Tribute

Murray Dobbin died peacefully at his home in Powell River on September 8. He is survived by his partner Ellen, his brother Gary and sister-in-law Susan, his nieces Jasmine and Marissa, and his sister Diane. Murray was born in Saskatchewan and grew up in Saskatoon. He authored five books, four of which were bestsellers. His first book, the one he was proudest of, was called “The One-and-a-Half Men” and told the story of two twentieth century Metis leaders. At the University of Saskatchewan, he taught one of the first courses in native studies. He worked as a journalist in radio and television, including doing four programs for CBC Ideas. Murray was a regular guest on Peter Gzowski’s Morningside. He was a columnist for The Canadian Forum, The Financial Post, The Tyee, Rabble, The Winnipeg Free Press, and The Hill Times. His articles were published by The Globe and Mail, The Toronto Star, and The Walrus among other newspapers and magazines. Murray was a lifelong feminist, with one of his first initiatives as a student activist being to set up the Men’s Auxiliary to Women’s Liberation that did a bake sale to support women’s groups on campus. He loved Powell River and felt strongly supported by his friends here during his long and tough struggle with cancer. Heartfelt gratitude to Murray’s doctors and the hospital staff who gave him such great care.