Dear Rosemary and family of Murray,

I had the pleasure of working with Murray for close to a year at a small engineering firm nearly 8 years ago. He was my favourite part of the job. We always had great laughs, sharing stories of working in advertising. I remember being impressed with his knowledge of and passion for the mountains – I aspired to be as adventurous. As a mom just starting back to work after having kids, he was the generous and kind soul I needed to see each day.

I was deeply saddened to learn of Murray’s sudden passing. My deepest sympathies to you all through what I’m sure remains a difficult time.

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Murray’s death. I met Murray and the Coppold family through my late father Dudley Winslet, who was a work colleague of Murray’s at Texaco for many years. I remember Murray as a kind and gentle man, with such an interesting and well travelled background. I also remember during those few years in the early 90’s when we were assigned in Calgary, Rosemary became a supportive friend to my wife Christine as she adjusted to her new life in Calgary.

My deepest condolences and sympathy to Rosemary and the Coppold family.

Mark Winslet, The Woodlands, Texas, USA

Murray was such a kind, smart, gentle man who was willing to share his vast knowledge of so many things with so many people. I was fortunate to work with Murray for several years in the advertising industry and always respected his experience and insight as well as his calming influence. I will miss him but I’m glad to know that he died doing what he loved with people he loved.

I am sorry for the loss of a wonderful man. Condolences to the family.

So very sad and shocking to hear the news. I worked with Murray for a few years at TBWA as a graphic designer, and I learned so much from him during that time. He was a pleasure to work with and was such a nice guy. Murray made many friends throughout the advertising community in Calgary and everyone I’ve spoken with always had kind words to say about their working experiences with him. Over the past couple of years, a few of us from the “old gang” at TBWA would get together for lunch every few months, and it was always great to see Murray and touch base with him during those reunions. He will be missed by all.

My condolences to the Coppold family.

I can’t believe it! His calm demeanor was always great in a crisis – and there were many crises in the agency world – and his work ethic was such an example to the ones he worked with – you could always depend on Murray’s help and knowledge to get you through. I always enjoyed my discussions with Murray about the Burgess shale. Murray will be missed!

I worked with Murray at my first job out of school at WAX 12 years ago. Murray was a great guy, always hard-working, always there with a funny quip that made us laugh. He definitely kept the rest of us honest. He wasn’t a big talker, but when he did, it was usually about his family, the outdoors and bicycling to work. He still left his mark 12 year after meeting him. Hope this note offers his family and friends a smile.

Dear Coppold Family,

I am truly saddened to hear of Murray’s passing. He and I worked together at WAX for about 3 years, sat side by side and talked all day long….you can probably imagine who did most of the talking. We were considered the “old folks”, he and I. He was definitely the wise one. He was a wonderful man and I will miss him. Most importantly, he loved his family and was so very proud of you. My thoughts are with you all.

I got to know Murray a bit when I worked at WAX. I appreciated his attention to detail, his no-nonsense attitude and his dry wit. When my projects went through studio, I knew they’d be treated well. I admired Murray for his steadfast devotion to bicycle commuting and his love of the outdoors. Sometimes, we’d talk about our favourite hikes and Murray certainly had a wealth of information on the subject.

Please accept my condolences.

To the Coppold family:

I am so sad to hear this news. I met Murray at WAX, my first job here in Calgary 10 years ago. I was hired as a second production artist to help him out. I learned 80% of what I know from him. He was my mentor and my friend. We would go for coffee everyday, and we would laugh and joke on a daily basis. I feel very lucky and privileged to have had the opportunity to work with him and to be his friend. We kept in touch over the years and had lunch together with Angela at the beginning of summer. He looked so happy and couldn’t stop gushing over his beautiful grandchildren. He was a very proud Grandpa. I will never forget Murray, he was a huge part of my life for quite a few years and I will miss him very very much.

My heartfelt symapthy,

Shi Emery

I worked with Murray at TBWA\ and I loved our time together. I have great memories of him telling me I hadn’t given him enough time to work on something and the deadlines were too tight. My goal was to get him to laugh and often times it was the reverse. I always found his background so interesting and I remember him talking so much about his twin boys. My condolences to his family as you get through this time. Murray’s memory lives on in the ad world.

Dear Coppold family

I had the opportunity to work with Murray at TBWA. It wasn’t a long time, but it was some really great times. We were a very small shop and so I learned a lot from him. Murray was always to the point and told me if my work was good or bad – which was welcome and always made my work better. Murray talked about his family and kids often and with great pride. I’m very sorry for your loss. Murray was an important member of the ad world, and his contribution made a lot of designers and art directors work be recognized nationally.

Also, I didn’t know Murray had an A. I for sure always spelled it without, he probably rolled his eyes, sighed and said: Oh, Art Directors, they can’t spell anything!

Mike and family, may the joy of good memories find its way to your hearts at this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, Harold, Sharilee and Rachel.

I was very sad to hear of Murray’s passing. He was a very intelligent and kind man. I think I only worked for 6 months with him as my boss in Development at Texaco but I still have all the “Opportunity Inventory News” newsletters he published at Imperial. I kept them as they were insightful and well written, exactly what you would expect from Murray.

Dear Rosemary Andrew and Michael, Thinking of you all at this difficult time.

What wonderful tributes to read about your loved one. Sadly I did not meet Murry.

but reading so many words acknowledging his integrity is magnificent .

