August 19, 2022

Tributes to Bill Murdoch pour in

Photo: bognerjam.com

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — Former MPP Bill Murdoch passed away on August 16 at the Residential Hospice of Grey Bruce (Chapman House) in Owen Sound following an unsuccessful battle with cancer which lasted several years. A Progressive Conservative member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Murdoch represented the riding of Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound from 1990 to 2011. He also served four years as a municipal councillor in Sydenham Township and another eight years as Reeve, prior to his political career at the provincial level of government. Murdoch was always known as a free thinker and was not unfamiliar with controversy.

Since the news hit the streets on Tuesday, tributes to Murdoch have poured in.

Alex Ruff, Member of Federal Parliament for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound issued the following statement regarding Murdoch's passing:

“It’s never easy to put into words when someone you care about passes on and it’s even more difficult when it’s someone as impactful on so many as ‘Maverick’ ‘Bognor Bill’ Murdoch.

“I’ve known Bill for decades although we became much better acquainted over the last three years. Bill was one of the first people I called when I decided to enter politics in January of 2019. Why Bill? Because without a doubt Bill was the mould used for creating politicians that represent the people that elected them first and foremost. Bill’s reputation for speaking his mind and ‘fighting for the little guy’ was known throughout the province and I daresay country. Any elected official would be hard pressed to find a better constituent politician in the country to seek advice and learn from.

“More importantly, Bill just cared. He cared about the people he represented. He cared about farming. He cared about conservationism. He cared about local music, culture and helped found the Bruce Grey Music Hall of Fame. He cared about his radio shows. He cared about the Owen Sound Attack and his beloved Montreal Canadiens. He cared about his friends. Most importantly, he cared about his family. Bill cared.

“To Sue, Karen, Angola, the whole Murdoch family and his closest friends, my deepest condolences. I hope you can take solace in knowing Bill made a huge impact on so many and he made the world a much better place.

“Bill, you may have passed on, but you’ll never be forgotten.”

Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Rick Byers issued the following statement in response to Murdoch's passing:

"Bill Murdoch was an extraordinarily active and dedicated member of our Grey Bruce community.

Whether it was his service as municipal councillor and Grey County Warden, board member of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario, his terms as MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound from 1990 to 2011, or his extensive involvement in so many important local organizations and activities, he always left his mark. Bill has left a great legacy to our community, that includes supporting local music, helping create and build the Grey Bruce Music Hall of Fame and hosting radio shows on 560 CFOS for many years.

To his wife Sue, his daughters Karen and Angola, and all family members, we extend our sincere sympathy and support to you.

Thank you so very much, Bill, for your extraordinary dedication and service to our community, it will long be cherished and remembered."

The Municipality of Grey Highlands released the following statement:

Murdoch is remembered by staff and council as an active and dedicated member of the Grey Bruce community, heavily involved in local organizations and activities throughout the County.

"On behalf of council and staff, I offer my condolences to Bill's family and friends," says Mayor Paul McQueen. "Bill has left a great legacy to our community."

"Murdoch served as the Progressive Conservative MPP representative for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound between 1990 and 2011. Murdoch also served as a municipal councillor and Grey County Warden and sat as a board member of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.
Flags will be lowered to half-mast for two weeks from August 22 until September 5 at municipal facilities in Bill Murdoch's honour.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time."

Often, affectionately referred to as 'Bogner Bill', his obituary reads as follows:

"Bill passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side at the Chapman House Hospice in Owen Sound, on Tuesday, August 16, 2022. Born on January 10, 1945 in Meaford, Ontario, William Richard Murdoch of Bognor, was in his 78th year."

"Dearly loved husband and best friend of Sue Murdoch (née Walker) for 50 years. Loving father of Karen Murdoch and her husband, Dale Snyder, of London and Angola Murdoch and her husband, Eamon Mac Mahon, of Purple Valley. Bill was very proud of his granddaughter, Luella Mac Mahon. Dear brother of John Murdoch (Cathryn) and Elizabeth Harris (Gord), both of Bognor and brother-in-law of Alf Walker (Bea), of New Brunswick and Doug Walker (Jann), of Vancouver Island. Bill will be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews and many friends. Predeceased by his parents, Dick and Betty Murdoch and his parents-in-law, Ab and Mae Walker."

A Private Celebration of Life for Bill Murdoch will be held at the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home, Owen Sound, 519-376-7492 with private interment in McLean’s Cemetery, Bognor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Chapman House Hospice or the Bruce Grey Music Hall of Fame would be appreciated.

Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting Bill’s online memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca

 

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