Obituary of DREW SAMSON ELLIOT MURRAY

DREW SAMSON ELLIOT MURRAY Drew Murray was one of those rare bright lights who can charm and captivate all whom they meet, and one flash of his 10,000 watt smile was usually all it would take! That smile was his indelible trade mark. It not only expressed Drew’s love and joy of life, but was a testament to the human spirit and a treasured gift to all of us who knew and loved him. Drew was Jane and Craig’s much loved second of three sons. His adored brothers are Jonathon and MacKenzie. He was born with a never diagnosed condition that affected his body but never his mind! An early and avid talker, Drew often floored us with his sassy, quick wit! As his condition progressed, Drew lost most of his physical capabilities. But he always managed to convey his force of personality, and he never lost that smile! Drew needed help to negotiate his physical challenges and was truly blessed by the people who came into his life to fill this role. Joanie Wilson arrived in his life at Age 1 and never left. She became his classroom aid in Grade One (Whyte Ridge Elementary) and they went all through elementary, junior high (Henry G. Izatt) and two years of high school (Vincent Massey Collegiate) together. And when they finally stopped working together, Joanie just became his best friend. Andy Tough went the distance with Drew. He was there from Grade One until he left Vincent Massey. Andy was one of Drew’s strongest advocates, and always kept him laughing. Erin Whyte was with Drew through his four years at Vincent Massey. Erin was a gentle driving force that mined his potential. With her encouragement and support Drew was able to pursue an interest in photography that resulted in his recognition with a North American ‘Yes I Can!’ Award presented in Washington, D.C. Andrew Wakeman’s commitment to Drew and the family went far beyond providing respite care. Drew adored him, and the family rested easy knowing he was in such caring hands. The Manalang family (Lydia, Lisa, Marian, Gary, and JR) lovingly and patiently cared for Drew and the family throughout his life. Doctor’s Fran Booth, Grant McDougal and Physical Therapist Agnes Leung worked hard to keep him healthy and to reach his full physical potential. Drew lived the last year of his life in the rich, caring and supportive environment provided by the wonderful team at St Amant. The amazing palliative care team at Saint Boniface Hospital worked hard, and made darn sure of Drew’s comfort in the last month of his life. Pastor Doug Friesen visited often and tended to his soul. Drew’s happiest places were the family cottages at West Hawk Lake where he relished the time with his Mom, Dad, brothers, and extended family : Nana and Papa (Jean and Bob Lothian); his Aunties and Uncles (Lori Lothian and Tom Bradley, Jeff and Wendy Lothian); cousins (Branton and Owen); the Rock family (Auntie Bets, Uncle David and Auntie Lee, and cousins Lauren and Christopher); Uncle Neil and Auntie Kate (Craton) and special neighbors Daphne Petrakos and the Prydun family. It was there that he would delight in endlessly thumping all comers in whatever game was proposed; tubing with his mom or brothers; hiking the trails on his Daddy’s back; basking in the loving attention of his Nana and Auntie Wendy; curling up to listen to Papa read a story; and watching the crazy antics of his brothers and cousins. When the water wasn’t too cold, Drew would swim and enjoy the freedom of movement the water gave him. But there was nothing Drew enjoyed more than sitting around the often raucous dinner table at the Lothian cottage, chowing down on Uncle Jeff’s awesome beef tenderloin and Nana’s blueberry pie, and joining in on the laughter. Drew also had a very special connection and love of his family in British Columbia; Gran (Carol Mitchell), Auntie Heather and Uncle George (Coppen) and cousins Shannon and Mitchell. Although he didn’t see them often, he loved their special visits and the good times they always had when they were together. Also close to Drew’s heart were Grampa Bill and Gramma Ginny Murray, whose visits from Saskatchewan always left him smiling! Drew and his brothers had a bond that was a wonder to behold. Like all brothers, they laughed, they played, they fought, and they p!@#ed each other off! But the tender, patient care that Jono and Mac endlessly provided was given knowing, as Drew did when he asked, that except for Mom and Dad, no one knew him better or loved him more. Drew loved his beautiful Mom and wonderful Dad best of all. He was both their challenging middle son, and the apple of their eyes, and he knew it! If they had to work a little harder to get one of those smiles, he always gave them the most of his heart. And he waited until he had them both with him to say goodbye. Drew faced challenges in his life that were far beyond what is fair. But he did it with strength of spirit and his 10,000 watt smile ever at the ready. In the process, he gave all of us who knew him the very great gift of showing us where true happiness is to be found in life – in the company of the ones we love. As his big brother Jono often said; "he is the bravest person I know". We love you our Angel – fly free! A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 16, at 2 pm at White Ridge Baptist Church, 201 Scurfield Blvd. Wear something bright and cheerful (green and purple were his favorite colors)! In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations in Drew’s honor to the St Amant Foundation, 440 River Road, Winnipeg, MB R2M 3Z9 or the Palliative Care Unit at St Boniface Hospital Foundation, C1026 – 409 Tache Ave, R2H 2A6 or Society for Manitobians with Disabilities, 825 Sherbrook St., Wpg. R3A 1M5.