Obituary of Murray Napper

NAPPER ~ Murray Ross of Lashburn, Saskatchewan passed away at the Lloydminster Hospital on Sunday, June 5, 2011 at the age of 64 years. EULOGY ~ by Marilyn Napper Good Morning Ladies and Gentlemen. We are all together this day to reminisce and celebrate the life of Murray Ross Napper. Murray Ross Napper was born on May 22nd, 1946 to Garnet and Ethel Napper in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. He grew up on the farm eleven miles north of Lashburn with his older brothers: Stuart, Bobby and Garry and younger sister Sandra. He and his siblings attended Banana Belt School until it closed and then he and Garry and Sandra went by bus to Lashburn. Murray was a very social person. At an early age he developed an interest in people and what they were doing. When the family ventured into Lashburn, Murray would disappear on a mission to visit various people and find out what was happening. His nickname was Tom, short for Tom Cat! On one such occasion, Garnet actually left Murray in Lashburn because he was no where to be seen when Garnet was ready to leave. Murray loved to play hockey and had the nickname of "The Shack". His love of hockey continued throughout his whole life. At lease one television in his home always had the Sports Channel playing. He was a life long fan of the Montreal Canadiens. There was nothing he did not know about the Montreal habs. Someone asked what Murray's favorite song was. The droll answer was "Brian Hall of 630 CHED" because he was always disagreeing with what Brian said about various hockey teams. Murray was an entrepreneur. He had a keen business sense and was successful with whatever he put his mind to. When Murray was about 21, he purchased his farm site and land where his family resides to this day. In 1975, he and two partners, Vern Goheen and Lyle Priest, purchased the Paradise Hill hotel. He was able to become the sole proprietor in a little more than two years. He added a nine-unit motel and laundromat to the operation. In 1982, he sold the hotel and motel and returned to the farm. Murray, being the ambitious person he was, tried his had at various ventures from cutting grass and hauling gravel for the oil companies in the area. Sharon remembers the first semi that Murray bought. It was a green Kenworth. Murray convinced Sharon to go for a ride with him. As they were driving down the road the truck came to a stop. Murray fumbled with the gears and soon Sharon could hear a beeping noise. He discovered that the beeping sound meant that the truck was in reverse and when Sharon realized that another semi was bearing down on them from behind, she really panicked and bailed out. He was on his own! Sharon walked home across the field. Sharon told him that she would never ride with him again unless he went somewhere to get training for his Class 1 licence. It was at this time that he went to Yorkton and attained his Class 1. A few years later he worked for Klinger's Oilfield hauling water. He drove an older body truck which he called "Old 18". He eventually bought the old truck and went into business for himself. In 1994, he purchased his first brand new semi and pup trailer. He started hauling fluid for Husky Oil. As the work became busier, he bought more trucks and hired contractors. He was absolutely in his glory! Murray was very close to his family. As a young man he spent a lot of time with his brother Garry and his sister Sandra. Sandra was constantly in demand to clean his house. He knew that she would do a great job every time. Murray telephoned his mom every day. We were discussing how Murray would phone quite often but the conversations would not last long. He would find out what he needed to know and then say "gotta go" and he was gone! His visits were a lot like that as well. Murray loved to go. He went to Lloydminster pretty much every day and on occasion twice a day. Murray and Sharon Schneider were married on March 19, 1977. They resided in Paradise Hill where all three children: Warren, Jason and Dayna were born. In the winter of 1982, they returned to the farm where they reside today. In 1988, Murray and Sharon bought the cabin at Turtle Lake. Sharon and the kids enjoyed lake life on the weekends and holidays. Murray would come when he was not busy. Turtle Lake became too busy for Murray's peace of mind and so Murray found a cabin at Keeley Lake. The cabin was in need of Murray's caring touch. Many long hours were spent renovating the cabin, building a garage and perfecting the yard. It was a labor of love in a place where he found peace, contentment and many lifelong friends - Wes, Maurice, Charlie, Rich and Rose. Someone said that Murray was always telling everyone about the great fishing at Keeley. However, he rarely if ever went fishing or boating himself. Kind of strange for a person with three boats. Sharon said he went out once with her. Murray was a kind and