Obituary of Murray Dean POFFENROTH

December 2, 1954 – Red Deer, Alberta

February 22, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Murray Dean Poffenroth of Calgary, AB passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at the age of 66 years.

Murray was born in Red Deer, AB on December 2, 1954 but moved to Calgary shortly after and resided in the community of Montgomery for most of his life. Being gifted with his hands, Murray made a living as a handyman and contractor teaching both of his sons how to swing a hammer. His love of art led him to attend the Alberta College of Art in the mid 70’s and this passion is also shared with his youngest son Clinton. It was a delight to come across a scribble of Dads on a corner of paper because it looked like a masterpiece in the eyes of his kids. Murray was a big fan of the Calgary Flames, and music in which he could reliably sing the lyrics to any Beatles song. Growing up, the weekends at dad's were always fun and he made a point to give each child their own special nights to pick dinner and their favorite treats. He also took his kids to see movies, went camping, excursions to museums and trips to Calaway Park. There were many weekends at the wave pool, where he somehow managed to swim under water with multiple children attached.

As the kids got older, he took the kids on glorious road trips to see Uncle Wayne in Vernon, and later still as a valuable comrade at the drinking table where he was a menace to roll against in backgammon. He was an intellectual who loved to challenge his kid’s imaginations, he would entertain hours long hypothetical conversations in the car about what would happen if aliens landed, or if someone dropped a nuke.

He was proud to repair and renovate the family homes, even building one with his brother Trevor that was designed by his late nephew Dean. Dad loved family gatherings for brunches and dinners. Murray enjoyed cooking, sharing his love of gravy and sandwiches with his daughter Heather and was a master Caesar salad maker – the trick is the anchovies!

Murray is survived by his four children, Jennifer, Heather, Craig (Jessica) and Clinton; and two grandsons, Elias and Emmett. He is also survived by his brothers, Wayne (Bev) and Trevor (Sarah); and sisters, Maureen and Arlie (Glenn); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Murray was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Elaine Poffenroth; his nephew Dean Poffenroth, and brother-in-law Doug Peterson.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Murray’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Murray Poffenroth, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.