February 4, 2018
To all BCPFFA Local Affiliates,
It is with a very heavy heart that I inform all members of the BC Professional Fire Fighters
Association of the passing of Brother Clayton Murrell. Brother Murrell was a fire suppression
Captain in Cranbrook, President of Local 1253 and Vice President on the BCPFFA Executive
Board for the Kootenay Region. Sadly, Clay succumbed to his injuries from a motor vehicle
incident on the morning of February 3rd, 2018 while driving with his wife Joan. Joan has
suffered severe injuries and has been airlifted to Kelowna General Hospital. We ask that you
please keep Joan in your thoughts and prayers.
It is difficult to know what to say during times like this, words that can offer comfort and ease the sorrow. Brother Murrell was an admired leader who made each of us feel welcome from the moment he shook your hand. He opened his home, hand and heart to all and asked nothing in return. He leaves behind a family to grieve, a family that he spoke of with intense pride and love at every opportunity. I will miss our chats, his advice on a variety of topics and of course his support in representing fire fighters.
On behalf of Secretary Treasurer Todd Schierling, myself and the entire BCPFFA Executive
Board we are truly saddened with the loss of Brother Murrell and it weighs heavily on hearts.
We are here today and every day for the leadership of Local 1253 and their members, Brother
Murrell’s family, immediate and extended; and the Community of Cranbrook. We all share in this
tragic loss of Brother Murrell for we are all family.
We will forward details on service arrangements as it becomes available. Please give the
leadership of L1253 and family time in confirming any details for a memorial service.
Fraternally,
Gord Ditchburn
President, BCPFFA
