In Memory Of

Elling "Murray" Rathwell

Apr 13, 1941 - Mar 24, 2025

Service

  As per Murray's request there will be no funeral service.

Obituary

Murray Rathwell was born to Pearl and Clifford Rathwell at Bentley, Alberta on April 13, 1941, and passed away March 24, 2025, just shy of his 84th birthday. He was number 9 of 10 children. He grew up going to school in the Rimbey area where he met and married Gail Nickle, and they had two daughters, Sheila and Laura. After some years on their farm west of Rimbey, the family moved to Alhambra. 24+ years later Murray and Gail moved to Eckville.

Murray didn't watch someone else play life for him. He put into practice that "you might as well try it!" If he wondered how something worked, it got taken apart. If he had an idea the next thing you know he'd figure it out and there would be some contraption spitting steam or exhaust or shavings or electricity. If he wanted to fly, he got an ultralight kit, built it and flew...then got a couple more and made the first one into an air boat. A skidoo got wheels, and we all as a family got a lot of experiences that we assumed everyone else had. A barn and cabin and hangers were built. So many years were spent together camping and riding whatever machines we had going on at the time. He loved going out camping with his buddies and on his own as well.
Murray and Gail liked to take road trips to Manitoba, BC, NWT and the favorite was spending 3 weeks exploring the Yukon.

Murray leaves behind his partner of 61 years Gail Rathwell; daughter Sheila Rathwell, daughter Laura (Brent) Raivio; grandkids Samantha (Logan) Schenk, Kyle Cooke and Johanna Cooke; three great grandchildren; brother Ken Rathwell; and numerous extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Pearl and Clifford; two sisters Irene and Jean; three brothers Harold, Vernon and Clifford; one sister and twin brothers who died shortly after birth.

As per Murray's request there will be no funeral service.

Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.
Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.

Condolences

Stacey Stilling:

Mrs Rathwell & family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Sending heartfelt condolences to you all.

Mary and Jamie Hazzard:

Auntie Gail, Sheila and Laura; Uncle Murray was and always will be close to our hearts. As a child and adult, I loved spending time with him. You could say I was that little puppy, that just loved tagging along. He will be missed, love you Uncle Murray.
Our deepest sympathy to you all.

Jackie and Doug Hill :

Our deepest condolences to your family. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May the happy memories you shared help lessen your sorrow. I will always remember his infectious laugh and will hold on to the fond memories we shared.
"A memory on the breeze, a whisper through the trees that say They will never be Forgotten"

Cathy Browne (Booth) :

My fondest memories of my Uncle Murray was how he used to tease me with an awesome sarcastic humour! I was always known to Uncle Murray as ‘Baby Cathy’ all the way into adulthood.

My sadness rests with my very strong Aunty Gail and my cousins as well as their families.

I love all of you and am sending you all my strength as these are not simple days ahead but know that you will see brightness as you recall the good times with Husband, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa and Great Grandpa Murray.

Blessings to all…
Brett, Cathy and Family

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