Family Owned & operated since 1941
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(905) 562-5454
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angel stroop lit a candle
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
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“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
― Thomas Campbell
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angel stroop posted a condolence
Saturday, December 31, 2016
I didn't know. I am so very sorry. I happened upon an article/obituary, and at first, I didn't believe it.
In my heart, I know Murray Sr will live forever.
Although his body may have left us, his spirit and his power will always be with the hearts he touched.
I know mine, and my children are some of them.
I owe my daughter Paige to Jeanne & Murray SR & JR...
Without this amazing family, I would never have learned how to love someone more than myself, and to me, that makes the whole family heroes....
I will miss Murray SR.. And I hope, where ever he is now, that he is happy, without pain, and smiling down at his amazing family.
My love and heart goes out to the Thomsons..
Thank you, for having a major impact on my life, and that of my family's....
I am just sorry I did not know sooner.
M
Maurice Rhodes (2917 "Dusty) posted a condolence
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Please accept my sincere feelings for the loss of Murray. I also knew his brother Garth very well.
Maurice Rhodes RMC Class of 1952 grad.
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Andrew [Monte] Moffat posted a condolence
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Friendships and great memories last forever! God bless.
J
John Norris posted a condolence
Thursday, December 3, 2015
I met Murray at RMC in 1948. The attached photo identifies three of us who were inseparable friends whose rooms were next to each other at the college.
I did not know of Murray's health problems which regretfully is due to my not keeping in touch for the last many years.
I considered him to be one of my closest friends and had this photo on my desktop to be brought to him this Christmas when I had planned to call and have a visit.
Jeanne my condolences. He was one of a kind.
John Norris
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Megan Anderson pledged to donate to Children's Wish Foundation of Canada
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts.
Megan, Mike and family
Please wait
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Megan Anderson pledged to donate to Children's Wish Foundation of Canada
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
We are so sorry for your loss. Your are all in our thoughts.
Megan, Mike and family
Please wait
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Anne Marie Owens posted a condolence
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Murray Thomson hired me for my first job after a one-month journalism school internship. It was 1988 and full-time jobs in journalism than, as now, were hard to get. I spent a decade at the Standard, and, thanks to Murray and the team he built, it was an incredible place to learn about journalism. Murray insisted on persistence, dogged reporting, fairness and an unrelenting commitment to getting the stories. He expected the best from us, and so we delivered. As a leader long before the era of management books and theories, he created an unbelievable incubator of talent, drive, storytelling and investigative clout. I am now the Editor in Chief of the National Post and feel so fortunate to have learned from the very best role model of newsroom leadership.
J
John Schofield posted a condolence
Friday, November 27, 2015
I just want to express my sincere sympathies to the Thomson family, too. What a life to celebrate! For me, Murray was the best boss I ever had in a profession that often seems woefully short on inspirational leadership. They always say it starts at the top, and Murray helped create a professional, warm and supportive atmosphere in the newsroom. At the same time, he challenged us to stretch our skills and strive for journalistic excellence. He hired me for my first full-time reporting job out of j-school, and saw enough potential there to put me on the city hall beat. When I was attacked by an alderman only months into the job, the Standard newsroom family circled the wagons around me, with Murray at the forefront. (We'll forget the fact that one of my fellow reporters told said alderman that I was at the Mansion House.) When my own Dad died during my time at the Standard, Murray was very supportive. One of my fondest memories came after I left the Standard for the Montreal Gazette. Murray was in Montreal on business one extremely cold week in February, and we got together for a great evening over dinner and jazz in Old Montreal. I'll never forget Murray and the opportunities and inspiration he gave me. God bless him and the entire Thomson clan.
