Murray, Christine

Christine Elizabeth Murray, founder of Kemur Camp, passed away September 3 surrounded by family at Park Lane Terrace.

 Chris was born on September 18, 1948, to George and Margaret Cooper (nee Appleton). She was the beloved wife and friend of over 55 years to Keith. Loving mother of her daughters Lee (Brian Gillow) and Erin (Ranil Jayasundera) and grandmother to Carter O’Connor, and Mason and Sloane Jayasundera. She will be remembered by her two younger sisters Pat Glover (Jim) and Georgia Cledwyn (David).

Chris grew up in Lorne Park where she developed a love of horses at an early age. She went to Business College which helped earn her a job at the Globe and Mail.

Soon after meeting Keith at a horse show in Toronto the couple got engaged, married and moved to Cambridge to make their dreams come true on a horse and cattle farm. A short while later an idea was hatched and Kemur Camp was born. Chris poured her heart and soul into creating a unique camp that children from across the globe would come to love and adore. Chris was proud of camp and the innovative program she worked on all year long. Kemur was her greatest passion and her legacy. Her courage, kindness, bravery and hard work showed us what can be accomplished with determination and persistence.

Chris had a deep love of animals and was happiest surrounded by them, whether that meant being in the barn caring for her horses, patting her dog, seducing stray cats or making sure the bird feeders were always full.

When not working on the farm Chris loved antiquing, collecting and decorating. It was ‘all about the hunt’ she would tell us. She loved finding circus paraphernalia for the bunkhouse, horse brasses and Royal Posters for the tack room, Beswick figurines, biscuit barrels and lamps among many other treasured items.

Chris enjoyed traveling with her friends and sisters. Her many carefully crafted photo albums are proof of this. She was often seen with a camera around her neck and loved taking pictures of family, friends and animals. Kemur’s longstanding tradition of campers going home with a photo with their horse was created by Chris and still honoured today.

She loved bright colours, desserts, warm weather, Earl Grey tea with milk, witty humour, gardening, Agatha Christie novels, Don Zver pottery, wallpaper, shopping, scarves, Christmas, flowers and laughing with her friend Sharon Brooks. Chris will be greatly missed by so many family and friends. Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience and generosity in those whose lives she touched.

Perhaps next time you hear Rod Stewart singing, or are munching on some jelly beans, think fondly of her.

A special thank you to the wonderful team at Park Lane Terrace that cared for mom. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your local animal shelter or the Parkinson’s Society.

A private family celebration will be held at a later date.