Murray Howard McKnight was born on October 11, 1944. He was the second son of William Howard and Alice Isobel McKnight. His brother James was 4 years old when Murray arrived. 1944 was during the second world war, a time when money was tight and things like sugar, tires, gasoline, coffee, shoes and canned goods were rationed. Big brother Jim was not really impressed by the new baby, but he was quite enthused about the benefits. When Jim was asked what he thought of new baby Murray, he replied – “he’s okay. But we sure got a lot of sugar with him!”
Murray was born into a very musical and talented family. His mother Alice was a schoolteacher who was well known for her concerts, where she showcased the many hidden talents of her students. In addition, she entered her three sons in several productions during the “ACT” years. The boys performed “The Wig Wig Waggle of the Kilt” and “Let’s Go This-a-way” with their cousins.
Cousins! There were so many! Most of the ones on dad’s side grew up close to each other, and mothers took turns driving them to music lessons, beach days, fairs, and shopping. There was also the beloved Aunt Evelyn, in Winnipeg, who took them on epic trips and one-on-one special days.
Murray was on the Ninga hockey team, (they liked to call the NHL) and he was great at climbing. He could scale a hydro pole in minutes. In fact, I heard that he was instrumental in placing the teacher’s chair on top of the flagpole one year. I hope he’s okay that I outed him! Another of his interests was also racing stock cars and he enjoyed the comradery with his peers. He also liked to curl and he and his brother Barry were the proud recipients of a pin commemorating a perfect 8 ender game.
Music was a huge part of his life. His grandmother Florence was a pianist, and when her family was growing up, they joined her in playing for gatherings. His dad, Howard, continued the tradition with his own family. Howard played banjo and violin, Jim played accordian, piano, clarinet and saxophone. Murray played piano, accordian and guitar, and his younger brother Barry played saxophone, clarinet and bagpipes. It was quite an ensemble! The McKnight “orchestra” played for many dances and weddings over the years. Later, he was in his own band called "The Dusters", and they continued to entertain for many years.
These days with all the technology, it is quite simple to play your own background music. You just keep adding tracks. However, in those days, it was not. I vividly remember Murray playing a piece, and then trying to play background with it simply by timing, and not being able to hear the first track. Such precision and patience! I remember him taking me to a fair where they tested him and told him he had perfect pitch.
Murray was a wonderful brother. I recall some great fishing trips with him and catching turtles. He taught me how to shoot a 4-10 shotgun, and took me duck hunting once. He waited patiently for me to take the first shot – which I missed – and then he unexpectedly opened fire from behind me, which gave me quite a scare! The best part of all of this was that he was willing to have me (8 years younger) tag along with him on all these adventures and was so patient with me.
I loved when he was the babysitter. We concocted some wild dishes in the kitchen, and added whatever spices we could find. Seldom edible, but always so much fun!
Murray lost two fingertips in a farming accident one year, and my mother, thinking he would never be able to play the guitar again, bought him an accordian. However, he persevered and learned to play both instruments very well!
Murray married Maurine Woodcock in 1970 and they settled on the same farm where Uncle Art and aunt Gladys had raised their family. In 1975 they welcomed their daughter Jeanette. Later, they retired to Killarney.
When Jeanette and Mark moved to Winnipeg, Murray moved with them, and spent 10 years enjoying his grandchildren while working at a medical supply warehouse.
Murray had wanted to become an air traffic controller. However, his eyesight was not good enough to make the grade. Instead, he became a power engineer.
Murray adored his family and showered his daughter Jeanette with everything he could, including and especially love. His two beautiful grandchildren were such a joy to him and he adored them as well. He would do anything for his family. I regret that his great grandchildren will not grow up with him in their lives.
Once my very young daughter asked him “how long is a mile?” Murray put away what he was doing, put her into his car, and drove her one mile and back. She never forgot the extra attention he paid to her question. He was a truly sensitive man who loved kids and never tired of their many questions.
Murray agreed to come and live with me in Killarney after my husband died, and Jeanette, Mark and family had returned to Killarney. He never wanted to ask anyone for anything, but if you asked him for something he would do everything he could to get it for you. I needed company and help, and he was there for me.
Eventually age creeps up on all of us. Murray moved to personal care and I moved in with my daughter. It is a huge understatement to say I miss him very much. I adored his quiet, sensitive and generous soul.
There is a Hebrew proverb that says "Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that 'he was.'” I am truly thankful for the years I had with Murray.
The greater someone has loved in their lifetime, the more broken the hearts they leave behind.
For now, I say goodbye to my big brother, but I believe that I will see him again, and I am looking forward to that day.