K
Krystal Jenkins pledged to donate to Children's Wish Foundation of Canada
Friday, November 27, 2015
Please wait
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Dennis & Maureen posted a condolence
Friday, November 27, 2015
Maureen & I moved in to the Cherry Hill community a year and a half ago and Murray Thomson and his wife Jeanne were one of the first couples we met. I always enjoyed the chats in the park when he walked his dog. He was a great source of knowledge about the area and its history. He told fantastic tales. I then found out why ....he was a newspaper man. After reading the condolences from his former peers and employees he was one in a million. We enjoyed living close to you Murray. We were saddened watching your health deteriorate. It was very hard on your family but I don't think you ever lost your smile or that twinkle in you eye. You will be missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to Jeanne and family. God bless you all.
S
Sunil Singh posted a condolence
Friday, November 27, 2015
My intersections with Murray Thomson were few. In fact, they were more tangential--just skimming by with a conversation or two. They were also all in his latter years. In those brief moments of time, I saw more life in one person than I have seen in many people that I have known for decades. Around this time, the natural weathering of one's body due to age and illness was quite evident. His grip on his trusted cane was a constant reminder that he was in the late autumn of his life. I saw none of that. It was dwarfed by his light. A light that was constantly refracted through his eyes. Even the squinting of age was no match for the rare brightness that illuminated everything around him. Murray was ageless. His infectious curiosity, gentleness and humanity framed every word that he ever spoke. I can only imagine the impact that he had on those who were closest to him. I knew Murray through his daughter, Sarah. The only thing that I cannot imagine is the boundless love that was shared between the two. Murray Thomson brought light and love to this world. Thankfully, he left all of that behind for all of us to share. Forever.
My deepest condolences to the entire Thomson family.
R
Roger Smith posted a condolence
Thursday, November 26, 2015
I remember Murray well from hanging around the Standard newsroom when my father, Larry Smith, worked there. Murray was a very nice man and a great journalist. On behalf of our family, I want to offer condolences to yours -- we are sorry for your loss.
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Angela Murphy posted a condolence
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Murray was my first real boss and mentor after I graduated and was a working journalist. He was caring and enthusiastic about my abilities and work at The Standard. He was a terrific boss and coach and helped shape my career. I'm now a senior projects editor at The Globe and Mail. My mom is having health issues herself and I'm needed in Haliburton this weekend, so unfortunately I can't attend. But my thoughts and prayers go out to the Thomson family and my former colleagues at The Standard. I spent this week on an investigative series. I did some investigative work in my student journalism days and I have a fond memory of pitching Murray - when he came to visit my journo class at Western -- on my idea of investigating shenanigans around student painting businesses in London, Ont., at the time. He was so encouraging. I'll never forget it.
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Margaret Cyr posted a condolence
Thursday, November 26, 2015
I have known Murray for some 30 years. I worked down the street from the Standard and often ran into him at the Diana Sweets. He was always a warm and friendly guy who greeted you with a smile and teased me and my two friends with that ever present twinkle in his eyes.
I got reacquainted with Murray and met his lovely Jeanne at Survivors of Stroke after my husband, Ted had a major stroke. Murray inspired Ted with his positive attitude and warmth. When I began writing a newsletter for SOS, Murray called me and encouraged me and teased me about "moving in on his turf". He is, and will always remain, on my list of favourite people.
To Jeanne and her family, my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. He was a very special man. Marg Cyr
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jim and Nancy Bruce posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
We were both saddened to learn of the death of Murray. Our condolences to Jeanne and the whole Thompson family. I served with Murray for many years on the old Western Ontario Newspaper Awards Committee, and as a former managing editor of the Windsor Star, we attended many Managing Editor Conference meetings. One of the most memorable of those meetings was hosted by Murray and the Burgoyne family in St. Catharines. He was a man of great integrity and much respected by all who were fortunate enough to work with him. RIP dear friend.
