Obituary of James Murray Hooker

It is with deep sadness that Murray’s family announce his passing at home after a hard fought battle with cancer on Tuesday, July 12, 2016 at the age of 75 years. He is survived by his wife, Michele, sons Greg (Lindsey) and Ben (Stacey), precious grandchildren, Jaxson, Keefer, Lucas and Avrie, sister Marilyn Bodnar of Calgary, and brother Jerry (Louise) of LaFleche and many nieces and nephews. Murray was predeceased by parents Jim and Joan Hooker and brother-in-law George Bodnar. Murray’s boyhood was a happy one, growing up in the farming community of LaFleche. He attended the University of Saskatchewan, attaining a Bachelor of Arts with accreditation towards a Bachelor of Education. He taught school in Quesnel, BC, North Battleford, SK and Theodore SK, then left teaching to pursue a career with the Department of Highways, specializing in Human Resources. He moved from there to PRFA where he stayed for four rewarding years. In 1977 Murray accepted an offer to be the Regional Human Resources Manager with HRDC, Government of Canada. Murray always credited his colleagues for their competence, diligence, and support in meeting the challenges of working within a complex organization. He retired from HRDC in 2001. He had been a member of the Royal Regina Golf Club since 1989 and after retirement, called golf ‘’going to work”. He was devoted to the game and made many friends on the links. Murray enjoyed many years of pheasant hunting in the fall with friends and dogs Flint and Beau. The family took as much time as possible in the summers travelling to the cabin on Lac La Ronge. Murray loved northern Saskatchewan, old boats, and keeping the cabin up and running. He was a Roughrider ticket holder for 58 years, cheering them through good times and bad. At the end of his life Murray expressed his gratitude for the compassion and expertise of the health professionals who treated and supported him during his illness. They are Dr. Meirs (RGH), Dr. Ahmed, Alana, RN (Allen Blair Cancer Centre), the Radiologists and Nurses at Interventional Radiology (RGH), the Nurses at the RQHR Treatment Centre and the Palliative Home Care team. The family will host a Celebration of His Life at the Royal Regina Golf Course on Sunday, September 11, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Donations may be made in Murray’s memory to the Children’s Wish Foundation, 3602 Millar Ave, Saskatoon, SK S7P 0B3 or a charity of your choice. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com