one day. Needless to say, Ronnie went down over the bank and there Murray was laughing at the top of the hill.  Muriel, as well as others, could always tell when it was time for tea. He would start rubbing his big hands together, followed by a clap, and then came the "How about a cup of tea?" 

Murray's favorite thing to do was to talk to others about the Bible. His faith was his passion in life and having the opportunity to spread the truth to others brought him immense joy

Murray is survived by his daughters: Muriel (Myles) of Berwick, NB, Linda (Phillip) of Bloomfield, NB, Shelley (Raymond) of Sussex Corner, NB; sons: Arnold (Hannah) of Penobsquis, NB, Ronald of Passekeag, NB, Joseph (Jean) of Passekeag, NB; nineteen grandchildren; forty four great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; brothers: Jack (Carol) Tays, Clifford Tays, and Paul Tays; sister Helen Rattray; and well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents and wife Mary, Murray was also predeceased by his son Carl; granddaughter Aimee MacKay; great-granddaughter Jessica Miller; granddaughter-in-law Amanda Mercer; brothers Stewart, Ralph, and sister June Hutchings.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sherwood’s Funeral Home (506-839-2156), 18 Scovil Road, Norton, where visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024 from 3 to 5 and 6 to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2:30 pm from Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Sussex Corner, NB. The Service can be viewed via Zoom using the Meeting ID# 7496686889 with a Passcode# 447501. Interment will take place in Riverbank Cemetery.

Donations in memory of Murray may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Condolences to the family and donations may be made through SherwoodsFuneralHome.com.