Obituary of Murray Nickolas Ellies

MURRAY NICKOLAS ELLIES, Q.C. The man who put Kirkland Lake on the legal map, and fostered respect for lawyers in the process, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2012 surrounded by his family and the caring staff of the North Bay Regional Health Centre. Murray N. Ellies was born on April 24, 1936 in Kirkland Lake, to Sam and Pearl (Ansara). He was the second of two sons. His mother worked hard to put Murray and his brother, Gary (1934 to 1995), through school at the University of Toronto. Murray married his high school sweetheart, Suzan Marie (Bigelow) on September 6, 1958 and she picked up where her mother-in-law left off, working long hours as a young nurse at St. Micheal’s hospital to put her husband through law school at Osgoode Hall. Murray was called to the Bar of Ontario in 1962 and, together with his wife and their young family, returned to Kirkland Lake shortly afterward to begin a practice that would eventually take on legendary status. There was nothing in the practice of law that he would not tackle. Even though he had a general practice, he was one of the few lawyers in the province to be certified by the Law Society of Upper Canada as a Specialist in both Civil Ligation and Criminal Law. The latter was his favourite area of practice and he became well known throughout Ontario as a top-notch criminal lawyer. He tried over 30 homicide cases in a career that spanned 50 years. Designated a Queen’s Counsel in 1973, Murray was later given the highest peer rating possible by the respected legal directory, Martindale Hubbell. In 2010, he was invited to become an inductee into the American College of Trial Lawyers, the most prestigious group of trial lawyers in North America. Murray was revered by lawyers, judges and clients alike. He was a simple, unpretentious man who never took himself too seriously. He was a “straight shooter.” His integrity was of the highest order. Judges could rely on what he said. Clients could rely on what he did. If you had Murray behind you, it didn’t matter what was in front of you. Although he was an exceptional lawyer, Murray’s true calling was that of a husband, father, and grandfather. He worked hard throughout his career, but never at the expense of his family. He was the proud father of (Murray) Gregory, Trevor, Lisa and Cynthia. He was adored by his daughter-in-law, Agnès (Ellies) and his son-in-law, Billy (Summers). He was the beloved “Bapa” of Melanie (and David Campell), Vanessa, Jeremy, Jenna, Chloe, Alexa and Belle. He was the cherished brother-in-law of Gloria (Ellies), Sandra and Robert (Kapustik), Robert and Patsy (Bigelow), Alfred (Bigelow) and Murielle (Boissoneault), and Patricia and Jack (Fournier). He was also much loved as “Uncle Murray” to numerous nieces and nephews. Despite his busy professional and family life, Murray found time for public service. He served on the Kirkland Lake Town Council, the School Board, and was a member of the Kiwanis Club for many years. He also found time to enjoy downhill skiing, when the weather cooperated, and woodworking, when it did not. Murray never really retired, and he never really wanted to. He just “slowed down” to a pace most lawyers call normal. He and Sue built a home in North Bay a few years ago, to be closer to their children. However, they loved to spend time during the winter at their place in Florida and summers at their home on Lake Kenogami where, after many a delicious family dinner, Murray often engaged in his favourite pastime – trying to catch the only fish in the lake. Murray will be missed by everyone who knew him. His passing has left a void that can only be partly filled by the cherished memories he has also left behind. Rest in peace, Murray…and happy fishing. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the doctors and staff of the North Bay Regional Health Centre who treated Murray with exemplary care and compassion. Murray will be resting at the Martyn Funeral Home, 464 Wyld Street, in North Bay. Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 29 from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Friday, March 30 at 1:30 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church, 301 Main Street, North Bay. In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations being made to the Canadian Cancer Society Research Institute. Online condolences may be offered at www.martynfh.com.