M
Mike Tenszen posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Murray was one of my editors at The Standard when I was a reporter there in 1975-76. His journalistic wisdom and unselfish guidance of us cubs (and some vets) came with such a delightfully rollicking, and easy-going manner. This burly, lovable guy got such joy from working tough stories; at times showing almost child-like fascination with some twisty, developing yarn. And we ink-drenched scribblers found Murray's enthusiasm infectious. But "Murr" was nobody's stooge in our smokey, (then) crowded and crazy newsroom---he insisted on "getting it right" and "getting it all". Years after I'd wandered down the Queen E to Toronto, Murray tracked me down and then grilled me at length on how I was doing. It was all about me--not much (ever) about him. And I suspect this humble guy would flush with embarrassment at the way I'm piling it on in this little tribute. But, heck, Murr, I'm tight for space here. Goodbye old pal. 30.
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Sandy Farrer posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Condolences to Jeanne & all of Murray's family. We will miss his humor and that twinkle in his eye! Murray was one of the founders of SOS Niagara (Survivors of Stroke). I met him at one of our meetings and when we started up a Tai Chi class he was there, like white on rice! He always had a smile and a talent to make things fun. Through our journey with stroke he was a strong inspiration to many! We are grateful for knowing him.
You are Blessed.
S
Shannon & Sid Copperthwaite posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Our thoughts are with Jeanne & the Family.
Murray was a great friend & neighbour while we lived in Vineland.
A man with a great memory with many tales always to amuse you.
He will not be forgotten.
Our deepest condolences.
Sincerely
Shannon & Sid Copperthwaite
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Debra Yeo posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Condolences to all of Murray's family. He hired me in 1985 and he was a steady, comforting presence in the Standard newsroom. He believed in his staff and he believed in good journalism, aided and abetted by the late Henry Burgoyne. Now that I have left St. Catharines behind I have an added appreciation for Murray's qualities as a boss and a newsman, and for just how golden those years at the Standard truly were.
M
Michael Clarkson posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
My thoughts and sympathies to Jeanne, Murray Jr., Jennie, Sarah and family.
Murray was ME in the golden age of The Standard and, indeed, of newspapers. He allowed us lots of space for in-depth articles and, when I was police reporter, made the controversial decision not to print names of accused until trial. Along with the late publisher Henry Burgoyne, he allowed it to be a writer's paper.
He was a great guy with a warm smile.
R
Roberta posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Murray and Leeann, I'm so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Venette posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I will continue to keep you , Murray and Leeann, in my thoughts and prayers. Condolences to your family. Xo
I know how hard it is to have a parent pass... May he rest in peace.
Murray, may the many happy memories you share bring you comfort and support as you go through this difficult time. Lean on your friends and family when need be and know that Leeann loves you dearly and will be there for you no matter what. Trust in that strength if you find yourself lost. Unconditional love always brings hope and provides a safe place to land.
We are but a phone call away. Love to you both xo
Take care
M
Marlene Bergsma posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
In the spring of 1986 Murray Thomson took a chance on a young and inexperienced university graduate and offered her a job in the newsroom at The Standard. He took a risk that shaped my life, and I was honoured and privileged to work with him and for him for many years. His love for the craft and affection for the people he hired had an immeasurable impact on our community and on the individuals who had the good fortune to know him. I will never forget my job interview with him or the explanation he offered much later about why he was willing to take a chance on someone who hadn't gone to J-school. He knew it was a risk: he made me work six months on probation instead of the usual three, but he was also one of the best mentors a young journalist could ever have hoped to have. I am glad I had the chance to thank him in person, but it's worth saying again: Thank you, Murray Thomson, from the bottom of my heart. Jeanne and family, the thoughts and prayers of many people are with you in your loss.
J
Jim Wallace posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
So sorry to hear of Murray's passing. I thoroughly enjoyed the time we had in the newsroom with him and the likes of Jack Gatecliff, Fred Kingsley, Craig Swayze and many others. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult time.
K
Kevin Cavanagh posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 24, 2015
No words will suffice. If you wrote the most glowing tribute to Murray Thomson that was literally possible, it would fail by half to capture what his spirit and legacy meant to those of us whose values he inspired, whose lives he shaped and whose respect he commanded. The public could never possibly realize how Murray's sense of justice and principle benefitted the whole community. It was such an unbelievable honour to work in his presence, and be taught by his example.