This week, we lost a great man and dear friend to the community.
Sadly, Jim 'Bearcat' Murray, former trainer of the Calgary Flames and proud Okotokian passed away at the age of 89.
When it comes to Bearcat, a lot of us in the Foothills had the pleasure of knowing him. Whether you were an old friend that went way back or you occasionally bumped into him at an Oilers game or at Sweetgrass Deli here in town, he had an unforgettable presence and some very unforgettable stories.
So it's no surprise that so many lovely messages, comments, memories and tributes have come pouring in since the news of his passing.
And we wanted to share some of them with you to remember and celebrate Jim's legendary life:
A beautiful tribute for Bearcat from Lanny ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Wh5b5orSne
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) June 14, 2022
Jim 'Bearcat' Murray was beloved by all that knew him, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and humility.
— Calgary Flames (@NHLFlames) June 14, 2022
RIP Bearcat. pic.twitter.com/5VAUIRjGDm
A Calgary legend ❤️ pic.twitter.com/b0S5U8TGo5
— Calgary Hitmen (@WHLHitmen) June 14, 2022
That time Bearcat hopped the boards mid play to check on Mike Vernon and the #Flames scored while he was on the ice #RIPBearcat pic.twitter.com/iTsZJEF9ce
— FlamesNation (@FlamesNation) June 14, 2022
So many fun memories with this guy. So kind and generous and touched everyone he met. A true helper. Rest well Bearcat. #bearcat #olpotlicker pic.twitter.com/ShgR6mcorw
— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) June 15, 2022
Only guy I knew who carried new suits in a garbage bag. Only guy I knew who’d roller skate around t/ concourse during practice. T/ only trainer I knew who,for a short time, was t/ most recognizable name on t/ team. T/one & only Bearcat Murray.@NHLFlames pic.twitter.com/hEXE84PGeq
— grant pollock (@Gpollock75) June 14, 2022
And not only has the hockey world felt the loss of the Hockey Hall of Famer, but the community as well:
I had the pleasure of chatting with him a few times but one of my favourite memories was two years ago. I had placed some bets against Rory Wood, GM of Okotoks Ford, on the hockey playoffs (you'd think I'd learn by now!) and I wasn't doing very good by myself so Rory called in the big guns. He got Jim to come in and help me pick teams he thought would go all the way to win the Stanley Cup. I can't remember if I won the overall bet or not but I know with Bearcat's help I got a lot further than I would have by myself.
Thinking about his family, friends and loved ones right now - thanks for the memories friend.
~ The Eagle team.