Obituary for Murray Elder
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Murray Anson Elder on February 10, 2023 in his 97th year. Survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Fran. Dear father of Greg (Stephanie), and predeceased by his daughters Dr. Janice Elder (2023) and Nancy Elder (2012). Cherished grandad of Robert, Gillian (Tom).
Murray began his working career after leaving school at the age of 14. After WWII began and he turned 17 he joined the Canadian Infantry and while serving in the Kent regiment he attained the rank of Sergeant. He also served in the First Canadian Pacific Battalion before the war ended.
After the war, he received his high school diploma and then graduated from the University of Toronto with an Institutional Management degree in 1949. Early in his business career, Murray worked in many different cities, primarily in the field of economic development. In 1954 he settled in Windsor and continued his passion as the Industrial Development Commissioner and then to Morton Industries as Vice President (1967-83). This led to the opportunity in 1983 to lead a small group of local businessmen in the acquisition of Morton Terminal and the Essex Terminal Railway.
Murray took an active part in many associated trade organizations. He was a charter member of the Ontario Development Council and a past chairman of the Windsor Essex County Development Commission. He was proud to be a past President of The American Industrial Development Council (1965-66) now the International Economic Development Council.
He became a Rotarian in 1952 and a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor in 1967, serving as President (1982-1983) and District Governor of Rotary District 6400 (1987-1988).
Murray and Fran found a little peace of Heaven on a small lake on Georgian Bay where they built a cottage and spent 58 memorable summers together with family and friends. Murray was an artist, woodworker and most importantly to friends and family, a bread baker!
A celebration of Murray’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception at Families First, 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rotary Club of Windsor Foundation Fund or the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County.
Murray began his working career after leaving school at the age of 14. After WWII began and he turned 17 he joined the Canadian Infantry and while serving in the Kent regiment he attained the rank of Sergeant. He also served in the First Canadian Pacific Battalion before the war ended.
After the war, he received his high school diploma and then graduated from the University of Toronto with an Institutional Management degree in 1949. Early in his business career, Murray worked in many different cities, primarily in the field of economic development. In 1954 he settled in Windsor and continued his passion as the Industrial Development Commissioner and then to Morton Industries as Vice President (1967-83). This led to the opportunity in 1983 to lead a small group of local businessmen in the acquisition of Morton Terminal and the Essex Terminal Railway.
Murray took an active part in many associated trade organizations. He was a charter member of the Ontario Development Council and a past chairman of the Windsor Essex County Development Commission. He was proud to be a past President of The American Industrial Development Council (1965-66) now the International Economic Development Council.
He became a Rotarian in 1952 and a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor in 1967, serving as President (1982-1983) and District Governor of Rotary District 6400 (1987-1988).
Murray and Fran found a little peace of Heaven on a small lake on Georgian Bay where they built a cottage and spent 58 memorable summers together with family and friends. Murray was an artist, woodworker and most importantly to friends and family, a bread baker!
A celebration of Murray’s life will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. followed by a reception at Families First, 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Rotary Club of Windsor Foundation Fund or the Alzheimer Society of Windsor & Essex County.