Rev. Lloyd Alexander Murdock

MURDOCK, REV. LLOYD - Rev. Lloyd Alexander Murdock died Thursday, June 21, 2018 in Windsor, Ontario after a gallant duel with a formidable foe. Only after challenging cancer with gusto and grace, facing it head-on, and, finally, accepting its overwhelming strength, did Lloyd wait on God to take him home.

Born July 15, 1943, in New Glasgow, N.S., Lloyd was a Maritimer at heart; he was the son of LeRoy and Bessie (Arbuckle) Murdock, brother to Jeanette, Jerry and Faye, all deceased. Lloyd was married to his love of 44 years, his rock, Rev. Shirley F. Murdock; their children, Heidi (Jeff) Ruiter, of Windsor, and Jason (Emily) Murdock of Casper, Wyoming, were his pride, his joy – he beamed at the mention of their names. To granddaughters Belle and Gabi, Lloyd was their beloved and silly “Grampie.” Lloyd was brother- in- law to Dave (Sharon) King and Ruth King, both of Sydney, N.S.  He will be remembered by nieces, nephews and countless cousins,  He enjoyed a special kinship  with Nick and Maggi Murdock.

He graduated from St. F.X University in Antigonish, N.S., in 1971, Knox College in Toronto in 1974, and was ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacraments in The Presbyterian Church in Canada.

Lloyd served as a student minister in Neil’s Harbour and Cape North, Cape Breton, and also Whitechurch and Langside, Ont.

He ministered in Nova Scotia – First Church, Lower Sackville; Iona Church, Dartmouth; and First Church, Pictou, before moving to St. John’s Church in Grimsby, Ont. When Lloyd and Shirley returned to Nova Scotia, he was supply minister in Kenzieville and Marshy Hope in Pictou County, then back to full time ministry at Knox Presbyterian Church in Baddeck, and Ephraim Scott Memorial in South Haven, Cape Breton. In 2012, Shirley and Lloyd moved to Sarnia, where Lloyd ministered at St. Andrew’s.

As a teenager, Lloyd fished lobster with family and neighbours – perhaps honing his story-telling skills on the quiet crustaceans! – and worked in the office of Lismore Seafoods Inc. Before entering seminary, Lloyd became a certified jeweller and worked at Crescent Jewellers in New Glasgow.

During his years at Knox College, Lloyd honed his entrepreneurial skills, running the tuck shop in the evenings for the students; he had his own coffee corner for students, faculty and staff. He loved to cook and enjoyed a good meal with family and friends.

Lloyd loved to garden, and won community prizes for his green thumb. He enjoyed oil painting – usually seascapes; he sold many paintings but always kept enough to hang at home.

He was a fantastic dancer, winning provincial competition in high school and wooing the audience as he floated across the floor.

Lloyd loved a good joke, especially on April Fools’ Day, and Christmas (he would get up on Christmas day at the crack of dawn, even before the children, he was so excited!); he would often wrap gag gifts for family members and couldn’t wait to see and hear their responses.

When Lloyd retired from ministry the first time, he missed the connection with people, so he went to work at Tim Hortons in Baddeck, and delighted in seeing the shocked faces as church people walked in and found him behind the counter.

Lloyd loved life; he had a hearty (some might say loud!) laugh that you would often hear before you saw him. His faith was strong, and sustained him, particularly during his illness. Despite setbacks and diagnoses, Lloyd’s attitude remained positive. “I’ve had a good life on earth,” he said. “I’ll have a better life in heaven.  It’s a win-win situation!”

Lloyd loved the church; he did his best to minister to his congregations as long as possible. During retirement (the first one) he continued to supply pulpits throughout Cape Breton. Lloyd sat on committees and agencies of the church on all levels of Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly, as well as local ministerials. He loved the communities in which he worked; he began the Christmas Parade in Baddeck, participated in the Baccalaureate Services for high school graduates, and enjoyed ecumenical events with community churches.

Lloyd was a proud Scotsman, a proud Presbyterian, a proud Canadian and a loyal monarchist – and he made no bones about it!

Grateful thanks are extended to Lloyd’s entire medical team – doctors Schlebush, Yoshida, Yousuf, Hamm, Kanjeekal, Freeman, and Kenette, as well as nurses and staff of 4West Windsor Regional Hospital Met Campus; their dedication and compassionate care were unparalleled.

In Lloyd’s memory, donations may be made to Camp Geddie (Synod Camp Atlantic Provinces), Camp MacLeod (Presbytery Camp, Cape Breton), Transition to Betterness at Windsor Regional Hospital Met Campus, St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Sarnia, or a charity of your choice.

Lloyd loved bright colours: spring was his favourite season, as the buds started to blossom and the hues of the rainbow came back into the world after the long, cold winter. In Lloyd’s honour, if you plan to attend his Celebration of Life, please dress in the bright, bold colours Lloyd loved (no black permitted!).

Visitation is on Monday, July 2nd from 5-8 p.m., within St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 261 N. Christina Street, Sarnia. A Celebration of a life well lived will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3rd and will be conducted by friend and colleague Rev. Charlotte Brown,  followed by a reception in Wenino Hall. Committal and burial will be at a later date in Nova Scotia. The arrangements have been entrusted to D. J. Robb Funeral Home, Sarnia. Messages of condolence may be sent through www.djrobb.on.ca