A 90th birthday to remember for North Easthope's Murray McGonigle
By Gary West
Who says birthday wishes don't come true?
For longtime North Easthope dairy farmer Murray McGonigle, his wish for his 90th birthday came true when a large crowd of family members and friends gathered to celebrate his milestone at Foxboro Green, his current home east of Phillipsburg in Wilmot Township.
For McGonigle, who has spent much of his life surrounded by family, friends and the agricultural community, the celebration was another reminder of just how fortunate he has been.
He and his wife, Margaret, who have been married for nearly 70 years, say they couldn't have asked for a better life together.
The couple raised four children, two sons and two daughters, and have been blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Born and raised during his early years in Waterloo, McGonigle eventually developed a love for farming while helping his grandfather on the family farm near Amulree, a few miles north of Shakespeare.
He later took over the farm with his parents, beginning what would become a lifelong career as a dedicated dairy farmer.
His father, Ross McGonigle, served for decades as clerk-treasurer of North Easthope Township while living in Amulree, close to Murray and his growing family.
Over the years, McGonigle developed a highly respected herd of registered Holstein dairy cattle under the Hill Pond prefix, a name inspired by a pond located near the family farmhouse.
His dedication to breeding quality Holsteins eventually earned him the prestigious Master Breeder designation, an honour recognizing excellence in Holstein breeding.
McGonigle was also actively involved in the agricultural community, serving on numerous committees and organizations throughout his farming career.
Beyond the farm, he served as a director and president of South Easthope Mutual Insurance Company, an organization that remained close to his heart long after his retirement.
Among the many guests at his 90th birthday celebration were three representatives of the insurance company, whose presence was especially meaningful to the longtime former director and president.
But for those who have known Murray over the years, his accomplishments in agriculture and business tell only part of the story.
Friends and neighbours have long described him as quite a character, someone who has never been afraid to have a little fun, pull a prank or find an unusual way to bring laughter to those around him.
His enthusiasm for life has extended well beyond dairy farming.
An avid sportsman, McGonigle enjoyed playing hockey and baseball with friends throughout the Wellesley area.
Later in life, he developed a passion for horses, owning a carriage and light horse team and competing at local fall fairs whenever he had the opportunity.
His love of horses and competition has also carried on through the next generation, with McGonigle continuing to support his grandson, Cody McGonigle, a successful rodeo calf roping competitor.
McGonigle and his wife, Margaret, have also been longtime supporters of the North Easthope Antique Tractor Club (NEAT), regularly attending club activities and enjoying the friendships that come with their shared interest in antique farm machinery.
Murray's own antique tractor is an Allis-Chalmers WD-45, a reminder of the equipment that helped shape his many years in agriculture.
From his early days working on the family farm to his accomplishments as a dairy breeder, community volunteer, sportsman and family man, McGonigle has certainly packed plenty of living into his 90 years.
And judging by the many family members and friends who gathered to celebrate his birthday, he has made a lasting impression on plenty of people along the way.
For Murray and Margaret, surrounded by generations of family and a lifetime of friendships, it was a birthday celebration they won't soon forget.
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