Peter Murray was born in Kitimat B.C. and moved to Kamloops in 1960 with his parents and two siblings. Two more brothers rounded the family off during the years he attended Stuart Wood Elementary, John Pederson Secondary and finally Kam High Senior Secondary School. His parents moved the remaining family members to the Chase area where they enjoyed country life and raised a few beef cattle. His parent’s love of gardening was a positive influence and Peter sought summer employment at a mixed vegetable farm.

 

After graduating in 1975, Peter traveled through Central and South America where some farm visits peaked his growing interest in agriculture. Upon returning from his trip and working for a local farm family a tragedy involving one of the owners of the farm in Chase in 1978 led to an offer to lease the land and farm independently. Peter began his career as a farmer at this point and for the next five years was appreciative of the help and guidance of Henry Grube. Also through the formative years of Peter’s growing business, his family pitched in on every aspect of the farm. His love of farming continued to grow.

 

In 1984 due to the leased farm selling, Peter leased other land that included in his future wife’s parents place. Along with leasing different land in the Chase valley a new road side sales location had to be found. A small parcel was rented from the C.P. Rail Company at the crossing at Shuswap on V.L.A. Road. This location remains the home of Peter Murray’s Corn Farm every summer from August to October.

 

Careful selection and harvesting of his crops from the beginning has seen a dedicated customer base grow locally and as far reaching as Northern B.C., Alberta and Saskatchewan. The first day of ‘corn’ is an exciting one for both farmer and customer! Peter’s passion for agriculture and love of the land is evident in his farm practices and the food he produces. Peter has been a part of the Kamloops Farmer’s Market since its inception and continues to participate whenever production in either strawberries or corn and potatoes permit. 

 

Raymonde was born in Kamloops and grew up in Chase on Wagon Wheel Ranch along with her three sisters. Her parents Raymond (Dan) and Joyce Dunn settled in Chase in 1949. The farm was a part of the Veteran’s Land Act that had been initiated by the Federal Government for veterans after the Second World War. Dan had been in the RAF as a fighter pilot; Joyce was a WRN with the British Navy and became one of many ‘war brides.’ Together they operated Dunn’s Dairy for fourteen years until 1960 when Dan changed vocation returned to U.B.C. and became a high school teacher at Chase Secondary until his retirement in 1983.

 

While growing up on the farm Ray had a miniature garden alongside her Mother’s and has always been drawn to plants and the beauty of flowers. In 1977 her life took her to Saskatchewan where her two daughters Christine and Ashley were born. She worked for two companies Saskatchewan Power, and SaskEnergy in various capacities over a twenty-year period. Her love of flowers drew her back from time to time and she worked as a florist in Saskatoon, North Battleford and Chase. The prairie climate was a challenge but her flower gardens were her bit of heaven. 1997 she moved temporarily back to Chase to be with her mother.

 

In 1998 Raymonde first met Peter to update the lease agreement he had with her Mom and as they say in Hollywood ‘the rest is history’. They were married in the corn July of 2002 celebrating their strong partnership. Raymonde and Peter’s philosophy of life begins with a love of the land they farm together, their desire to preserve a way of life and protect a heritage for the next generation. They strive to produce healthy and delicious food for their families and customers. They love and cherish each other, their daughters, and extended family members - not to forget their various dogs, cats, and sheep!