Murray John Bancroft

 August 7, 1930- July 20, 2026

Born in a Caradoc Township, Middlesex County farmhouse on August 7, 1930, Murray lived a long and productive life until his passing at Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton on July 20, 2026 just days shy of his 96th birthday.

Murray was predeceased by his son John, the mother of his children, Mary (Wodskou), his parents Norman and Alice (Whitney) and his brothers Neil and Ewart.

With many memories, he is remembered by his wife Jennet (Ward), his children Margaret (Bruce), late John (Elaine), Mark (Helen) and Peter (Kate)  his grandchildren of whom he was very proud, Michael (Kendall), Krista (Corey), Kayla (John), Matthew (Anna), Lindy (Shane) and Doretta and his great grandchildren Auston, Clara, Blair, John, Carter, Micah, Ruby and Nora. Also remembered by George and Odeyne Wodskou and Susan Bancroft, nieces, nephews, cousins and the Ward family. 

Murray attended SS No1 Mornington, Milverton High School and was one of the last remaining members of the Ontario Agricultural College class of '53. He maintained lifelong friendships with his classmates and was very proud that he and Mary were the first of three family generations of University of Guelph graduates. After a year working for the Canada Department of Agriculture, he and Mary began farming and raising a family in Mornington Township. Murray enjoyed much success as a purebred swine breeder selling Yorkshire breeding stock in Canada and abroad. He was an early adopter of herd health practices and a member of various farm organizations. A member of St Paul's United Church for over 90 years, he also was a member and chair of the Milverton District High School board in the 1960s.

Murray enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, curling, woodlot management, woodworking and travel in Canada, the US and Europe with both Mary and Jennet. He enjoyed many card and board games with family and friends.

Murray can be remembered through a donation to St Paul's United Church, Milverton, the Canadian Cancer Society, Knollcrest Lodge or a charity of choice.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service at St Paul's United Church in Milverton on Sunday, July 26th at 2pm. Rev. Megan Penfold officiating. Reception to follow. Burial at Greenwood Cemetery will be private.

The family would like to acknowledge with great appreciation the work and care of health care personnel and organizations including Dr Annis, his family physician for over 30 years, River Gardens Retirement Residence, Stratford and Dr Anderson, Dr Chun, Nurse Practitioner Wendy Dunn and all the staff at Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton.

A quiet man, Murray leaves a legacy of hard work and a deep appreciation for land, animals and rural life.

"Still waters run deep."

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Brenneman Funeral Home, Atwood.