Obituary of Murray Michael Kubian

 It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Murray Kubian in Invermere, B.C. on the evening of August 25, 2024.

Murray was born in Estevan Saskatchewan on May 24, 1938, to Mike and Francis Kubian, He was the first of three siblings. He grew up helping to support his family from a young age like many people of his generation. He left home early, lying about his age to take a job with the Saskatchewan Telephone Company at 16. By the time he was 18 he had moved west to work for the BC Telephone Company. He would go on to work 37 years for BC Tel, retiring in 1996.

Murray met Helen in 1959 where his parents lived in Calgary AB. They fell in love and were married on September 16, 1961. After they were married, they moved to Nelson, B.C. Famously, Dad taught Mom to drive a standard in that steep-hilled town and as they like to say it was the closest they ever came to divorce! They enjoyed a happy life together and were on the cusp of celebrating their 63rd wedding anniversary.

Murray and Helen moved to Invermere in 1962. They made their home in a house on beautiful Lake Windermere. They raised four sons in that house enjoying a great lifestyle beside the lake. Dad was a dedicated husband and father. He worked hard supporting his family in every aspect of their lives. He was an absolute jack of all trades repairing and maintaining his own vehicles, TVs and toasters! On any given trip to the dump, he could come home with more than he went with as he was always looking for spare parts. He was always there for all his family to support them in any way he could.

Murray was a caring community member and friend. He was active in supporting his community in many ways but none more so than through the Windermere Fire Department. Dad was one of the founding members of the Department and cared deeply about the work they did. He so enjoyed the adventure and camaraderie at the hall. He was an active person who enjoyed boating, downhill skiing and golf. He spent many happy days “working” as a Mountain Friend at Panorama where he enjoyed skiing with friends new and old. Through his entire life he was a quiet kind hearted, caring gentleman well thought of by all who met him.

Murray will be lovingly remembered by his sister Audrey (Len) Desjardins, brother Bob (Fran), and his sister-in-law Margret Wensmen, his many nieces and nephews, his four sons Rick (Angela), Glenn, Jason and Blair and his grandchildren Jack, Erin, Michael, Haley and Adam as well as his many friends.

The family would like to thank the dedicated folks who cared for Dad through his journey with cancer: Dr. Gareth Mannheimer, the team in chemotherapy at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital, the home care team in Invermere and the staff of Columbia Garden Village and Ivy House. The good work of all those involved enabled Dad to maximize his time and quality of life with his family and friends. We are forever indebted to that.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 on September 7th, 2024, at the Catholic Church in Invermere, B.C., followed by a celebration of life at the Invermere Legion.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or any community charity in Murray’s name.