March 23, 1921 – January 16, 2023
Murray passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his faith and love in his 102nd year. He was born in Zone Township to Myrtle and Herbert Greene who raised a family of three sons and a daughter.
After finishing school, he began a lengthy working life, staring at a gas station on Wabash. He and his life-long friend, Allan Badder bought a Ford Model T and attached a sign with the re-assuring ‘Don’t cry girls, we’ll be back’. Murray moved to Windsor to work at Ford of Canada. He took a leave of absence from Ford to join the army (RCL I regiment) in 1942. His friend, Allan, was in a serious accident that year, and Murray (on AWOL) visited him in Chatham. One of Allan’s nurses in training was a beautiful, vivacious woman named Rhea. On returning to the army, Murray was sent to Britain. For the next four years, he fought in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany.
Upon returning home in 1946, he visited his friend, Allan, and re-united with Rhea whom he married in 1948. Together they started and co-owned Greene’s Variety, first in Palmerston and then in Exeter in 1957. They were famous for their friendliness and their fresh peanuts. They sold the business in 1975.
Murray began serving his community early in his life first of all as a Councillor and then as a member of the P.U.C. Murray and ‘Ted’ Pooley for years traded the Chairmanship of the Commission back and forth every two years, until after 30 years, Murray retired. He served his church (Trivitt Memorial) as People’s Warden, Rector’s Warden, Superintendent of the Sunday School. Murray served on the Executive of Legion Branch 167 for years, receiving his 70 years pin in November.
Every March 17, he would dress in a green curly wig with a top hat and tails and go to the banks, post office and stores spreading Irish cheer. He was the kindest and gentlest of men, and always had a beautiful smile for everyone as he walk around town with his green hat. .
Honours flew his way. He was awarded the France’s prestigious Legion of Honour for helping to free the French during the award. The award came with the title of Knight allowing him to use ‘Sir’ before his name. On his 100th birthday he was feted with a drive-by organised by the Legion members as all other celebrations were cancelled because of COVID.
Murray was predeceased by his beloved wife Rhea (Rickard) in 2019, son-in-law Claude LaFond (2017), and grandson, CWO Robert Keating (2019), his parents Herbert and Myrtle (Logan) Greene, step-father Percy Greene, brothers Gerald, and Mervin and their spouses and his sister Bernedas “Buddy” and her husband. He is survived by his daughter Bonita “Bonnie” LaFond of Exeter and Meaford, son David of Cobden, Ontario, grandson Trevor and Josie Keating of Nanaimo, BC, great-grandsons Tristen, and Alex Keating and their mother Valérie of Kingston, great-granddaughter Jessica Keating and Mike of Rothsay, NB, great, great-grandsons Milo, Elliott, and Treyson, grandson Aaron and Alexandra Greene and great-grandson Amaré, granddaughter Kaitlyn Haley and James, great-grandson Padraig of Stittsville, ON. He is remembered with great love and affection by numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends from British Columbia to Prince Edward Island.
A Legion Service to honour Murray will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, EXETER on Wednesday evening at 7:30 PM.
Public visitation will be held in the funeral home on Thursday from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 PM. Registration is required and appreciated. Please click “Register Now” below, to register.
Murray’s funeral service will be held at Trivitt Memorial Church, 264 Main Street South on Friday, January 20th at 11 AM with Dr. Jim Sutton, Rev. Steve Greene, and Rev. Wendy Mencel officiating. A reception will follow the funeral at the Exeter Legion. Interment Dorchester Union Cemetery.
For those unable to join in person, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
Donations to the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 167 (Exeter Legion), or Trivitt Memorial Church, Exeter would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Katherine Ens
Deepest condolences to family and friends. He was an amazing man, who always had a smile for everyone he met. He will be missed.
George and Sue (Insley) Wilson
Heartfelt condolences to Murray’s family. He was a friendly man and a gentleman. I liked going in Greene’s Variety as a child. He was a wonderful asset in our community. Cherish your precious memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jerry and Alice MacLean
To all of Mr.Greenes family we send condolences.
Praise God for all of the wonderful 100plus years that he lived!
He was a legend in our town. He loved the people of Exeter and the people of Exeter loved him!
RIP Sir Murray.
Bob and Carol johnston
Bonita David and families
Sincere sympathy in the loss of your dad.
He was such a happy go lucky man who always had a smile .
Carol (gibbons) Johnston
Tom, Tracy Humphreys and family
To Murray’s family
So sorry to hear of Murray’s passing. He was such a wonderful guy. Always gave a wave when driving by and always gave a honk back. May you cherish the memories. He will be missed.
Tom, Tracy Humphreys and family
Kathy Martin
Dear Bonnie and family, so saddened to read about Murry passing. What a gentle, happy man who loved people and having a chat. Always enjoyed my visits to the house to be his personal barber these last few years, to keep him looking dapper which was important to him. I will miss you Murry. Rest in Peace
Val (Flynn) and Chuck Ford
Bonnie and David,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. He was an amazing man.
