Obituary of Murray David Maracle

Murray David Maracle (Topper)

On February 7, 2023, at home in his 72nd year started his journey to the spirit world. Loving husband of 51 years to Sharon. Devoted Father of Aaron (Cherie), Murray Jr. (Katie), Lacey (Corey) and Mindy (Richard). The most loving Poppa to Teia, Xandria (Dria), Serena, Rivor (Rivvy), Emikah (Sunny), Grayden (G-Man), Maliah Georgie (Georgina), Ethan Murray and Jett (Jetty Boy). Predeceased by his parents Albert (Sonny) and Bernice Maracle. Brother of Gail Clement, Donna Maracle, Diana Dennee and predeceased by Brother in laws Ivan Clement, Glen (Smoke) Maracle and Dennis Dennee. Brother in law to Valerie (Alain) Carbonneau, Lynn (Dave) Wilson, Carla (Sam) Barnhardt, Penny (Rod) Poor Eagle and Carl ‘Ted’ (Debbie) Maracle. Loved and missed by many nieces and nephews.

Murray devoted his life’s work and passion to improving and advancing the educational experiences and opportunities for our First Nations people. He was passionate about First Nations education and a great advocate for our people. He worked endlessly holding the Government responsible and accountable to make the positive changes needed in education policies, never looking for recognition. In 1985 he was an instrumental part of establishing the first Indigenous owned and governed Post-Secondary Educational Institute in Ontario, with the addition of the first Indigenous Aviation Program in 1989. In 1994 he established the Aboriginal Institutes Consortium (now known as the Indigenous Institutes Consortium) which brought all of the Indigenous Institutes in Ontario together at one table to collectively advance post-secondary opportunities for all First Nations people in Ontario. He worked with so many wonderful people during his 40 year career and the wealth of knowledge he held will be a great loss for all.

Family and Friends will be received at the family’s home, 533 Lower Slash Road, Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory from Friday, February 10, 2023 until Monday, February 13, 2023 at 9:00 p.m..  Funeral Service to be held at Christ Church, 52 South Church Lane, TMT on Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.  Interment to follow in Christ Church Cemetery.  Everyone is welcome to the Community Centre, 1807 York Road, TMT following the services.  For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Sick Kids Hospital, Toronto, in memory of Murray.  Please no flowers due to allergies.