Obituary of Lorne J. McMurray

Lorne J. McMurray, of Medina, passed away on September 19, 2018 at the VA Medical Center in Batavia. After a twenty year courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, Lorne is now running in the open fields of grace.

Lorne was born in Albion on October 13, 1936, a son of the late Lorne and Vera (Frasier) McMurray. Lorne gave to others all through life, whether they were family members or complete strangers. He always listened and gave sage advice.

Lorne served in the U.S. Marine Corps after graduating from Medina High School.  The late John “Jack” Williams appointed Lorne Undersheriff of Orleans County. At that time, Lorne was the youngest appointed Undersheriff in New York State.

On December 18, 1960, Lorne married the love of his life, Nancy (nee Hill) in a candle lit ceremony.

Lorne continued to serve in the political circle. He was a Town of Ridgeway Justice of the Peace, served on the Town of Ridgeway Board, served as an Orleans County Legislator at Large and served on the Town of Shelby Board.  In the 1960’s, he started the Young Republicans organization in Orleans County with the late Jim McCabe.  Both Lorne and Jim served at the state level with the Young Republicans.

In November of 2010, the Shelby Town Board dedicated the Shelby Town Hall in Lorne’s name.

 In the late 1960’s Lorne and the late Joe Minervino owned the Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge and Jeep franchise in Medina. Later Lorne and Al Kropf owned the Ford and Mercury dealership. Both franchises were located on South Main Street. He worked for Barden Homes as an independent builder and dealer. Lorne and Nancy also owned and operated Oasis Pool Supplies and the Fairview Restaurant in Medina.

Lorne was predeceased by his “little brother”, Buzz Hill and brother in-law, Richard Freed.

He leaves to cherish his memories his forever bride, Nancy McMurray; their children, Lorne Ashley McMurray and Sherrie (Paul) Wishman; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sister, Pat (Darwin) Marble; brother, Vernon (Florence) McMurray; sisters in-law, Carol (John Heath) Freed and Sue Hill; also many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Lorne has unselfishly donated his body to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program. He always said if he could help save just one person with Parkinson’s that would be his gift to humanity.

Services will be held privately by his family. If you wish to make a donation in Lorne’s memory please make it to the National Parkinson Foundation WNY Chapter- 2805 Wehrle Dr. Suite 12, Williamsville, NY 14221, U.B. Anatomical Gift Program- 225 Farber Hall, Rm. 225, 3435 Main St., Buffalo, NY 14214 or to Hospice Buffalo- P.O. Box 590, Buffalo, NY 14240.

 

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