Link for Livetream of funeral service: https://youtu.be/q2EE6NfLhoo
Robert Alexander Murray – 93, Truro, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Cedarstone Enhanced Care. Born in Scotsburn, Pictou Co., he was the son of the late John Robert and Martha (Morrison) Murray. He was raised on his family’s dairy farm and helped with the operation of Murray’s Dairy which was an established village milk business. Bob attended Cross Roads Rogers Hill one room schoolhouse with ten grades, Pictou Academy, Nova Scotia Agricultural College and received his B.Sc. (Agr.) from Macdonald College/McGill University in 1954.
Bob was a dedicated employee with Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing from 1954 to 1994 with the Extension Services as Assistant Agricultural Representative for Cumberland Co., organized new 4-H Clubs for a total of 22 with 360 members and 46 local leaders, developed the first 4-H Leaders’ Advisory Council in Nova Scotia (1955) and established the first County 4-H church service in Nova Scotia (1956); Agricultural Representative for Hants Co., (1959-63). Bob’s career as Provincial Berry Crop Specialist spanned 31 years and he was sometimes referred to as Mr. Strawberry.
During his tenure, Bob provided specialized support to farmers not only for berry crops but he played a significant role in ensuring the grape industry had strong roots in the wine industry. With assistance from dedicated staff, Bob was Head of Nova Scotia Strawberry and Raspberry Plant Certification Program, the first in Canada which expanded to a world class export business. By invitation, Bob conducted strawberry nursery trials in Spain for possible export, 1985-1988. One of Bob’s greatest rewards throughout his career was knowing he was making a difference in the lives of farmers and students he taught as guest lecturer at Nova Scotia Agricultural College. Bob always gave an honest opinion, solved problems by taking a team approach and helped create successful outcomes through a well thought out process. If a farmer needed help outside of the daytime hours, Bob was "on call" to give advice.
Bob was a highly respected leader with farmers, provincial and federal researchers and the many associations he proudly supported. He was Atlantic Region Director for Canadian Society for Horticulture Science (1979-1981), Councillor for Nova Scotia Institute of Agrologists (1992-1995); Program Committee member AIC ’97; Director (1994-1997) and Chairman (1996-1997) for Atlantic Agriculture Hall of Fame. He humbly received many honours including a Long Service Award with the Province of Nova Scotia; Distinguished Agrologist Award (1990); Nova Scotia Strawberry Growers Association Recognition Award; The Cranberry Association of Nova Scotia Recognition Award; Nova Scotia Farm Health and Safety Committee Award; Honourary Member of Grape Growers Association of Nova Scotia; Honourary Member of Horticulture Nova Scotia; NSIA Wall of Honour at Cumming Hall, NSAC (2003); In 2005, he received his 50 year pins from NSIA and AIC; Honourary Senator NSFA Senate Club (2008); NSIA Distinguished Life Membership Award (2008); and NSAC Blue and Gold Award Alumni Volunteer of the Year (2009). Jost Vineyards felt Bob’s leadership to the Nova Scotia Grape and Wine sectors were so momentous, they named their 1992 Seyval Blanc wine the "Robert Murray Select" in honour of his retirement. Bob organized and attended many NSAC and Macdonald College class reunions over the years. In June 2025, he was delighted to attend his 73rd NSAC class reunion and reminisce about the classes held at Camp Debert.
Bob spent a lifetime dedicated to making a difference to those around him by providing leadership and service within the agricultural world, community and church. As a young boy, he was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, Scotsburn; was a faithful member of St. James Presbyterian Church serving as elder, a member of the Men’s Club, Board of Managers, Worship Committee and Bible Fellowship Group with his wife Pat. Bob enjoyed his time as Cub Master and Chairman of the Scout Group Committee with the 4th Truro Cub and Scout Troop.
Bob was an enthusiastic philatelist and was an active member of Truro Philatelic Society serving as secretary, bulletin editor, and past president; a member of Postal History Society of Nova Scotia and of Canada; Clan Murray Society; Life Member of Colchester Historical Society; NSAC Alumni Association and Windsor and Truro Gyro Club where he served as President.
After retirement, Bob formed Murray Consulting Services; became author, amateur historian and genealogist. In 2000, he fulfilled his desire to write the history of the Nova Scotia Cranberry Industry dating back to 1872; assisted in the 75-year history of St. James Presbyterian Church (1768-1928); co-authored the NSIA 50th Anniversary (1953-2003) Professionals Serving Agriculture-An Historical Perspective and co-authored the history section of The Tangled Vine: Wine Growing in Nova Scotia. Bob worked extensively on the Murray genealogy and it will be finalized in his memory in 2026.
Bob loved his family the most and without a doubt, the family that both Pat and Bob built was a true testament of the love they shared. On August 19, 2025, they proudly celebrated 64 years of marriage with their families. Bob and Pat enjoyed summer months at their cottage in the idyllic locale, Mockingee Lake, Vaughan, Hants County and looked forward to sharing in fun family times. Bob’s unwavering support was evident whether it be when dining out with Pat, working in the bee yards with John, sharing genealogy tidbits with Nancy or cheering on his grandson, Jordan. Bob’s love for flowers was easily recognized as he tended to his beautiful rose bush, flower beds, hanging baskets and pots of various shapes and sizes. His beautiful blue eyes, infectious smile and kind heart will be missed by all who knew him. Bob was a gentle man and a true gentleman.
Bob is survived by his wife, Patricia Lee (O’Brien); son, John (Iryna), Masstown; daughter, Nancy Reid, Pugwash, and her friend, Barry Stubbs, Angevine Lake; grandson, Jordan (Megan) Reid, Oxford; step-grandsons, Oleksandr (Hanna) Lavreka, Truro; Mykyta (Maddison) Lavreka, Sunridge, Ontario; great grandson, Jay Reid; step great grandchildren, Polina, Stefaniia, Smith, Mila; brother, Vernon Murray, Antigonish; nephews, Michael Murray, Halifax; Gary (Donna) Murray, Timberlea; Jim (Mary Ellen) Stewart, Halifax; Tim (Anne) Stewart, Toronto, Ontario; nieces, Sarah (Garry) Hart, Windsor; Terri (Jim) Perro and Karen (Gerard) MacGillivary, Antigonish and extended families. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his son-in-law, David Reid; daughter-in-law, Cathie Hawco-Murray; sisters-in-law, Mary Harvey, Annie Stewart, Hazel Murray; brothers-in-law, Bill Stewart, Herman Harvey;
Our family wishes to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Earth Angels, Cedarstone and Parkland for the care, compassion and support given to Bob.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Bob’s family will receive friends from 6:30-7:30 p.m., Friday, April 24, 2026. Celebration of life will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, April 25, 2026, at St. James Presbyterian Church, 725 Prince Street, Truro, Reverend Andrew Campbell officiating. Reception will follow in the church hall. Private family committal service will follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bob’s memory may be made to St. James Presbyterian Church, Dalhousie Agricultural Campus Scholarship Fund: giving.dal.ca/bursarybobmurray or Dalhousie Agricultural Campus Alumni Gardens Fund: giving.dal.ca/gardensbobmurray Bob had a kind and generous heart and he often went out of his way to help others. In keeping with his generous spirit, you are invited to "Pay it Forward" with a random act of kindness.
Tributes, words of comfort and memories may be shared at www.mattatallvarnerfh.com
"The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention." - Oscar Wilde