Murray Alvin Wardley

Murray Alvin Wardley died July 31, 2020 (age 66) at home in Alix, AB after a brief but fierce battle with cancer.  He was born February 25,1954 in Lacombe, AB to Mildred and Horace. On August 18,1990 he married Sherry Paquette, the love of his life for over 30 years.  Together they were devoted parents to their daughters Kindrie and Brydelle.

Fondly called ‘Big Mur’ by so many, Murray was a man large in presence and heart. He was always ready to lend a hand. Murray’s family initiated the annual Alix Bull Riding fundraising event and he was very proud of this contribution to his community.  A private, sentimental person, Murray always carried a rock in his pocket, collecting one wherever his travels took him through the many chapters of his life - from chuck wagons, to oil rigs, to owning his own business, oilfield trucking, moving rigs and building ice roads.  

No matter where he was, Murray’s day always started by making his bed and was complete if it included horses, dogs and family.  He loved the outdoors, hunting, quadding, and white water rafting in his zodiac. Murray believed celebrations were always best with fireworks. He was known for his pickled carrots and raspberry jam, could expertly braid the hair on a horse or his daughter’s head and he took deep pride in teaching his girls to drive truck and trailer better than most brake-hands he knew. 

In later years, Murray realized that there was enjoyment to be had in not working his butt off all the time. His life was rich with great memories, from the people he met to all the places and things he experienced. If he could say one thing to you today, it’s that life is too short. Take the trip. Do the holiday. Spend the time. You can always make more money. 

Grateful thanks to: Dr. Matt Unger of Lacombe and Community Paramedic Darcee from AHS Community Health Paramedic Program for their kind and compassionate care that allowed him to be just where he wanted to be - at home - until the end of his days.  

Contributions would be appreciated to support the Mobile Integrated Health/Community Paramedic program Murray deeply benefited from.  Visit: http://emsfoundation.ca/what-you-can-do/donate/ and select “In Memoriam” from the fund drop down box. IMPORTANT: in the ‘Message to EMS Foundation’ box be sure to specify that the funds are to go to “the Mobile Integrated Health/Community Paramedic program”. 

We welcome you to show your support and love in whatever way is meaningful and comfortable to you in this time of pandemic - whether that’s raising a glass at home, sending up a prayer or joining us at the Alix Ag Society Fairgrounds for a socially-distanced Celebration of Murray’s Life on Saturday, August 08, 2020. 

Horse drawn procession leaving ALIX AGRICULTURAL GROUNDS @6:00 PM  AUGUST 8, 2020

Graveside service will be held at the Alix Cemetery

Afterwards, we will be gathering to share our favorite memories & stories at the Ag grounds. Light refreshments will be served. Fireworks to follow. 

If you wish to send flowers (his favorite was the Tiger lily - best pronounced ‘tag-er’ lily)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Murray Alvin Wardley, please visit our floral store.