MURRAY, Timothy Vincent, FRAIC, FRIBA, FAIA, OAA Life Member
May 6, 1930 – June 27, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Timothy Vincent Murray, on June 27, 2025. Loving and devoted husband of Jane Murray (née Taylor) for 67 years. Proud father of Thady (Pamela), Sarah (Nicholas), Sean (Jamilah). Proud grandfather of Kris, Jeffrey Anthony, Patrick Omar, Juliet (Michael), Maggie (Antoine), Rachael, Laila, Sophia, Liam, Philip, Timothy; and great-grandfather to Desmond, Talia, Gabriel, and Olivia. Beloved brother of the late William, Philip, and Patrick; and uncle to many cherished nieces and nephews. Born in Dublin, Ireland, on May 6, 1930, Tim was the son of Thady Timothy Joseph Murray and Mary Theresa Purcell. He was one of four brothers raised in Phibsborough. His father, a Dublin City Councillor, Deputy Mayor, and former Garda, instilled in him a deep sense of civic duty and determination. At an early age, Tim's education took him from Dublin to the countryside, where he attended Rockwell College as a boarder. There, he received a rigorous education steeped in Gaelic tradition, strict academic excellence, and the sport of rugby. These early experiences shaped his resilience and leadership throughout life. At just 16 years of age, Tim was accepted into the School of Architecture at University College Dublin (UCD) - one of the youngest students ever to enroll and where he continued to develop his love of watercolour painting. Following his degree at UCD, Tim pursued a Master's in Town Planning at the University of Liverpool. To support himself through school, he regularly performed as a pianist in local venues. Throughout his life, Tim could often be found at the piano, filling the room with warmth, humour, and music. Upon graduating from Liverpool, Tim worked at the London County Council to participate in post-war reconstruction of London. He fondly remembered his office view from LCC of Big Ben. In 1957, with post-war Britain still recovering, LCC offered a short foreign post to Baghdad or Ottawa. He chose Ottawa with "barely two nickels in his pocket," traveling by Cunard's Saxonia to Montreal Port, then by train to Ottawa. Through his newfound rugby friends in Ottawa, he met the love of his life, Jane … and the rest is history! Together, their shared sense of adventure, humour, and dedication to others built the foundation of a life with rich friendships and a loving family. Tim started working as an Architect and Town Planner with the Federal Government in Ottawa, then worked as a partner in a local architectural practice. A few years later, Tim invited his younger brother, Pat, to join him in Ottawa. Eventually, they founded the very successful firm Murray & Murray Architects, thoroughly enjoying working together and leaving a lasting architectural legacy in Canada, the UK, Ireland, and Africa. The architectural firm of Murray & Murray quickly rose to prominence in Ottawa's design and development circles. Known for its commitment to excellence, thoughtful design, and mentorship, the firm became a springboard for many young professionals who would go on to distinguished paths of their own. Tim will be remembered for his boundless creativity, his storytelling flair, the often repeated jokes, his music and wit, and his genuine joy in life.
Recipient of the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal, Vatican's Knights of St. Gregory Medal, Longtime Member of the Rideau Club Ottawa, Four Arts Club in Palm Beach, and Kennebunk River Club Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institutes of Canada, Ireland and England Former Chairman of the Board at Ashbury College Former Champion Barrel Jumper Former Chairman of The Federal Design Review Committee NCC Founder of Twin Elm Rugby Park, and the Ottawa Beaver's Rugby Club Former President of the Bytown Blues Rugby Club
REQUIESCAT IN PACE Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 6–8 p.m., Visitation at Beechwood Cemetery. Thursday, July 3, 10:30 a.m., Funeral Mass at Saint Theresa's Catholic Church, 95 Somerset Street West, Ottawa.