We are saddened to announce the death of Dr. D Duncan Murray age 83 on June 29, 2025 after a diagnosis of colon cancer. Duncan was born in Halifax on December 21 1941, the son of Ophthalmologist Douglas K. Murray and Ruth Murray (Skaling).
Duncan attended Dalhousie University, where he received his M.D. in 1967, Fellowship in Medicine/Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in 1985 (UBC), followed by two Fellowships in Australia: The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine in 1987 and The Fellowship of the Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine in 1993.
His expertise, and visionary leadership solidified his position in the Department of Medicine at the University of BC and the major teaching hospitals in Vancouver. Through his clinical care, he helped thousands of patients, and through his teaching and mentorship, influenced scores of physicians. Dr. Murray received prestigious awards and accolades which reflected his remarkable career, however, most meaningful to him was the importance of teaching. He developed a successful Residency Training Program in Rehabilitation Medicine and had a significant influence on the Training Program for Internal Medicine at the University of British Columbia.
Outside of Medicine, Duncan's many interests included hiking, canoeing, expedition ocean kayaking, scuba diving, skiing, marksmanship, dogs, horses and the lovely farm where he and his wife have lived after his retirement.
Duncan was predeceased by his son Dugald, and sister Vickie Wilson (children Alexander Wilson, Erika (Mark) Alexander, and Ian Wilson).
He is survived by his wife Winona Hartvikson (of 33 years), daughters with previous wife Margaret: Maggie (Ben) and Anna (Brent), Grandchildren Lillian, Eloise, Maelle, Iver, sister Bonnie Ross (Sandy) children Duncan, Susie and Andrew) and Kitti Horton (daughters Katie, Victoria and Adrienne).
It was Duncan's wish that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to the UBC Faculty of Medicine.
No Services by request.
September 14th, 2025
Duncan Murray was a man of many talents and contraindications, and a mentor to many young and not so young physicians. He was a pioneer in the development of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in British Columbia. He was that rare thing in life and in medicine, someone with the courage and conviction to chart his own course no matter the obstacles or objections. Those of us who had the good luck to work with him were fortunate indeed and his legacy will carry on.
August 27th, 2025
On behalf of the UBC Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, I want to extend our deepest sympathies to Dr. Murray's family on his passing. Dr. Murray contributed greatly to the Division and helped train a whole generation of Physical Medicine and Rehab specialists who are still in practice today. He leaves a strong legacy here at the UBC Division of PMR. The Dr. Duncan Murray Teaching Award for Teaching Excellence is given out annually to a deserving faculty member who demonstrates the type of dedication to the advancement of learning that Dr. Murray exemplified.
We are grateful for the leadership he brought to our Division and will remember him fondly.
With sympathies,
Jennifer K. Yao, MD, FRCPC
Head, UBC Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
August 27th, 2025
It’s with fond recall that I remember a real pillar of an educator. He challenged every thought, every reasoning to ensure that we all stood on top of his shoulders to solidify the specialty of PM&R in this province. Duncan, hats off to you. You have not, and will not be forgotten by all those you challenged to be better versions of themselves. For that I thank you.
August 27th, 2025
Were it not for Dr. Murray, the career of many (mine included) would have come to a grinding halt.....With the assistance of colleagues, I landed at UBC to complete my PM&R specialty training........Those early days and the compassion shown by Dr. Murray protected ourselves from ......ourselves. Preparation for the Fellowship Examinations became so engrained that failure to pass was not an option (irrespective of personal challenges and hurdles). I miss "those" days and hopefully have passed down the same standards of clinical practice and level of education training. We were constantly reminded to look in the mirror and appreciate our surroundings. I know Dr Theo van Rijn would join me in extending our sympathies to family.
August 7th, 2025
Sorry to hear the passing of Duncan. For many years I would see him once or twice a month at the local indoor shooting rang with his trusy pistol or his more recent lever action rifle "Henry". In spite of things happening to him and othets around him, he was always in good spirits and always encouraging of others. Even those he had never met before. We would banter back and forth constantly during intermissions and will miss his humor, insightful and kindness. My condolences to his wife, Winona, (of whom he spoke highly and often) as well the family.
Jim H.
LRGC / range officer
July 16th, 2025
I had the privilege of meeting Duncan and Noni in 2007 while searching for a new equine partner. I was so lucky to have found my heart horse, Jobim, at their Cottonwood Farm. Duncan had started him beautifully. I was smitten with this 5-year old and so impressed by his training! Duncan was not only a fine horseman, he was an exceptional human being. My condolences to Noni and the family.
July 15th, 2025
Duncan. Just a really cool guy. A great neighbour. Always enjoyed our chats - usually horse related - over our back fence. A pleasure to have known him. Condolences to Noni and the rest of the family.
July 15th, 2025
It has been a pleasure to get to know you and the exchanges we had about horses. Such fun stories and memories!
I will remember watching you ground school the horses and will use the knowledge I learned from you going forward.
You are missed by many💕
July 15th, 2025
I met Duncan at a boarding barn I ran for several years. He was fascinated by classic horsemanship and excelled at it. I have enjoyed following along on Facebook and seeing the pictures of the many horses he started so brilliantly and enjoyed.
My condolences to his family and to Noni. Until we meet again,
C.
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