considerate person. He accepted everyone as they were. He had the patience of Job with people who faced daily challenges and issues. He was everyone's friend. He would help anyone who needed it. Murray's real pride and joy was his family. His children looked up to him and wanted him to be proud of their accomplishments. He was extremely proud of Warren and Jason when they returned home to work in his trucking company and of Dayna when she was hired to work in the Lloydminster RCMP office. He enjoyed the fact that he was able to get out of a few speeding tickets. One time after Murray was coming out of one of his surgeries, Dayna came to the room. Someone asked Murray who she was and he said that's my daughter Dayna. She works for the RCMP. Murray always waited for the daily phone calls from his kids. He guarded the phone so that no one could make a call and make him miss the calls. He was so interested in what everyone was doing. Every Saturday and Sunday at 8:00 in the morning Dayna, Derek and Haley expected Murray to drop in for coffee. Murray and Sharon were blessed with five grandchildren and another in waiting. Bryce and Blake Napper, Haley and Kale Roach and Davin Napper were absolutely adored by Grandpa Napper. He enjoyed having them around as much as possible. Whenever there was a baby around, Murray would speak a language that only he and the baby could understand...it always started with - woochy, woochy, woo. Murray was able to hold his latest grandchild Kale Roach who was born nearly 3 weeks ago. It seemed like he was living just to see that little guy. The grand kids especially enjoyed Murray's intense love of good ice cream and all the toppings. Every time Murray went to town he bought treats for the grandkids. Sharon remembers when Bryce and Blake wanted quads. They knew Grandma would say a quick no, so they asked Grandpa and guess what? Murray started having some health issues about nine years ago. He received a couple of stents for some heart blockages and then in 2007 he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He underwent two surgeries and treatments. In January of 2010, it was discovered that the cancer had moved to his brain. He underwent radiation to try and stop the progression of the disease. Murray fought so hard through it all because he firmly believed that where there is life there is hope. Murray was a model patient at the Lloydminster Hospital. He had a special rapport with all the awesome nurses who diligently cared for him. At this time Murray had a real hankering for chocolates and other sweets especially Timbits. Sharon had to buy boxes of 40 because 20 did not cut it. He guarded his chocolates and timbits and was not pleased if someone got to his stash. Murray spent his last months in the hospital with his family nearby. He faced his challenges with quiet dignity and courage. Murray succumbed to his illness on June 5, 2011. Sharon, remember Murray as your life partner who was an ambitious, proud, independent and caring person who was well respected and admired by his family, friends and acquaintances. Warren, Jason and Dayna, remember your dad's dignity and courage when facing life's challenges and his pride in everything you have all accomplished. Bryce, Blake, Davin, Haley and Kale, remember that as Bryce said the other night, "He was the greatest grandpa in the world." God speed Murray. Gotta go! Murray was predeceased by his parents Garnet Napper in 1987, Ethel Napper in 1986 and his brother Garry Napper in 1984. Murray will be lovingly remembered by: his wife Sharon of 34 years; his three children: Warren Napper, Jason (Alanna) Napper, Dayna (Derek) Roach; his five grandchildren: Bryce and Blake Napper, Davin Napper, Haley and Kale Roach; his brothers: Stuart (Marilyn) Napper, Bob (Doris) Napper and sister Sandra Napper and numerous other relatives. The funeral service was conducted from the Lashburn Community Hall with Reverend Lorna Brick officiating on June 9, 2011 at 10:30 A.M. The pallbearers were: Wes Bousquet, Richard Salzl, Albert Cunningham, Brian Nedelec, Rick Schapansky and John Green. CARD OF THANKS The family of Murray Ross Napper would like to thank Dr. Snyman for the excellent and kind care that she gave to Murray; to all the 3rd floor nurses and home care, we couldn't have asked for better care. To all his friends and family members that came to visit him in the hospital, he really appreciated it. Thank you to Glenn and Joel McCaw for all the support and caring attitude that really helped at this difficult time. Thank you to the pallbearers, you all were his special friends. Thank you to everyone who gave food, phone calls and flowers, it was greatly appreciated. Your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten. Sharon Warren Jason & Alanna Dayna & Derek Donations in memory of Murray may be made to the Lloydminster Regional Health Foundation or to the charity of the donor's choice.