Murray Ernest Rigel sadly passed away, with his family by his side, at the Innisfail Long Term Care Centre, Innisfail, Alberta on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at the age of 83 years. He was born on November 7, 1937 at Calgary, Alberta, Murray grew up in Calgary; where at a young age, he and his brother, Ralph, broke horses together. They also rode in the Calgary Stampede Parade for a few years. Spending time with his brother always made him happy. Murray’s parents grew mink on their family farm at Calgary, where Murray always gave a hand in raising them. His father, Otto, also ran Model Dairy; where Murray worked side by side along with him. Murray was quite the avid accordion player and played in a small band. He played with Ray Griff, until Ray decided to venture out on his own. Murray decided to go back to school where he took his Electrician’s Degree. He worked for a few years as an electrician. Murray worked for Foothills Towing out of Calgary for many years and later began driving for Reimer Trucking. He had quite the career driving, taking him across Canada and Stateside, mainly with Mullen Trucking. After leaving Mullen’s, he began working for Able Taxi in Airdrie, Alberta, where he got to know so many people. Later on Murray started driving for Adesa Auctions in Airdrie, picking up cars all around Alberta and delivering them to Airdrie. He worked there for eight years and absolutely loved delivering the vehicles to the auctions. Murray and Darlene Rigel (Clazie) met in 2005, they spent many happy years together, expanding his family with the addition of four step sons and their families. Murray resided with Darlene in Innisfail, Alberta, up until the time of his passing. Murray always had a big bright smile that lit up any room. No matter how your day was, when you saw that smile, you just had to smile back. Murray was an avid AA member and was very proud of this accomplishment for the past eighteen years. Murray will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Darlene Rigel, his three children, his four step sons, Brian Clazie (Penny), Jim Clazie, Rick Clazie (Cheryl) and Bob Clazie (Karen); as well as his many grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Murray was predeceased by his parents, Otto and Lois Rigel, a brother, Ralph, a sister-in-law, Jane Rigel and his first wife, Yvonne Rigel. You will be missed by Darlene and all who knew you and the lives you touched. May you rest in peace,
Husband… Dad… Gamps… Great Gamps… Uncle… and Friend…
‘God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And the wisdom to know the difference.’
Respecting Murray’s wishes, no Funeral Service will be held. If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to a Charity of the Donor’s choice. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006