Murray Isaac Grant Pogue passed away peacefully, with his daughter by his side, on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at the age of 97.
“Wonderful” was his favourite word and he had a wonderful long life living most of it as he chose, including his last day spent with his “darling” daughter out in the sunshine having milk and cookies.
Born in the nursing station in Kakabeka Falls, he lived his early childhood in KB until a house fire prompted the move to O’Connor Township - only leaving to move into Hymers in his 80’s and Hogarth Riverview Manor for his last 6 months.
He had a knowledge far beyond his Grade 8 education as he read voraciously, and had many subjects that interested him from history, geology, gardening, space exploration, anthropology and novels of the wild west. He did gold panning and loved collecting all types of rocks and fossils. He would patiently teach all his vast knowledge and experiences to anyone interested. Often throwing in a shocking revelation he'd kept for just the right time to tell.
After returning from France serving in the Lake Superior Motor Regiment in WW2 he worked in road construction and logging from the time of horse drawn logging to his last few months still cutting and collecting firewood for his woodstove - a regular sight trundling whole trees through Hymers on his walker. He also worked many years for the O’Connor Township roads maintenance.
In 1963, he married Elizabeth “Betty” Kershaw and together they farmed 1400 acres in O’Connor Township on the “KP Ranch” as well as helping his brother Tom on his farm until well into their 80’s. They raised beef, hogs, chickens, and sheep as well as having a large market garden. In 1964, they welcomed their daughter Jane as a sister to Betty’s 3 sons. They also took in many who needed work or a home over the years. Giving and helping others was something he freely did throughout his life.
Murray leaves behind his daughter Jane Pogue (Ryan) step-sons Graeme Kershaw (Catherine), John Kershaw (Lynne) and Douglas Kershaw (Sharron). Predeceased by his parents Ethel and Jack Pogue and his siblings Archibelle Mathews, Tom Pogue, Rose Pogue and his wife Betty Pogue.
Cremation has taken place and interment to follow at a later date. A celebration of his life will be held at 1 pm on Friday, August 30th, 2024 at the O’Connor Community Centre, 330 Hwy 595.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com
