Bernice Murray

Bernice was born in Newfoundland in December of 1930. She was married to Stan Warren and has two daughters, Lynn and Kim. There are 3 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  Stan passed away in 1982. Bernice married Jim Murray in 1987 and now has an extended family. Bernice is also and avid golfer and curler and brought her leadership skill in bowling to these two sports.

Bernice served on the GTWBA Board, first as a Director and then Sergeant-at-Arms. In 1967-68 Bernice sat on the  first ABC/WIBC Committee. This committee resulted in the co-chairmanship of all tournaments; ladies would be invited to bowl in the league Officers tournament and the Men’s 700 club tournament (2 at the time). It was at this time that President Shirley Eames resigned and Bernice stepped in to guide the Association between 1969 and 1976.

During her term of office a number of changes took place within the Association. The Association Year Book became a reality. This has been a tremendous help to the associations for over the last 24 years.

Bernice, along with Robert Turner introduced the Associations to Big Brothers and the “Tenpin Bowl for Millions” was begun. The Associations worked along with the Big Brothers to formulate this event every February and in return Big Brothers made a donation back to the Association. Both Boards would be in attendance to help the many celebrities get the right size shoe, ball and just generally being helpful. The Board also bowled against the Big Brothers for a trophy every year. Bernice was named the Women’s 1st Honourary Member of the Big Brothers Association.

In 1969 Bernice, along with the Men’s Association, started what was to become a wonderful event for the Association namely, the Annual Awards Banquet, renamed 9 years ago to the Hall of Fame and Awards Dinner.

Bernice was responsible, with the Men’s Association, when it was decided to open an office where the three associations could work together. This became a reality in 1974 when an office opened at Dufferin and Finch and continues today at the Steeles Ave. location. Bernice moved to Florida for a time for Stan’s health and when she returned she came back to the Women’s Board as Director later becoming the Secretary.

Bernice, in many ways, has contributed much to our sport of tenpin bowling and through her dedicated efforts many programs were put into effect in the early years which we are still using today.

In 1987 Bernice was granted Life Membership of the Greater Toronto Women’s Bowling Association and tonight we induct her into the Greater Toronto Tenpin Bowling Association Hall of fame.