We were deeply saddened by the news of Neil Murray’s passing earlier this year.

Neil and Shirley, who passed in 2020, were known for their unwavering dedication and care for the Oliver community. Their contributions extended far beyond their work with the Community Foundation, touching lives across generations and communities.

Shirley’s father, Roy, was a founding board member of the Central Okanagan Foundation. After her parents passed away, Shirley took on the role of fund advisor for the family fund, making impactful grant decisions over the years.

In 2000, Neil and Shirley continued the family tradition by establishing the Neil and Shirley Murray Family Fund with the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan Similkameen. Through this fund, they supported charitable causes close to their hearts each year, one of them being the South Okanagan Secondary School where they’ve established the Murray Family Scholarship award.

Neil and Shirley were also founding members of the Oliver Community Fund, started by a group of dedicated Oliver residents to build an endowment fund for local programs and projects. The Oliver Community Fund has already granted over $13,000 to various local organizations, supporting education, health, safety, the environment, and more. This fund stands as a lasting legacy for Oliver residents, fostering many wonderful community projects and inspiring local community members to give back to their home community.

They were committed to making a difference in their community of Oliver, just as Shirley’s parents were in Kelowna. The love and kindness Neil and Shirley shared with their community will be felt for generations. Their children now carry the torch, acting as advisors for the family’s endowment fund.

The Murray family’s tradition of giving back is a testament to their enduring commitment to making a positive community impact. Their legacy will continue to inspire and benefit the community for years to come. The Foundation extends our deep gratitude to the Murray Family.