Dawson Murray
1942-2017
Dawson Murray of Perth-Andover passed away unexpectedly on April 15,
2017.
Dawson was born in Chipman, NB on October 15, 1942. He was the son of the late Harold and Dora (Knox) Murray. Dawson leaves behind his children Sara and Dan, daughter in law Joanne, and his grandson Cathal who will miss him greatly.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Charlotte (Reed), his sister Cora Coffil, and his brothers Ronald, Douglas, and Beverly Murray.
Dawson is fondly remembered by his extended family, Lynn and Cheryl Reed and their son Joel; John Jenkins (Donna) and their daughters Tina, Tammy and Tara; and by his many friends and colleagues.
Dawson Murray was a teacher and principal in the Perth-Andover area of the province, and became a teacher leader who had a huge positive impact on the lives of thousands of teachers and students throughout the province.
Known as a fierce defender of teachers, Murray served in various capacities with both the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association, and the New Brunswick’ Teachers Federation. He served several years on the negotiations committee during the 70’s. In 1979, he was elected to a two- year term as President of the NBTA and Co-President of the NBTF. It was during his term as President that the teachers took their first and only strike action, a one-day walkout in June of 1981.
In 1984, Dawson was appointed the Deputy Executive Director of the NBTA, a position he held until his retirement in 1995. His prime responsibilities included pension matters, the Code of Professional Conduct and Standards, and numerous other services to teachers.
Murray was well known for his leadership style, his tenacious approach to issues, his understanding of the political process, and his unwavering support for teachers, both individually and as a group. He vigorously promoted improvements in teacher working conditions, as well as in the personal support for teachers in need of advice and assistance. Throughout his tenure with the association, he became the icon of pension improvements, balancing the desire to get the best possible program in place for teachers with the necessity that the long-term stability of the plan be protected.
Dawson was instrumental in a cooperative undertaking to establish a teacher counseling program to assist teachers in dealing with issues facing them. As with other initiatives, the emphasis of the program is to assist teachers and thereby improve the overall quality of instruction in the classrooms of New Brunswick.
In 1996, Dawson received an Honorary Life Membership from the NBTA in recognition of his contribution to education through his work with the association.
Following his retirement, Dawson continued to represent teachers through service on the group responsible for the Teachers’ Pension Plan.
Respecting Dawson's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
Donations, if desired, may be made to the St. Thomas University (STU) Fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover.
Dawson was born in Chipman, NB on October 15, 1942. He was the son of the late Harold and Dora (Knox) Murray. Dawson leaves behind his children Sara and Dan, daughter in law Joanne, and his grandson Cathal who will miss him greatly.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Charlotte (Reed), his sister Cora Coffil, and his brothers Ronald, Douglas, and Beverly Murray.
Dawson is fondly remembered by his extended family, Lynn and Cheryl Reed and their son Joel; John Jenkins (Donna) and their daughters Tina, Tammy and Tara; and by his many friends and colleagues.
Dawson Murray was a teacher and principal in the Perth-Andover area of the province, and became a teacher leader who had a huge positive impact on the lives of thousands of teachers and students throughout the province.
Known as a fierce defender of teachers, Murray served in various capacities with both the New Brunswick Teachers’ Association, and the New Brunswick’ Teachers Federation. He served several years on the negotiations committee during the 70’s. In 1979, he was elected to a two- year term as President of the NBTA and Co-President of the NBTF. It was during his term as President that the teachers took their first and only strike action, a one-day walkout in June of 1981.
In 1984, Dawson was appointed the Deputy Executive Director of the NBTA, a position he held until his retirement in 1995. His prime responsibilities included pension matters, the Code of Professional Conduct and Standards, and numerous other services to teachers.
Murray was well known for his leadership style, his tenacious approach to issues, his understanding of the political process, and his unwavering support for teachers, both individually and as a group. He vigorously promoted improvements in teacher working conditions, as well as in the personal support for teachers in need of advice and assistance. Throughout his tenure with the association, he became the icon of pension improvements, balancing the desire to get the best possible program in place for teachers with the necessity that the long-term stability of the plan be protected.
Dawson was instrumental in a cooperative undertaking to establish a teacher counseling program to assist teachers in dealing with issues facing them. As with other initiatives, the emphasis of the program is to assist teachers and thereby improve the overall quality of instruction in the classrooms of New Brunswick.
In 1996, Dawson received an Honorary Life Membership from the NBTA in recognition of his contribution to education through his work with the association.
Following his retirement, Dawson continued to represent teachers through service on the group responsible for the Teachers’ Pension Plan.
Respecting Dawson's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service.
Donations, if desired, may be made to the St. Thomas University (STU) Fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Brunswick Funeral Home, Perth-Andover.