Obituaries

W. MURRAY AULD, C.M., B.E. (Mech. Eng.)

Peacefully, on September 13, 2015, in Winnipeg, in his 100th year.
Murray enjoyed a full life and made many contributions throughout a long career in the Canadian aerospace industry.
Murray is missed by Isabel, his loving wife of nearly 73 years and by his children Nancy (Jack) Birt of Calgary, Alberta, Hedley (Megan McLeod) and Cathy (Ted McLachlan) of Winnipeg. He took great pride in his eight grandchildren: Murray (Sally), Graham (Nicole) and Duncan (Nicole) Birt; Fraser, Abigail and Gordon Auld; and Cameron and Sean McLachlan.
Born August 16, 1916, in Regina, Saskatchewan, son of Lily Elizabeth and F. Hedley Auld, and brother to the late D. Gordon Auld (Willa) and Frank M. Auld (Peggy).
Educated at Regina Central Collegiate and University of Saskatchewan, Murray?s career began in 1940 in Winnipeg as an RCAF inspector. He then joined MacDonald Brothers Aircraft Co., originally a producer of seaplane floats under license from EDO Corp. of New York and a wartime builder of training aircraft. At age 26 he became general manager of its then 4,500-person plant at the Winnipeg airport.
Murray remained for four decades a key member of the team that transformed and grew the firm into Bristol Aerospace Ltd., an industry leader in the development, production and export of high technology components and sophisticated systems, including the Black Brant range of rockets still used by NASA for upper atmosphere research. He served as President from 1967-1981, Deputy Chairman Rolls Royce Canada Ltd. 1981-85, and a corporate director of Southport, Rolls Royce Canada, Telesat Canada and Great-West Life.
Murray also led many professional and community organizations. He valued education, and strongly supported Isabel in her service as Chancellor of the University of Manitoba (1977-1986).
Honours recognizing Murray?s exceptional lifetime achievements include: the prestigious C.D. Howe Award and appointment as Honourary Fellow of the Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute, Honourary Life Member of the Aerospace Industries Association of Canada and the Canadian Pioneer in Aviation Award of the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada. Murray?s active citizenship was recognized in his investiture as a Member of the Order of Canada and as recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee Medals.
From his boyhood, Murray delighted in the special community of Victoria Beach. His St. James home was the only house he ever needed. He and Isabel enjoyed early spring in Victoria, BC and other travels after his retirement.
Murray was a true gentleman and a gentle man. He enriched the lives of others through service and enduring friendships, and continues to inspire family, peers and his many friends through his exemplary personal qualities.
The family recognizes the compassion, care and dedication of staff in the public health care system. Special appreciation to Murray?s physicians, Dr. Orest Prodan and the Thorlakson twins at the Winnipeg Clinic, who enabled him to enjoy a long life of such high quality.
A celebration of Murray?s life will be held on Friday, October 2, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. in Westminster United Church, 745 West?min?ster Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Isabel and Murray Auld Fund, The Winnipeg Foundation (www.wpgfdn.org/give) to benefit his community; the Murray Auld Bursary, Faculty of Engineering, University of Manitoba; or a charity of your choice.
Wojcik?s Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB in care of arrangements 204.897.4665. For those who wish to sign Wojcik?s online Guest Book please visit our website at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com