Fred Clarke
My deepest sympathy to the Greene family. I have fond memories of Murray both through the church and his many years with the P.U.C.. He will be truly missed by his family, friends and community.
Valérie Ladouceur, Alex and Tristan Keating
Our sincere condoleances to the whole family. « Poppa » was always a gentleman and such a nice person. He will be missed. I am glad that we had the chance to see him not too long ago. The boys were really happy to see him and spend some time with him. He will be reunited with « Grandma », Rob and Claude, and they all be watching over us.
Hugs and love
Tristan and Alex Keating, and Valérie Ladouceur
Kay Tripp
My condolences to the Greene Families…..I shall always remember seeing Mr. Greene walking down the streets of Exeter all in green with a smile on his face..he was a living poster..he will remain in my memories always..Kay Tripp
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Bonnie and family
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father.
Thinking of you at this time.
Barbara Logan
To Bonnie and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Murray will be remembered for the kind, thoughtful man he was.
Barbara Logan and family
Marilyn Waldeck
Murray was a true gentleman and will be truly missed by many. Working down town for many years Murray always took the time to tip his hat, (and sometimes his green hair) on St.Patrick,s day~~~ and he always with a big smile of greeting to everyone he met on his walk.
Bart and Ann DeVries
Bonnie, David and family
Murray always had a smile and hand ready to wave hello. He was a true gentleman and always ready to help others and serve the Legion and the community. Hope all your memories of what a great man he was support you during this difficult time.
Pete and Gloria McFalls
Sincere sympathy to Murray’s family. He was Pete’s neighbour on William St. for most of his life.
We also found out he had gone to school with my dad. After finding this out he always asked about him.
Murray was a very smart man and enjoyed his life as he showed every St. Pat’s day. He will be missed.
Tom & Noella Triebner
You are all in our thoughts and prayers in the passing of Murray. He was such a gentle man, always, with a smile, wave, or a hello by name. You will be deeply missed by all in the community, RIP Murray
Ross and Marlene Maters
My sincere sympathy to a wonderful man Murray Greene. I worked at the Exeter Public Utilities for 30 years and he was on the board for the whole time . My thoughts and prayers are with the family .
Marilyn Dewan
Bonnie & David & families
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your Father. He was a great man & a great friend & a great boss. He was on the P.U.C. Commission most of my many years working there. He & Rhea would invite us girls from the PUC over on St. Patrick’s Day after work for a treat. He will surely be missed walking down Main St. In his green!
Marilyn Dewan
Janice Webber
Bonnie & Family
It was always my pleasure to assist your Dad at Huron Apothecary, a true gentleman always smiling & calling each one of us by name.
We remember visiting Greene’s variety & your parents assisting us at the peanut & candy counter.
The community will miss him.
My sincere sympathy
Janice
Earl and Marilyn Miller (nee Morgan)
To the family of Murray,
Exeter and area has lost a true gentleman! It was always a treat to see Murray out walking when he was still able to do that. He’d always have a cheery smile, or a wave, and took time to talk. We well remember enjoying shopping at Greene’s Variety. We had the additional benefit of sharing the same cousin, Maxine, from different sides of the family. Our sincere sympathy to you. Cherish the memories!
Donna Perry
Bonita, David and family
So sorry to hear of your Father’s passing. He was a wonderful kind man and great neighbour. You will have lots of wonderful memories to help you at this sad time.
With Deepest Sympathy
Donna Perry
Patsy Everson
So sorry to hear of Uncle Murray,s passing he was a wonderfull person and always had a smile. Bonnie and David I am sorry for your loss. Love to you all. Patsy ,Terry and family
Norma Moore
Bonnie and David, so sorry to hear of Uncle Murray’s passing.
I have many fond memories of our visits to Exeter to see Uncle Murray and Aunt Rhea. My thoughts are with you.❤️
Keith Hinton
Uncle Murray & Aunt Rhea were always special to my wife Kay .(1986)myself & family.
Many fond memories of family reunions they organized in Exeter.
A definite gentleman always most friendly & caring for everyone especially family.
Bonnie Dave & family celebrate his life & assurance he is now reunited with your mother.
Much Love
Keith & family
Pam De Jong
Murray always made sure he came in to speak with the post office staff when he’d pick up the mail. We always looked forward to his visits especially on St Patrick’s day. May he Rest In Peace.
Don & Joan Heywood
Bonnie, David and families:
So sorry to read of your Dad’s passing. It was a privilege to work with Murray on the Legion Executive. Our thoughts and prayers are with all your family. Cherish the wonderful memories.
Don & Joan Heywood
Jim Chapman
Bonnie, David and families;
My deepest sympathy to all of you !
Sir Murray will be missed, not only by the family, but by the whole community !
He was a commanding presence in the municipality.
Jim and Verla Russell
Bonnie, David and Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time in the passing of Murray.
As a teenager I was an employee at Greene’s Variety, we also crossed paths when I worked at the P.U.C. when he was on the P.U.C. board. We were also, members of the Legion with him.
He was good, honest, community minded man.
