In Memory Of

Murray Steven Hennessy

Aug 22, 1960 - Feb 26, 2026

Service

Monday, April 6, 2026
12:00 pm
Extra End Lounge
Rocky Regional Recreation Centre
5332-50 Street
Rocky Mountain House, AB

Notice

Tributes to begin at 12:30pm

Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

Obituary

It is with deep sorrow and much love, that Murray’s family announce his sudden passing while vacationing in Mesa, Arizona. He leaves to mourn his wife, Darryll "Donna" Hennessy, and their daughter and son in-law, Lindsay and Brant Wihlidal.
He will be missed by his sisters Sandra (Harold) Townsend and Barbara (Graham) Little, his brother Douglas (Heather) Hennessy, sisters-in-laws, and numerous nieces and nephews. He will also be dearly missed and celebrated by special former neighbours Kim, Murray, and Kingston Armstrong.
He was predeceased by his mother and father, Bessie and Howard Hennessy, and brothers Brian (Suzie) and Robert Hennessy.
Murray was born and raised in Belleville, Ontario where he graduated in 1978. After graduation he ventured west with his friend, Ray, to enjoy a summer of camping and finding work. Murray was successful in finding a job in Edmonton, Alberta but his friend had to return to Ontario. Thus, Murray’s career with Acklands (later Acklands Grainger) and avid following of the Oilers began. During his four decades with Acklands, Murray worked in many capacities and locales including: Edmonton, Rocky Mountain House, High Level, Dawson Creek, and Bonnyville.
In 1989, Murray met the love of his life, Darryll, and put down permanent roots in Rocky. They welcomed a daughter a couple of years later and purchased an acreage near Leslieville which sealed the deal. Murray continued at the Acklands in Rocky as Salesman then Branch Manager until 2018. Murray rounded off his working career with a self described “fun” (non-HR) job at B.W. Bouwman Plumbing in Rocky for a few years before retiring in 2022.
Retirement meant freedom to travel including RV-ing across Canada to the East Coast, down the Eastern seaboard to Florida, and across the Southern states. Murray had as much fun just a few miles from home at the Smith’s campground or at Johnston Canyon.
Murray worked hard all his life and especially enjoyed home improvement projects with his wife on their acreage for more than 30 years. He taught this work ethic to his daughter and was the most supportive Dad one could ask for. His sense of humour and ability to lighten any situation made an impression with strangers and lifelong friends alike. The fun and laughter during card games, board games, firepits, and of course stories told at the Murray Hennessy Bar will be remembered fondly.
A celebration of Murray’s Life will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026 from Noon to 3:00 p.m., with tributes to begin at 12:30 p.m., at the Extra End Lounge in the Rocky Regional Recreation Centre (5332 - 50 Street, Rocky Mountain House).
Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.

Condolences

Barry Horth:

My association with Murray goes back to his early Acklands days in Rocky Mtn. House. At that time I had
basically just started my contracting business and Murray was one of the first industrial retailers to grant me
credit which provided me the opportunity to get rolling and expand my fledgling business. His sage advice at
times, generous discounts on purchases and often referrals helped me big time to get well grounded in this
unpredictable business.
After Murray "retired" from Acklands I lost track of him but then our friendship was rekindled when we met
twice weekly @ pickleball games. He was a lot of fun to have as both a partner and opponent and our local
club misses his enthusiasm and camaraderie big time.
Our sincere condolences to Darryl and other family members: it's such a shame to lose him so early.
Barry and Gail

Ted Sherring:

Darryll and family,
Deepest condolences to all of you at this time.
Murray and I meet when I first worked at Acklands Ltd in Stettler as the Sales Rep and Murray was the Sales Rep in Rocky. We always chatted at our District meetings in Red Deer and Provincial meetings in either Calgary or Red Deer.
After I transferred to Drumheller to open the Branch in 1988 we again would see each other and catch up at our Regional Branch meetings. Then we began to see we had a common camping area with Johnston Canyon west of Banff and would connect when we were camping there. Then our Acklands Reunions in Red Deer Murray always made it a point to be sure to attend and enjoy the reminiscing and laughter shared by the 40 plus attendees. Murray will be missed this year for sure and his laugh we’ll miss the most.
Go Rest High on that Mountain Murray
For your Work on Earth is Done.
Always in our thoughts we’ll raise a toast to you this month at the Reunion.
Ted Sherring, retired employee, Acklands Limited
Medicine Hat, Alberta

Nikki Johnson:

My condolences to Darryll and Lyndsey. I was so surprised to hear of his passing, especially when I just seen him at the hardware store a couple months ago. I worked at Acklands for 6 years and he ran a tight ship but I always appreciated it when I went on to other jobs. He had so much knowledge crammed into his brain, it was amazing. He had a comment about (I am going to ruin it) “he had forgot more than he had in there” He set a standard of expectations that I always carried with me. Rest in Peace Murray.

Rick & Rhonda Reynaud:

Darrell & family,
So sorry to hear of your great loss. Deepest sympathies to you all.

Lisa Harbidge:

We are so very sorry to hear of Murray's passing. We met through our love of dogs and I always looked forward to our cheerful visits before and after your travels. May your good memories ease your family's pain.

