Murray Ruby

It is with heavy hearts that the Ruby family announces the passing of Murray Ruby. Beloved husband of Stella, father of Eric (predeceased), Paula (Martin), and Michael. Loving grandfather of Michaela and Stefan, and older brother of David Ruby (Shelley) and children. He died peacefully after a short stay at Huntsville Hospital on Mon. Dec. 14, 2020. He was 95.

 Murray was born in North Bay in 1925. A star athlete in boxing and on championship high school football, hockey and basketball teams, he enlisted in the WW2 efforts at 17 and was stationed with the RCAF at Long Beach, BC patrolling the Pacific coast. Settling in Huntsville after the war, Murray’s shop Ruby's Men’s and Boys’ Wear became a main street fixture for 47 years, where he actively involved himself with the downtown business improvement organization to vitalize Huntsville’s main street and supporting local sports teams.

 He became a top ball player with the Huntsville Merchants famed for his long, straight throw from way back in left field and often later discussed these exploits with pitching great Bob McCulley. Murray eventually hung up the ball glove and followed his family to the slopes to begin another lifelong sport: skiing. He became a founding member of the Hidden Valley Ski Club and maintained a lifetime membership—a family tradition that now spans three generations.

 He and Stella took up tennis in the 1970s and enjoyed the sport until the age of 89, playing doubles with the Huntsville Racqueteers. Murray was inducted into the Huntsville Sports Hall of Fame in 2014, joining an illustrious group of athletes, team builders, and coaches.

 Murray was a consummate gentleman known to be a “good guy”. He also believed in giving back to the community, where he canvassed for the Canadian Cancer Society up until the age of 94. He was a wonderful husband of 73 years, father and small business owner. He will be missed dearly, but we are comforted knowing he had a long and active life and left a great impression on many. The family wishes to thank with the deepest gratitude to Dr. Aoki and the caring staff at the Huntsville Hospital for the excellent care that Murray had in his stay.

 A gathering will take place at a later date. If you wish, donations to Huntsville Hospital and/or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.