The family of Murray James Martin sadly announce his passing on September 10, 2022, in Whitehorse.

Murray was born in the small town of St. Mary’s, Ontario, on January 10, 1933.

By the age of 8, he was attracted to the waters of the Thames River, by age 10, Murray became one of the town’s noted River Rats. Murray spent most of his after-school hours fishing and rafting on the Thames River.

Murray came from a military family that led him to joining the Airforce at an young age. He loved his country and all the men and women who fought for it. After serving in the Airforce, Murray pursued a career as a Game Warden for the Department of Lands and Forests becoming the youngest Conservation Officer in Ontario. He was an advocate for the environment right up until the end.

At age 34, Murray left his cherished job as a Conservation Officer and became a field representative for Winchester Arms, and his “Voice of the Outdoors” expanded to several newspapers in Ontario.

In the early 1960’s, Murray took up writing an Outdoors column for the Cornwall Standard Free Holder under the alias Hunter. Getting away with the alias, he soon started a live Outdoors radio program, but the boss recognized his voice, and his live radio program came to an abrupt end.

After retiring, Murray found himself in politics. After completing three terms, he decided to follow a dream, and founded and published the community newspaper “The North Simcoe Community News”. After 5 years, Murray sold the paper.

In 2003, Murray and his bride Lisa embarked on a kayak trip in the Arctic. They returned home and three weeks later sold their house and were on their way back to the Yukon. Shortly after their move, the Whitehorse Star picked up his weekly “Voice of the Outdoors” column as well as his political Opinion column.

Murray sat as a director with the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters, was President of the Ontario Bow Hunters Association, founder of the Canadian Wilderness Canoe Association, and eventually became a director of the Yukon Fish and Game Association.

Murray was an avid fisherman, hunter, kayaker, and has tested the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the Bay of Fundy, and the Pacific and Arctic waters.

Murray leaves behind his wife and best friend Lisa Martin of 19 years and beloved pal Avalanche, children Kevin, Kim (Shirley), Dave (Debbie), Bonnie (Chuck), and Tracy (Ken), and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Murray was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by those who really knew him.

As per Murray’s wishes, there will be no Celebration of Life.