Murray John Code

In Loving Memory

Murray died peacefully with his two surviving children at his side.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Lorraine Barbara Code (nee Curtis), children Jacqueline Ruth Code (Philip Playfair) and Jonathan Michael Code (Daniela Ubsdell) and grandchildren Michaela Code, Graeme Playfair, Sophia Code and Iain Playfair. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Frisken and nieces, Amanda, Sarah and Barbara Frisken. He is predeceased by his son, David Jonathan Murray Code and by his parents Joan and Jack Code.

Murray was born in Noranda, Quebec. His childhood in a small mining town led him to study metallurgical engineering at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. He later switched to pure mathematics, obtaining a PhD from University of London, England in 1980. He taught mathematics at the University of Guelph until he retired. He then devoted his retirement to his real love, philosophy, writing three full-length published books (Order and Organism, Myths of Reason and Process, Reality and the Power of Symbols) as well as numerous articles.

Murray’s thought, writing and intellectual stimulation came from his deep and long standing engagement with the works of A.N. Whitehead, C.S. Pierce, O. Barfield, G. Deleuze, as well as his love of poetry, music, film and literature.

Murray was an accomplished and prolific artist, working in oils and in acrylics. He was also a sculptor in wood, soapstone, wax and clay. Rarely did a day go by when he was not working on some artistic endeavour. His sketchbooks accompanied him everywhere on his many world travels.

His love of nature and the wilderness was profound, as evidenced by the peace and joy he experienced over many summers (and sometimes winters) at the family cottage which he built at Big Clear Lake in Frontenac County, Ontario. He was a skilled craftsman, constructing beautiful tables and other household furniture.

Murray’s gentle sense of humour, as well as his passion for social justice, will be greatly missed.

The family would like to express deepest gratitude to the Dorothy Ley Hospice, particularly Dr,. Rachel Wortzman and Dr. Joshua Tepper, whose compassion and understanding was invaluable. Donations to the Dorothy Ley Hospice in Murray’s name would be welcome.

A private cremation will be held on Tuesday, August 18 with a celebration of life to be held at a future date.