PHILLIPS, Murray

1948 – 2026

Murray Phillips passed away peacefully in his sleep, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, in Red Deer, Alberta, at the age of 77. He was predeceased his mother, Margaret (nee Dollard); 11-year-old son, Michael; father, Stanley; sister-in-law, Dianne; and brother-in-law, Fred Dennis.

Murray, also known as “Muzz”, was born on July 29, 1948 in Regina, Saskatchewan, where he spent his childhood and adult working life. He attended Benson Elementary School and Luther High School, working summer jobs for the City of Regina, enjoying cars, lifting weights, and Tae Kwon Do. He was Master Kim’s “heavy heavy weight”. Not long after school ended, he joined the Regina Fire Department, where he made life-long friendships and helped many people in urgent need. Tragedy struck his own life when he lost his only child, Michael, at only 11 years old, due to health complications. He took all of that love for his son, however, and continued to shower it on his nephews and nieces, who saw him as their hero.

A light in Murray’s life was his wife, Barb, an Emergency Nurse, whom he met mid-career, and married in their favourite place, Hawaii. They spent many hours enjoying their favourite pastimes, including long walks in the fields with their dogs, sunbathing, and travelling to warm destinations. Murray also collected and worked on Mopar cars, putting some of his favourites in classic car shows, such as his 1968 Plymouth Roadrunner – which he originally owned, sold, then found again 20 years later – and his 1962 Belvedere Wagon.

After 29 years with the Fire Department, where Murray found his way to the rank of Captain, he and Barb retired and moved to Red Deer Alberta, where he could license his cars for cheaper and build his dream garage. Muzz enjoyed his life in Red Deer, met some new friends, and continued to visit with old ones. Health challenges began to show and make life increasingly difficult, but the love and care of his wife kept him going throughout, allowing him to continue to see his friends.

Murray will be deeply missed by his incredible wife, Barb; brother, Colin, with his nephews, Skip (Melanie), Casey (Chasity), and Riley (Jaylene), and their children; sister-in-law, Vicki Dennis, with her daughters, Abby and Rendi, and their children; along with his cousins, extended family, and many treasured, wonderful friends, who were also like family. A special thanks goes out to their nieces and nephews for helping Barb after his passing, his nephew Skip for helping with this obituary, and all of their special friends who have helped; you know who you are. Thank you also to the many medical professionals involved in addressing Murray’s health struggles, for all of the attention and care given to him over the years. If desired, Memorial Donations in Murray’s honour may be made directly to the Saskatchewan Burn Fund at www.spffpaburn.ca or to the Central Alberta Humane Society at www.cahumane.com.

“May your weary soul finally be at rest.”

A Celebration of Murray’s Life will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the Turvey Centre, 100 Armour Road, Regina, Saskatchewan. The Firefighters’ Prayer will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the Last Alarm and tributes from family and friends. Dress as comfortably as you want, and be sure to enjoy the mini car show in the parking lot. Please join us to celebrate Murray’s life in a style he would have loved! Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2026-04-18
• Location : Parkland Funeral Home (Red Deer) www.parklandfuneralhome.com 403.340.4040