Deb & Gerald Vasselin
Bonnie, Dave and family
So very sorry to hear that Murray passed away. He was a true delight and genuine gentleman! So, so many great memories of all the times we had with your Dad and Mom when they visited with my Mom and Dad. So many great stories told and his generosity and kindness was always there with that unforgettable smile. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Murray Logan
Bonnie, David and family
If our world could only have more people like Murray. What a kind respected gentleman he was.
Our condolences,
Murray and Pat Logan
Jen Paul lebel
We are thinking of you during this time. We loved hearing your stories about your dad. Raya enjoyed getting to know him on her last visit! We are sending a big hug!!
Elaine Ford
Bonnie, family and friends. Mr Green was a special caring person and very interested in serving. You will have many special memories to cherish.
Sue Lewis
So sorry to hear of Uncle Murray’s death. He was always such a happy guy. I loved as a child visiting him and Aunt Rhea and kids. I have fond memories of our visits. I know he will be so missed and now is with Aunt Rhea…xoxox
RON AND GLENDA LINDENFIELD
Bonnie, David and Family
LOTS of Great Memories growing up beside the Greens, Our Sincere Condolences, Rest In Peace Murray…..
Ron and Glenda Lindenfield
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Bonnie, David and family
So sorry to learn of Murray’s passing. He was an asset to our community and to our Legion. His job at our general meeting s was to call for adjournment. Many good memories of him. Was proud to take part in his 100 th birthday drive by.
Our condolences
Kathy Bentley
My heartfelt condolences to Bonnie, David and all the family. I had the privilege of knowing Murray since I was a small child. The regular euchre games around our kitchen table was always accompanied by laughter and kind words. He was an incredible man who served our community well and he was cherished by many due to his kindness and ready smile. He will be missed.
Wendi Schwindt
My most favourite customer at Scotiabank…a true gentleman and I am sorry I couldn’t have given him more rum balls…miss you, Murray!
Monique/Mark
It is with deep sadness that we read this. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you Dave and family.
Spring Robinson
I will miss that smile and wave on the warm days as he sat on the porch. Sending my condolences to the family.
Kathy Hayter(Wells)
Bonita and David you are in my thoughts and prayers with the passing of Murray.He was such a kind,gentle man with a smile and always a hello.Keep all your fun loving memories close to your heart
Marg & Jim Sweitzer
I had the privilege of working for Mr. Greene many years ago at Greenes Variety…my first job in retail…it always amazed me, and my husband , how whenever we saw him walking in Exeter, years later, he always knew us by name…RIP…Mr. Greene…an awesome gentleman
Mike Higgins
A true Hero and Gentleman. It was an honour to know him!
Patricia Tiffin
Sympathy to the Greene Family on the loss of your wonderful father. I met him many years ago when he came to visit with his sister Buddy and also to party with him and Buddy at a house party probably about 69 years ago. Buddy and her step father Percy played, Buddy the piano and Percy the violin sitting up on the Kitchen table along with a couple of my uncles. Those were the fun days and I am sure your families will have many fun memories to treasure.
Rick and Glenda
Bonnie, and the family of Murray, we are saddened by the passing of such a fine gentleman as he was. We share many fond memories of him, during the parade at his 100th Birthday how he stood so proud in his Legion uniform and saluted as we went by. Murray you were so loved and will be missed by so many. Rest in peace dear friend.
Rick Smith and Glenda Lewis
Cindy Fisher Bailey
Mr Greene was one of a kind , always smiling. I will always cherish my memories of Greenes variety and Mr Greene. May he Rest In Peace . Condolences to his family
Rita Rupar
Dear Bonnie, David and all of your family members
We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Murray’s passing. His kindness and generosity was felt by all of us. He was an amazing man. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely,
Rita (Scarrow) and Tony Rupar, Emily and her husband Jordan Mankal and their children, Aaliyah, Zayd and Hady
Karen L Brown
Bonnie, David and family,
You already know what a treasure Murray has been to this town. Everyone knew him and he always had a smile and wave for those who walked by. We are all better for having had the opportunity to know Murray and Rhea. My deepest condolences to all of you and I pray that 102 years of memories will hold you up in the days ahead.
Hugs, Karen
Yvonne/Jim Barnetson
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Greene family!
He was a great human being!
We knew him well as Greene ‘s Variety was next door to Fisher Hardware that my father Glenn Fisher owned!
Rest In Peace!
Yvonne/Jim Barnetson
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Greene’s family!
We knew him well and was a wonderful human being!
He had Greene’s Variety Store next to Fisher ‘s Hardware Store which my father Glenn Fisher owed for several years!
Rest In Peace!
Sheila Hodgins
So sorry to hear of the passing of Murray. My Mom if she were alive today would be so saddened by Murray’s passing. My Mom Almira worked in Green’s Variety in Exeter for many years along side Murray. Both Murray and Rhea became good friends of my mom. She only had kind words to say about both Murray and Rhea. My condolences to the family.
Sue Riley
On behalf of Hensall Legion Branch 468, I extend our deepest condolences to Murray’s family.
Sue Riley, President
Wanda Reynolds
To Murray’s Family
Our thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. He will be missed by many.
Bob & Wanda Reynolds