Dr. Murray Pace dies peacefully in hospital early Monday

BayToday has learned that Dr. Murray Pace passed away peacefully in hospital today surrounded by his family.

Delivering more than 10,000 babies in his 35 years of practice in North Bay Dr. Pace was a well known and celebrated obstetrician. In 2008 Dr. Pace was described as the driving force in the Maternal/Child unit, who mentored and taught many physicians and nurses in Northern Ontario.

Below is the Obituary for Dr. Murray Pace.

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We said goodbye to our Dad the other night; we already miss our friend.

Murray Pace died peacefully in hospital early Monday, August 16th with his wife Angela holding his hand; his children and grandchildren, music and love surrounding him.

He celebrated his 80th birthday in June yet maintained a boy's curiosity. He adored his parents Al and Edith and grew up a single child. Yet he surrounded himself with children throughout his life. He and Angela raised 10 children who will miss him dearly. His many nieces and nephews revered him. He always had a story at hand for each of us.

Murray delivered thousands of babies throughout his career in Toronto and North Bay. Still, many new mothers remarked how he acted as if theirs was the first child he had delivered. He cherished the camaraderie of his colleagues and reveled in the exchanges - professional and less so - they shared. He loved to build things - tables, lamps, his cottage - and spent many late nights in his workshop.

He cherished his time with his family at the island and on the ski hill. He loved nature, just being out in the woods. He was devoted to his faith. He always made himself available for those he loved. One always felt better after asking for his advice though his counsel was consistent: follow your heart.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 17, from 7 - 9 p.m. and Wednesday, August 18, from 2 - 4 p.m. and 7 - 9 p.m. at McGuinty Funeral Home North Bay (705-472-8520, www.mcguintyfuneralhome.com).

Mass of celebration at the Pro-Cathedral of the Assumption on Thursday August 19 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Parkinson's Society Canada, Central and Northern Ontario office, would be appreciated.

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