Obituary of Murray Folkins

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Murray Folkins of Saint John, husband of Kathleen (Hayes) Folkins, which occurred on Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at the Ridgewood Veterans Wing. Born at Millstream on March 15, 1926, he was a son of the Late Harold and Greta (Hayes) Folkins. Murray was a veteran of WW II having served in the Royal Canadian Navy in the South Pacific with the rank of Stoker First Class. Following his service in the Navy he was employed with Canada Packers for 37 years. After retirement, Murray worked for the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires, and continued to work part time as a butcher. He enjoyed the many tales of the hunters who came with their game almost as much as he enjoyed spending time in his garden and looking after his rental properties. A devoted husband and father, his first priority was always providing for his family, and was very proud of his heritage, as evidenced by the fabulous time he had at the Folkins Family Reunions held in Berwick, with family from all over Canada and the United States. Although not a great traveler, Murray enjoyed annual trips to Massachusetts to visit with his brother and family. He found his true love in Millstream at age 17, and she remained the light of his life for 61 years. In addition to his loving wife, Murray is survived by his ten children: Valerie Beck (Harvey) of Barnsville, NB, Deborah Saunders of Saint John, Lynn Holt (Rick) of Moncton, Kathryn Livingstone (Byron) of Rothesay, Paul Folkins (Anne) of Saint John, Jack Folkins (Rosemary) of Baxters Corner, Randy Folkins (Donna) of Golden Grove, Theresa MacMillan (Curtis) of Cornwall, PEI, Krista Bietz of Baxters Corner, and Kirby Folkins of Oromocto; one brother, Roy Folkins (Mabel) of Shirley, Massachusetts; twenty two grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and his little dog Rudy, for whom he had a special love. Murray was predeceased by two sisters, Eva and Ruth; four brothers, Earl, Harmon, Alvin and Ralph; infant children, Diane Kathleen and Susan Veronica. Resting at Brenan’s Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506) 634-7424 with visiting on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held from Brenan’s Chapel on Saturday at 1:00 PM. Interment will take place in Ocean View Memorial Gardens. For those who wish, remembrances to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick or the Canadian Diabetes Association would be appreciated by the family. A Tribute to a Veteran’s service will be held on Friday at 7 PM at the funeral home.