Original owner of Smokie’s restaurant
It is with great sadness the family of Murray Oliver Melville Lavallee announce his passing on Monday, March 23 at the age of 77 years. Murray was born on January 31 in 1943 and was a proud and devoted dad to his loving daughters, Laurie (Adam) Bembridge, Ialeen Jones (Hugh Whitfield), and Kathleen Mulligan-Lavallee (Justin Brannan). Murray was predeceased by his parents John and Laura Lavallee, his sister Mamie (Alvin) Anderson, his brothers David and Delmar Lavallee, nephew Danny Anderson who was like a son to him, nephew Ricky Lavallee and infant nephew Roy Lavallee. He is survived by his sisters-in-law Linda and Carroll Lavallee. Murray was a treasured and loved grandfather and will be fondly remembered by his five grandchildren, Quintin and Brittany (Sharwyn) Jones, Jonathan (Cali), Jeffrey (Sarah) and Joshua (Kesha) Bembridge, and his seven great-grandchildren Dakota, Avery, Hudson, Thomas, Abigail, Ava and Murray. He will also be missed by many nieces and nephews who he loved very much. Murray always had a smile for everyone and was always willing to lend a helping hand anytime he could. His big smile earned him the nickname “Grinner” by many of his friends since he was a young lad. Murray leaves behind many of those friends in and around the village of Beachburg and the larger Whitewater Region who shared coffee mornings and after work beverages, along with arguably the best pizza in the valley. His signature “Smokie’s Special” was a favourite among patrons. A celebration of life will be held at a later date, to be announced. Those who desire may make donations in memory of Murray to the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, Renfrew County Animal Centre (SPCA) or a charity of their choice.
