Major (Ret’d) Murray Campbell Edwards

Murray passed away peacefully at Broadmead Lodge on October 14, just three months short of his 104th Birthday.  He was predeceased by his wife Morfyyd “Morrie” (Owens) Edwards in 2005.  They were a devoted couple for 50 years.  Murray leaves his sister Margaret Edson residing in Virginia and many beloved nieces and nephews in the US along with cousins in England and New Zealand.

Murray was born in Cambridgeshire, England and in his early years his parents relocated to East Orange, New Jersey.  There the family grew to include two brothers Phil and Bob and his sister Margaret.  Murray’s younger years sparked a keen interest in the drama club and reading.  He was seldom seen without a book until his last days.  He was an expert storyteller and his favourite phrase was “have I ever told you the story about…” after which he would describe one of his many adventures.

One of his earliest adventures as a teenager was riding his bicycle several hundred miles to reach a relative’s lumber mill where he worked for the summer.  His life continued to be full of travel even into his 90’s when he took the train from Seattle across the US to East Orange New Jersey to visit family.  Then he boarded the Queen Mary and crossed the Atlantic to Southampton and on to London for four days after which he took a 28-day bus tour through England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

On that trip he met people from all around the world with whom he continued to correspond. Murray was an avid letter writer and even after suffering a major stroke he learned to write with his left hand, continuing to write many cards and letters each month. He was a born writer and historian and completed over 30 booklets describing his military experiences around the world as well as about his life with Morrie, their homes and gardens and even the cars he had owned in his lifetime.

Murray had a very long and rewarding Military career during which time his achievements earned the admiration of his superiors and subordinates alike.  He was well respected for his leadership skills, intellect and sense of fairness.

In June of 1942 Murray travelled to Toronto to enlist in the Canadian Army.  By late August he was selected for Officer Training and was promoted to Lieutenant.  In December of 1942 He sailed to England with the 2nd Battalion of the Queen’s Own Rifles and was stationed at Aldershot.

Because of his success as a trainer, he was selected to be ACK/1 for the Experimental Officer’s refresher school where he trained Canadian Officers as an assistant weapons instructor.  In May or 1943 he was promoted to A/Sargent.  He graduated from Officer training in April of 1944and was appointed Intelligence Officer for the Pacific Brigade.  After WW2 Murray left the Military for a short time and worked for Canada Post.

In 1950 the Korean Special Force was created and Murray re enlisted and became part of the revised Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry as Platoon Commander of the 2nd Battalion.  After five months in Korea, he was appointed Battalion Field Quartermaster at Tactical Headquarters.  Murray later published two booklets with accounts of the events encountered by the 2nd Battalion, most notably the Battle of Kap-yong for which the Battalion was awarded the ‘United States Presidential Unit Citation for Gallantry’.

In December of 1951 he was appointed Battalion Intelligence Officer and in May of 1952 he completed his Parachutist training and went on to instruct.  In August of 1953 he was appointed 2 I/C of his Company and was sent to Germany.  On his way across the Atlantic on the RMS Scythia he was introduced to a beautiful Welsh girl serving in the British Military.  Murray and Morrie fell in love and married in England in 1954.  Soon afterwards he was appointed Captain and returned to Canada becoming the Military Advisor for Victoria BC Reserve Army Units.

Some of Murray’s further achievements include:

1958 2 I/C of Infantry User Trials at Camp Borden

1960 Promoted to the rank of Major

1961 Commanding Officer of the Civil Defence Rescue School

1964 First Canadian Liaison Officer in Cyprus. Canadian Peacekeepers as the Economics and Welfare Officer for the United Nations troupe in Cyprus also with service in Palestine and Damascus.

1966 Chief instructor for the Army Cadet Camp in Vernon BC

1967-68 Murray’s final overseas journey was with the UN Truce Supervisory Commission in the Middle East

1971 Murray attended the University of Victoria attained his Teaching Certificate

1972-85 Administrative and Logistics Officer for the Pacific Regional Cadet Organization

During his career Murray received 13 medals plus the Presidential Unit Citation for Action at Kap-yong.

Murray always said how lucky he had been in his life but in reality, it was that he took every situation, good or bad, and turned it into an opportunity.  His zest for life and the deep gratitude he showed has influenced countless people. Those of us who shared his life were the lucky ones.

Throughout his life family and friendships are what Murray cherished most.  In Victoria he leaves his dearest friends Commander Peter Chance and Lorraine Schoor.  Others who were very special to him were Bernie and Jeanne Cote, the Willbond families, Cheryl and Don and his many Military friends including those at the Korean Assoc.  At Broadmead Lodge he greatly appreciated his care and especially friends Shannon, Darlene and Lily.

Throughout his life Murray was a philanthropist supporting many worthy causes.  Donations to the Veterans Memorial Lodge at Broadmead would be greatly appreciated.

And finally, as Murray would say “Take time to smell the roses.  Especially the Pink ones!”

A celebration of Murray’s life will be held on Tuesday, November 7^th, at 2pm, at Christ Church Cathedral, 930 Burdett Ave.  A reception will follow at the Pro Patria Legion at 411 Gorge Rd E.  All are welcome to attend.  Please wear a Poppy.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
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