Obituary of Teresa Lyn Murray

May we all grieve the loss of the wonderful woman, Teresa Lyn (Teri) Murray – loving daughter, sister and friend of the Calgary and world communities. Teri was born on June 4, 1986 in Calgary. She is survived by her mother Bobbi; father Dave; and brothers, Alan and Derek. Teri’s extended maternal family includes Aunt Lana and Uncle Rick Brebner, Aunt Casey and Uncle Stan Rose, Aunt Alicia Lou Stevenson and Uncle Morris Beaudin, all of Quebec. Her extended paternal family includes Aunt Colleen and Uncle Wally Williams, Aunt Kathy and Uncle Rick Hovey, Aunt Janet and Uncle Wayne Simpson, Uncle Peter and Aunt Jan Murray, Uncle Steve, Uncle Joe and Uncle Dwayne Murray, and numerous cousins. She was predeceased by her grandparents Elayne and Alan Stevenson, Clarence and Jean Murray and her Aunt Sparkle Stevenson. She is also survived by an extremely close circle of friends, both here in Calgary and throughout the world. Teri attended Midnapore Elementary School, Midsun Junior High School and graduated from Bishop O’Byrne High School with honours. While challenging her mind at school, she blossomed in public speaking and debate which allowed her to be part of the select group of students to be the Master of Ceremonies for her high school graduation. This is but one of the many accomplishments she achieved while attending Bishop O’Byrne. She became active in the community at an early age, participating in Sparks, Brownies and Girl Guides. She went on to join the 187 Foothills Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron in Okotoks, AB and was decorated in the highest honour. She was one of few Canadian youth to attend, by scholarship, the Glider Pilot Program in Gimli, MB. She obtained her wings in 2003 followed by her Private Pilot License in Penhold, AB in 2004 before the age of eighteen. As one of the youngest pilots in Canada, she is sorely missed by the Canadian aviation community. While actively pursuing her pilot licenses, and remaining on the honour roll at school, Teri was also extensively involved in the equestrian community. At the age of eleven, Teri was an active volunteer at Happy Trails Riding Stables, Fish Creek Park. Her love of horses continued with her involvement in the Millarville Musical Ride. She later went on to become a wrangler at the Tim Horton’s Children’s Camp in Kananaskis with her horse Hank. This jumpstarted her career in community relations which ultimately lead to her being crowned the Calgary Stampede Princess 2006. After completing her commitments to the Stampede Board, she went on to the International YMCA Program, representing Canada. She spent eighteen months on the North Shore of Oahu, HI, working to enrich the lives of youth from around the world as a camp councillor and camp developer. Since embarking on this final chapter in her life, we have received much correspondence from around the world, from individuals she worked with while on the island, expressing their grief. After leaving Hawaii in September 2008, she briefly returned to Canada and continued on to Europe where she explored England and Germany with friends she met at the YMCA camp. She described the trip as eye-opening and wonderfully refreshing. She had plans to travel to Brazil later in 2009 and continue her adventure in world exploration. Upon her return to Calgary in January 2009, Teri re-enrolled at the University of Calgary as a full-time student, pursuing her B.A. in Communications. All who knew Teri invariably described her as a wholly magnanimous person, who brought nothing but love and enrichment to their lives. The world – from Calgary, to Hawaii, to England, to Brazil, to Australia is grieving the loss of an Angel. We were honoured to know her, blessed to be with her and she will remain in our hearts for the rest of our lives. A Celebration of Teri’s Life will be held at Rafter Six Ranch Resort, (Exshaw, AB) on Thursday, February 19, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Tim Horton’s Children’s Foundation Equine Program Kananaskis, in the name of Teri Murray, P.O. Box 117, Kananaskis, AB, Canada T0L 2H0 Arrangements in care of McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.