Pamela Lizardi:

Darryll, All of us at Val Vista Village will miss you and Murray, especially those of us who got to play Pickleball with you. Know you have an extended family here in Mesa and we would welcome you back with open arms when you are ready.
Keep Murray alive in the memories you hold in your heart. Love you Pam and Ruben

Kate and Mark Luchenski:

Dear Darryll, Lindsay and families;
Mark and I are sending heartfelt condolences your way. Murray was such a great man and gone far too soon. Please know we are thinking of you with love.
Kate and Mark Luchenski

Wayne Pidhirney :

Hi Darryl, Lindsay and Family

I’m very sorry hearing of Murray’s passing very hard to believe, a good friend, a neighbor across the valley to the north .Will miss lots of stories at the campfire , I recall over the years at Acklands,
His normal comment was
“we don’t have it in stock but we can order it in “
Murray had lots of talent and will be sadly missed

Theresa and Doug Laing:

Darryl and family
We are so sorry for your loss and send our deepest condolences. When we think of Murray we think of his big smile and kind nature. Sending hugs.

Vicki and Steve Archibald:

We are so sorry for your family to hear of Murray’s passing. Murray was so fun to play pickleball with at VVV. Love to you Daryl.

Kelly and Larry Johnson:

Our deepest sympathy to you and your families. We miss you both so much and pray for peace and comfort in this most difficult time. We cherished our friendships and especially our pickelball family!! Hoping to see you again dear Darryll here at VVV.

Lisa Horth:

I am so sad to hear of Murrays' passing.
I was fortunate to work for Murray in the Acklands Rocky Branch many years ago and could not ask for a better mentor. Murray was patient, knowledgeable, and always fostered a great work environment with plenty of laughs.
RIP Murray, you were one of a kind!

Anna Bertagnolli :

Dear Darrell and family, I am so very sorry to hear about Murray. Our interaction was brief but the times at the campfire were full of funny stories and relaxing conversation. I hope you can continue to enjoy Murray through your memories, shared with Lindsay and Brant, your friends and family. He will be missed and we are sad he is gone.

Gale McCaw:

My late husband Johnny enjoyed Murray immensely through years of work related contacts. When people we love leave us we are changed forever. Darryl and Lindsay know that people in your lives share your grief.

Heike & Wayne Garton:

Dear Darryll, Lindsay & Brant,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We feel truly grateful to have known you and Murray—and to have had the chance to meet Lindsay during her visit last winter. Murray had a wonderful way of making us laugh, and our pickleball games with him will always be cherished memories. He will be deeply missed by all of us in the Val Vista pickleball community.
With heartfelt sympathy and big hugs,
Heike & Wayne

Marie Gervais:

About two years ago Maggie and I made a last minute detour on our way home from a visit in Belleville and I stopped by Marc’s place. We had a very lovely surprise when Murray and Darryll had also stopped by on their RVing trip. It was a quick hello but always great to see someone from the Hennessy clan. We were very sad to hear the news. Our love goes out to all the family.

Aalia Fueller:

We are truly devastated for you and your family. And obviously his many friends. We consider ourselves among them. We had very fond feelings for you both and are still shaken at his passing so quickly and unexpectedly. We truly hope to see you again one day and that you and your daughter are able to find peace in the knowledge that Murray is at peace and loved you both to his last day!

Gregg Billingham:

I am so sorry for Linday's and your sudden loss. I was a work colleague and friend of Murray's for many years. We met in the late 80's in Rocky Mountain House and fondly recall making sales calls with him. He drove a little Chev pickup truck with an off-road package, I was a pretty experienced dirt bike rider, but I'd never gone those speeds in a truck on gravel and dirt roads.
We had a customer appreciation event at the Rocky branch and a group of us (mostly I) played a practical joke on Murray, It didn't work out exactly as planned, and he was mad at me for years. But eventually he got over it. He had a good memory for that sort of thing.
I recall how proud he was when Lindsay planned your RV to the east coast and all he had to do was follow the plan and drive. More recently he was so proud of her University years and graduation.
Last few years at an Acklands Lunch we spent time comparing RV travel notes and your winter experiences in Arizona with our winter experiences in Southern Spain. He seemed very interested in winters on the Mediterranean.   
He lived life well, but left us far too early and he will be missed!
Gregg Billingham

Terry Lunney:

Darryll,
I am so sorry. I won't say for 'for your loss' because you have so many memories but I would wish for you to have had so many more. Thinking of you, sending you love and light,
Terry

John @ Lana MacLeod:

we here at Val Vista Village are very saddened about Murray. He and Darryl where really enjoying the card games down here with us all having a great time with lots of laughs.. our deepest condolences too you and your families. thank you for the link to be able to comment. take care... The MacLeods. Ontario..Canada

Deb Luke :

Darryll and family, we are so sorry to hear of Murray's passing. Prayers for you and your family. May your memories help you through this difficult time. He was a good man and we enjoyed meeting you both and playing pickleball at VIP La Feria.

Randy/Debbie Peonio:

We’re very sorry to hear Murray had passed away. We enjoyed playing pickle ball with Murray and Daryll. They were an important part of the Val Vista Village community.

Sharon Basset:

Big Hugs to you Darryll, Lindsay and Brant.
Love you.

Doug and Sharon Pierce:

We are so sorry for your loss. The last time I saw you two, you were walking back from Pickleball and Murray was pushing his bike with one hand and holding your hand with his other and I thought how sweet is that?!?! We are thinking of you and sending lots of love and hugs.

Julie Zimmerman:

We are so sorry for your loss. Murray was a kind man with an ever welcoming smile. He will be greatly missed by many people here in Val Vista.
Our hearts go out to you, Darryll and your family.
Hugs,
Don and Julie Zimmerman

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