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U of G community saddened by loss of kind, caring staff member

'I don’t think we truly understood how much he loved the students, and more importantly, how much they loved him'
20201014 Dale Murray AD
Dale Murray with his family. Supplied photo.

Students and staff from the University of Guelph are remembering the kindness of Dale Murray following his sudden passing.

Dale Murray, 52, was a part of the school’s hospitality services for 33 years. He passed away on Oct. 8 surrounded by family after a brief battle with an aggressive form of bladder cancer.

Lynda Murray, Dale's older sister, said both the hospitality services and university community have rallied after Dale's death to help support his family by setting up a GoFundMe page to help with both sons' education.

The GoFundMe page raised over $10,000 in its first four days, with 208 people contributing.

"I think it's a really remarkable testament how incredible the whole family is at the University of Guelph, particularly with the hospitality services, and all that they've done for Dale and Freda over the years." said his sister.

When describing Dale, she called him the 'happiest person on earth.' 

“He had a bounce in his step, everywhere he went." said Lynda, "He was always happy to see people, be with people.”

Lynda adds Dale not only loved his job and the people he worked with, but he would also attend U of G sports games and cheer on his niece who played for one of the school's varsity teams. According to her, Dale had 'enormous pride' for the school.

“He was so proud to be a part of the University of Guelph,” said Lynda, “He was a big Gryphs fan and was proud to wear the badge.”

Dale had spent his entire career at the university. It was also at the university where he met his wife Freda and they went on to have two children, Darren and Andrew.

Outside of work, Dale was a ball hockey coach and donated his cooking skills to help with charitable causes like the Children's Foundation in Guelph.

Throughout his career Dale provided meals to presidents and dignitaries, but Lynda said he enjoyed serving the students the most.

“Dale, he was that guy who was cheering them on.” said Lynda, “He’d have a little conversation with them while he was making them breakfast that morning. He'd get to know their names."

She said these conversations would often involve sports or stories about his sons.

"He really cared about the students and really cared about everyone there, and there are a gazillion stories about him." she said.

While she knew her brother liked to interact with the students, but didn’t realize the extent of his impact on campus until messages from students appearing online after his passing.

One student, Nathan MacKenzie, wrote on the GoFundMe page: "Dale was a part of the UofG family and helped many of us keep sane with his delicious food and humble, but caring personality. We will all miss you Dale and reassure your boys and family that we are mourning with them and have their back. The hardest part will be finding another chef that is half as good! Rest easy Dale. Your friend, Nathan."

Before him, another student, Elyse Peters, commented: "Dale was a fixture in Lennox Addington (Hall) for all who had the pleasure of living there. I'll always appreciate the way he helped every student who passed through feel at home. He will be missed."

On Facebook, students and former students shared memories of Dale:

– "My condolences to his family and friends. Dale was a bright light at the university - he spoke to every student with compassion, kindness, interest and a genuine sense of caring. He will be deeply missed," said Laryssa Laurignano.

–  "Dale was a bright light amongst the staff that worked at the LA Pit. He always knew when students were having a bad day and would take the time to chat with them," said Shamitha Devakandan.

– "Always with a positive attitude and encouraging words, he could make someone smile who was having the roughest of days," said Craig Andrews.

His sister said it was amazing to see hundreds of students commenting about their experiences or memories with Dale, and shows how much he cared about every person he came across.

"He was part of the fabric at the university for the students." said Lynda about the comments, “I don’t think we truly understood how much he loved the students, and more importantly, how much they loved him.

"If my brother could see this, he would absolutely be blown away."


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Ariel Deutschmann

About the Author: Ariel Deutschmann

Ariel Deutschmann is a feature writer and reporter who covers community events, businesses, social initiatives, human interest stories and more involving Guelph and Wellington County
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