Obituary of Murray Jack Scoyne

Scoyne: Murray Jack -

Murray Jack Scoyne, 97, of Ridgetown, Ontario, passed away peacefully on May 1st, 2026.  First son of the late Stewart (Mike) and Hazel (nee Embury) Scoyne. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Doris Jean (Allan) of Ridgetown. Son John Scoyne (Liz -nee Campbell) of Drumbo, and their children -  Tyson Scoyne (Emily Gilpin) of Plattsville, Cassie Scoyne of Paris, and Morgan Scoyne of Kitchener; daughter Judy Milton (Jim) of Delray Beach, FL and their children -  Sarah Jeanes (Aaron) and their daughter Blake of Denver, CO, John Milton of Boca Raton, FL, and Laura Escamilla (Israel) of San Antonio, Texas; son Gary Scoyne (Kim - nee Guyitt) of Ridgetown, and their children  - Bradley Scoyne of Chatham, Ian Scoyne (Kelsey Lavigne) and their children Jackson and Everleigh of Dutton, and Jenelle Koldyk (Dillon) and their children Jett and Chase of Merlin.

Murray is also survived by his brother-in-law Wayne (Vera) Allan of Sarnia, sisters-in-law Marian Scoyne of Espanola and Jennifer Allan of Owen Sound and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his younger brothers, Charles (late Rita) Scoyne (1999), Kenneth Scoyne (2000), and Doris’ siblings Verne (late Ruth) Allan, Muriel Lang, Helen (late John) Wesno, and Gordon Allan.

Murray was a printer and publisher by trade, apprenticing at The Ridgetown Dominion, before graduating from Ryerson Institute of Technology (Toronto Metropolitan University). He and Doris purchased the Ridgetown Dominion Newspaper (and Dominion Press) in 1971 and sold it 18 years later when he retired, and also the year that he achieved the title “Grandpa”. Murray was actively involved in the Scouting Community in both Acton and Ridgetown where he and Doris organized many events for the community youth including the Scout Wolf Pack (Cub Pack) as he was the Akela.

Church life was also an important aspect of Murray’s life where he served as an Elder at Knox Presbyterian Church in Acton and Ridgetown Presbyterian Church. He also served as the Sunday School Superintendent and Member of the Board. Murray was a huge believer in the Rotary International and was active with them for many years; he was a past President and a Paul Harris Fellow (1971). 

An avid golfer, he was always proud of his handicap. Murray had two holes-in-one and shot his age or better three times at ages 72, 73 (72!) and 74 at the Ridgetown Golf Course. He was Senior Champion in 1986, a Super Senior Champion in 2005, and served as Trustee for 35 years. At 95 years, he was still actively golfing and consistently shot his age or better! All of his children and most of his grandchildren now golf, although they can only wish they were as good as he was. Murray and Doris enjoyed traveling together, taking many trips travelling to Hawaii, Massachusetts, California, Texas, New York and Europe, and spent many winters in Florida as“snowbirds”. 

 In 2024, Murray and Doris moved to The Village on the Ridge, Ridgetown, Ontario. A special thank you to the staff at The Village on the Ridge and Dr. Adam McDowall for their support, patience and caring for all the family. 

A Celebration of Life for Murray will be held on Sunday, June 14th, 2026, at Erie Street United Church, from 1:30pm-4:00pm. A Private Family Interment will take place directly following at Greenwood Cemetery in Ridgetown.

In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to the Ridgetown Rotary Club. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date and will be announced when available. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his loved ones, extended family and friends.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home
76 Main Street East, Ridgetown
519-674-3141