David Walter Murrells

July 30, 1929 - May 5, 2019
David (Dave) Walter Murrells died peacefully at Hospice House, Sunday, May 5th, 2019. He is survived by his wife Leone Murrells, daughter Shannon (Murrells-Allaway), and step children Robert (Boguski), Keith (Boguski) and Judy (Flynn), as well as treasured grandchildren.
Born July 30th, 1929, in Romford England, Dave was the 2nd son of Ernest and Emma Murrells and part of a blended family of six children. Dave met his first wife Vera at the age of 19 after a hunting accident which took his right arm below the elbow. Vera Emily Acheson was his nurse. They fell in love and wed April 2nd, 1952 in Hertfordshire, England. Four years later they emigrated to Canada arriving June 6th, 1956 with $130 in his pocket and the intention to continue farming. Dave and Vera travelled to Baldwinton, Saskatchewan where Dave managed a ranch. Wife Vera pulled up roots to find better nursing jobs first in Maidstone and then in Lloydminster and Dave soon followed. In Lloyd he shifted into automotive and farm equipment sales and service. Nine years after immigrating, their daughter Shannon was born. In 1968, they moved to Vernon renting close to downtown and then purchasing a home in Coldstream, Aberdeen Rd. Dave continued sales and service in the automotive industry: Vernon Keymotors and Hilltop Sales and Service. In 1973, Dave decided to take on farming again, but as a hobby! Vera and Dave bought their five acre farm at 6929, Hwy.6, Lavington. They dabbled in animal husbandry, gardening, and haying. To this day you can enjoy their flowers as you drive by.
After the tragic passing of Vera in 1998, Dave found love again through the New Hope grief group. Leone Boguski entered his life and they were married, Aug. 6th, 1999. For a while, they lived in Leone's Vernon town home but farming still called Dave despite being 70 years old. They returned to the Lavington farm and once again Dave became the local haying contractor: from Coldstream to Lavington, Cowboy-hat- adorned Dave would often be seen on his tractor. Leone became his haying receptionist and eventually he had to hire Mel McIntyre because he was so busy. Leone was not only Dave's best friend, and haying administrator, but also she was his spiritual prompter. Dave became a born again Christian and claims one of his significant accomplishments in life was his baptism, with pastor Dave Bunn and friend Joe Wallace. Dave was a proud Christian and loved his Lavington Church community. It was his church group that also introduced him to the Gleaners: a group dedicated to international food, medical and furniture aid as well as local support. Dave was very proud of his Gleaner volunteer efforts. As Dave and Leone reached their eighties it was time to transition off the farm and into a retirement home - Coldstream Meadows.
This kind, hard-working, British cowboy with great wit will be celebrated at a service of remembrance, Sat., June 22nd, 10am at the Lavington Church, 9681 School Road, Coldstream, BC. Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to the Vernon Gleaners, Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Vernon Hospice House.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's on-line obituary @ www.MyAlternatives.ca.
Arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services, Vernon 250-558-0866 & Armstrong 250-546-7237.
Service of remembrance for Dave Murrells, Sat., June 22nd, 10 am at the Lavington Church, 9681 School Road, Coldstream, BC.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be given to the Vernon Gleaners, Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Vernon Hospice House.

 Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services