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January 6, 1942 - May 16, 2026

John Thomas McMurray, better known as Tom, was born in the Mindemoya Hospital on Manitoulin Island, Ontario, to Thomas and Ruby McMurray, on January 6, 1942. He was the eldest of three children. He grew up in Little Current and took his schooling there. As a young man he went to Toronto and trained to be a body man, repairing and painting cars. During this time he was married to Lynn Landreault and together they had three children, Karen, Diane and John. His career days took him down various paths, as a body man, milkman, store clerk, orderly at the hospital and then at the seniors’ Manor. He decided to take his studies and become a paramedic which he did for 27 years. He enjoyed tinkering with antique radios, model cars and anything electronic. Tom loved sports and was involved in umpiring baseball, playing hockey, walking, and coaching girls ringette for many years. He also enjoyed his motorcycle and travelled to the East Coast and down into the Eastern USA. As his children married, he loved all of his six grandchildren that they gave him and was so proud of their accomplishments. Tom was a dedicated “Papa.” Tom knew there was something missing from his life and in his unhappiness, he got down by the side of his bed and prayed, “God, I have made a mess of my life. If you are real, would you forgive my sins and come into my life and change me?” That was on January 9, 2005. God heard that prayer and that day, Tom was born again into the family of God. God did change him and put within him a hunger for God’s Word. He was a seeker of truth and did not take the words of others as truth, but “dug” in the Bible and studied for himself until he found the answers to his many questions. After several years of being alone, Tom met a widow, Joanne Darling, on a dating site called “bigchurch.com.” An interest was sparked and after 14 months of messaging, phone calls and visiting each other’s homes, they were married in Three Hills, Alberta, on June 25, 2011. With this marriage, Tom acquired another family, three more children and six more grandchildren. It didn’t take long for them to accept him and fall in love. He has been an integral part of their family for the past 15 years. Tom and Joanne enjoyed travelling to many places, especially the mountains. They made trips to the West Coast and east to Ontario to visit family. With the purchase of an RV, they enjoyed camping with friends at the Southern Gospel Convention in Red Deer and attending the “Keenagers” retreat in the Foothills of the Rockies. For this retreat, Tom was asked to take on the task of helping to build birdhouses. He made up kits during the fall and spring months so the campers would have a craft to do. He enjoyed this so much and it gave him a purpose and something to look forward to. He enjoyed bowling on the seniors league and many times his name appeared in the local paper with his high scores. Tom dearly loved his two families and the many friends he made since living in the West. He was predeceased by an infant brother Henry and by his parents Thomas and Ruby McMurray. He is survived by his sister Betty (Gary) White and niece Sherry. Mourning his loss are his children Karen (Tim) White, Diane (Jake) McColeman, John (Maggie) McMurray. His grandchildren James and Laura White, Colette Frith, Christopher Frith, Yvette (Adam) Shavalier, Jenny Frith and his great grandchildren Ruby and Adam Jr. Shavalier. Also grieving are his other family. His beloved wife Joanne, his stepchildren Todd (Tammy) Darling, Shannon (Menno) Dyck and Sheri (Ken) Cooper. His grandchildren Andrea Darling, Nathan Darling, Conrad (Ebony) Darling, Matthew Dyck, Shaylah Dyck, James (Hailee) Cooper and great grandchildren Noah and Khloe Cooper and Ryland Darling. Tom was a kind, devoted and loving husband, a doting grandpa and a loyal friend. Most importantly, he was a “Child of the King” bought with the blood of the Lord Jesus. His passing has left a huge hole in our hearts but we know he is with Jesus and we will see him again on the other side. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends will gather at Island Funeral Home on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at 1pm. Tom will be laid to rest in the Mindemoya Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made in honour of Tom to the Grace Bible Church Island Funeral Home can only accept cheques for all charitable donations.