A Surrey senior who succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash with a police vehicle Dec. 27 is being remembered as a man who "made a difference to those he met."
Donald Allan Murray, 72, was identified Tuesday by the B.C. Coroners Service as the driver who was taken to Peace Arch Hospital after his sedan collided with an unmarked car at the intersection of 56 Avenue and 184 Street around 2 p.m.
He died Dec. 31.
"Regardless of rank, Don was a people person and demonstrated kindness without effort," reads an announcement of Murray's death on the Cloverdale Legion's website.
Murray, a former longtime employee with Canada Border Services Agency, was an associate member of Branch 6 for 31 years.
"He went out of his way to make others feel appreciated and significant, whether searching for a special toy to brighten a child's day or random acts of kindness."
Online condolences posted from as far away as Yuma, Ariz., describe Murray as a friend and mentor who had a great sense of humour and a twinkle in his eye.
"You will never be forgotten and when your name comes up it will be with respect, admiration and love," writes Christina Lake resident Ken Gresly-Jones.
One writer describes her time with Murray before he was taken to PAH's intensive care unit.
"You are so strong and brave," writes Grace Xie. "Even through the tough time, you were still smiling, talking and encouraging me.
"I am forever grateful for you to be in my life."
Murray is survived by his wife, Adrienne, two children and two grandchildren. A celebration of life was held Monday in Vancouver.
Circumstances of the crash continue to be investigated by the coroners service, RCMP Traffic Services and the Independent Investigations Office.
Officials with the IIO claimed jurisdiction over the file on Dec. 31, following word Murray's condition was deteriorating.