, Warmest thoughts and love , Pat

Pat

To the Coppold family,

Murray was my big boss back in the early 80’s at the Texaco lab. I was a summer student, keen but still new to the oil patch. Murray was kind and unfailingly patient with me. He even kept his composure when I asked, at the beginning of the summer, if I could leave work every Friday at 330pm. Though undoubtedly thinking the worst of me, he calmly asked “why?” When he heard that I had to get to my second job as a cocktail waitress st the Royal Duke, he quickly agreed.

He was a lovely man and I’m very sorry to hear of his passing.

Regards,

Loren (Poole) Snyder

Dear Rosemary, Andrew and Mike,

We were shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden, tragic passsing on of Murray. May his soul rest in eternal peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Vijay, Priya Mahtani and family

Sending my condolences, and revisiting happy memories of Maine, Calgary and Montreal with lots of love. You’re all in my thoughts while you navigate this time. This is a beautiful notice, lots to think about. Much love from Kingston.

Rosemary, Andrew and Michael,

I am deeply saddened by Murray’s death. Myself, and the Foundation were incredibly privileged to have Murray’s unending support and dedication helping to interpret the geo/paleo treasures of the Rocky Mountains. The grandeur of Murray as an incredible geoscientist is only matched by the magnitude and grandeur of the mountains that he loved and shared. The honour, integrity and humble of such an amazing scientist and human being I have been privileged to know. And thank you Rosemary and family for the numerous visits and cups of teas and visits. My sincere condolences.

Randle Robertson (retired) – former Ex Director, The Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation – Field, BC

It is with sadness and shock to learn of Murray’s passing. Allow me to convey my condolences to your family. I had the pleasure of working for Murray at Texaco.

Murray had a clarity of geological insight, the ability to define what was crucial to a prospect or play. As my manager, he took the time to challenge me with his advice, at times with a humor that I appreciated. His abilities helped in my development as a Geologist at Texaco.

He made a difference for which we are thankful.

Rick Dubreuil

An excellent geologist and a proud father. He will be sadly missed.

Sincerely,

Rick Dubreuil

My deepest condolences to you and your family.

Murray hired me on campus at McGill in Nov.1980 for my first job as exploration geologist for Texaco in Calgary.

Dear Rosemary,

We remember Murray from the park where he was always accompanied by Ted. He always had a friendly word of greeting and could be counted on for a nice chat.

We are very sorry to hear that he has left us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Pam and Paul

Condolences to Murray’s family and fond memories from former colleague of “discovering” the Rockies! Loss is never easy but I suspect that if one could chose the time place and manner of ones passing then this is how Murray would have wanted it.

Peace and Love, John

To all the Coppold Family,

I am very very sad to hear the news of Murray’s death. Murray was my Supervisor and Manager a couple of times during the 80’s and early 90’s at both Texaco and Imperial Oil. He was a terrific guy and one of the best bosses I worked for over many years in the oil industry. He was an excellent geologist; technically very sharp, very logically-minded, and an exceptional problem-solver. Murray was also a great person to work with and a role model for what a good manager should be. He made a difference at both Texaco and Imperial.

My heartfelt sympathies go out to the entire Coppold Family. I am so sorry to hear of this.

Bob Falls

Rosemary, please accept our sincere condolences and sympathy. Murray gave me my start in the Canadian oil and gas industry for which I am grateful. Barbara and I remember hiking with you both in his beloved Rockies. Thirty years on we still have the framed photograph he took of us hiking through a meadow of alpine flowers above Highwood Pass. Our thoughts go out to you and your family at this tragic time.

Nigel and Barbara

To the Coppold family,

Deepest condolences from all of us at the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation. We are saddened at the loss of a great geologist, volunteer and friend. Murray stands out because of his contributions and his efforts to promote knowledge of geoscience and the awareness of the Burgess Shale.

David D Miller

Acting Chair of the Burgess Geoscience Foundation

Rosemary & Family:

It is with great sadness that I hear of Murray’s passing and with great joy that I can say I knew him. He was my very first boss after leaving post-graduate school and gave me the tools to forge a wonderful career. We worked together on projects related to the Arctic Institute of North America and of course the Burgess Shale Geoscience Foundation. Murray introduced me to the Foundation many years ago & he was a constant inspiration in teaching the public about geology & his beloved mountains. Murray will always be one of the most talented yet humble individuals I will ever have the honour of knowing.

His legacy will live on through his publications and graphics but most importantly through his inspiration to the many he met along the way. We will all miss him but cherish the memory of having shared the world with him for awhile. Thinking of you all with grateful memories of Murray

To: Rose, Andrew and Michael

We are so sorry to hear of Murray’s passing. The obituary was just perfect. He died doing what he loved and being with his hiking partner, Mike. We are so happy that he had some many special moments with his sons and granddaughters and of course with his wonderful wife. He will be sadly missed. We are here for you if you every need anything.

Love Terry and Donna Pidkowa and family

Dear Rosie, Andrew and Michael,

Lovely words about a lovely man. These past few years were so very special for him as he so obviously loved being a grandfather. I will remember Murray as a solid, loyal, reliable and truly devoted family man.

Yes….the mountains……..how appropriate that he “chose” that venue to depart this sphere of things…he always felt at home there!

Please know that, wherever we live, there will always be a “spare room” for any of you and that you are always welcome to come for a visit. Our fondest love surrounds you all.

Charles and Monica

Rosemary. I never knew Murray as well as some, but I knew him as a kind, intelligent and compassionate person through our walks and chats with our “best friends” in the park. I will miss talking to him and on behalf of Wendy and I , our deepest condolences to you and your family.