Obituaries

MURRAY, Dr. Daniel Bruce

Dr. Daniel Bruce Murray found peace on June 13, 2015 in Kelowna, BC, after a valiant struggle with a long and relentless illness.

Born in Vancouver on June 12, 1962 to John Rykert Murray and Gladys Murray, Dan grew up in Richmond, BC, where he excelled at his studies from an early age. At Simon Fraser University he earned a Shrum Scholarship, which enabled him to go on to Guelph University where he earned his PhD studies in solid state theoretical physics.

He then began teaching and continued at Okanagan University College, later UBC Okanagan, at the time of his passing. As Associate Professor of Physics, he was a patient teacher and a prolific publisher of articles, recently in the area of Nanophysics.

Dan will be remembered for his inventive genius, clever wit, and his compelling grasp of the Mandarin language. He was a devoted father and husband.

Predeceased by his father, John Rykert Murray, and daughter, Hannah, Dan is survived by his loving wife Lisa, son Joshua, mother Gladys, brother Craig (Kay), nephew Donovan, and niece Lauryn.

No flowers by request but, in his memory, donations to the Coast Mental Health Foundation (http://www.coastmentalhealth.com/) would be welcome. Arrangements by Valleyview Funeral Home. Tributes and memories at http://obits.dignitymemorial.com
A private family service will be held at a later date.

Condolence Messages

Apr 08, 2017
I grew up in Richmond with Dan's brother, Craig. Dan was a few years older and was much smarter than either of us. He'd often come by and explain whatever it was that we were obsessing about at the moment. He was almost always right, too. I haven't seen him for nearly 40 years but I remember him well. He was a really good kid, and from what I've just read, it seems he grew up to be a really good man.

Reg Natarajan
Mar 28, 2016
We came to know Dan through IVCF at SFU in early 1980s and found him to be a very sincere, caring, and smart person. It was an honour to be an official photographer in his wedding. We were blessed to have him and his family visit us in Ottawa. I learned of his loss today through a joint friend. Our condolences to Joshua, Lisa, Gladys, Craig and the rest of his family. May he rest in peace.

Ali & Sharon.
Mar 14, 2016
Dan taught me at OUC. I suppose he could have just done his job and gone home, but he didn't. Every course I took with him was a journey. The world is poorer without him.
Feb 27, 2016
I knew Dan up at SFU. He was a great guy, I am very sorry to see him go.
Jul 17, 2015
Dan and John Racich and I graduated from Richmond High together in 1980. While John and I excelled in school and had good grades, Dan was in a league of his own. We were smart (or thought we were) but Dan was a genius. His mastery of physics and math was magnitudes above mine and truly awe inspiring. This powerful intellect was combined with a gentle, easy nature and an infectious, kind smile. My deepest condolences to all his family and friends who will surely miss him greatly.

Andy Kluftinger

Kelowna, BC
Jul 17, 2015
I lived across the lane in Richmond from Dan when I was young. We played in the same gang of kids in the neighbourhood. I am so sorry to hear of his loss. I didn't realize that he lived in Kelowna where I have lived now for 32 years. I was so pleased to hear how successful he became in his career. We always knew he would be - the smartest kid of all of us! Hugs to his family - thinking of you.

Theresa Leitch (Racich)
Jul 10, 2015
I fondly remember Danny from Junior High. He was affectionately known as 'the nerd'...with the top button of his shirt always done up. He carried a broad smile on his face and was always willing to help those of us who were far less intelligent! He was brilliant even then and had a clever, witty sense of humour that I always admired. A very kind young man who everyone liked. I'm sad to learn of his passing. My most sincere condolences to his family. Kerri (Cox) Deane
Jul 10, 2015
Dan was always an ultra nice person to me. We used to chat on the bus to and from campus. He defined the word polymath - he could speak as intelligently about my own subject economics as he could of his own, so no surprise to me to hear of his proficiency in Mandarin. We will meet few in our lives as brilliant as Dan, and he was much loved by his students and colleagues. He is acutely missed now he is gone.

Peter Wylie
Jul 09, 2015
We are very sorry to hear of Dan's passing on. Dan was a classy guy, friendly and oh, so unique. We will miss him.

Ed and Lorie Neeland
Jul 09, 2015
I fondly remember Dan as a good friend through our high school years. My sincere condolences to his family.

Patricia Moore (Murphy)
Jul 08, 2015
High schooled with Danny, including Physics and Computers classes where he excelled. A nerd. That is meant as high praise. His intellect was unchallengeable, his passion for the subjects, his kindness with no meanness in him.

I asked a mutual friend about him after these many years just a month or so ago and am sad that his passing is the unexpected answer.

My condolences to his family.

Ken Madden
Jul 06, 2015
Dan was a friend of mine as a child. I remember Peter as well above. Dan and I were neighbours in Richmond as children through to high school graduation. Dan and I went to each other's birthday parties as children and played soccer for the same team one year. (His Dad was our coach.) Dan helped me with math in high school and was our high school president. I always appreciated his sense of humour. Nothing but fond memories of Dan and his family. My best wishes to his wife and son.

John Racich

Tsawwassen B.C.
Jul 02, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. I worked with him at OUC and enjoyed our discussions. He was an excellent and caring instructor for our students, and a kind and encouraging colleague.

Joyce Boon
Jul 02, 2015
We loved our brilliant cousin, Dr. Dan - the Physics Man!

He very much loved his children Hana and Joshua, his wife Lisa, his research, his teaching and physics. We will miss him dearly!

Wendy and Howard Soon and family
Jun 29, 2015
I really enjoyed his visits to our store .Very nice person and intellectual. Very sad to see him pass. Glad I was touched by his presence.

Larry Poloway .. Interior Electronics
Jun 29, 2015
'Danny' was a good friend and I have numerous memories from our childhood. So sorry to hear of his passing, my heartfelt condolences to his family.

Peter Grierson