Pharmacist

Ted Murrell bids farewell after 42 years at Save-On-Foods. Published 2:14 pm Friday, March 13, 2026 Ted Murrell's decades long career with Save-On-Foods has finally come to a close, but his passion for community service will not be forgotten. The Save-On-Foods Cranbrook manager officially entered retirement on Mar. 12., after 42 years working for the grocery store company. Murrell's friends, family and co-workers gathered for a send-off party at the Heid Out, to recognize his commitment to the community through business and charity work. Reflecting on his career, Murrell said the store's greatest legacy has been its original business model, its contributions to growing and supporting community, and connections made with local people. "It's come a long way. Love to see the different innovations coming through. There's always something changing. Our company's always been at the forefront of looking for new ideas," Murrell remarked. "The best part of my career is people, being able to create teams and see the growth individually and as a team... I really enjoy being involved in community, that's where I get my biggest kick," he added. "If you can get a smile out of someone, you've done something right." Murrell is passing the torch on to Steve Smeaton. Smeaton is the manager for Save-On-Foods Creston and has 37 years experience with the company. Under Murrell's leadership, Save-On-Foods has grown to become a key supporter of countless community initiatives and charitable causes. The store regularly gives to more than 100 local groups in the East Kootenay, including the Salvation Army, Cranbrook Bucks, Angel Flight and Toonies For Tummies and the annual Turkey Drive. It supplies food to the Cranbrook Food Recovery seven days per week, to help address food insecurity. In 2024, Save-On-Foods stores in Cranbrook, Kimberley, Fernie, Sparwood, Golden, Creston and Nelson teamed up to raise $27,148.58 for Angel Flight East Kootenay, to aid in helping transport medical patients to the hospital in Kelowna. Save-On-Foods Cranbrook contributes thousands of dollars to the Turkey Drive each year, both through monetary donations and through the purchase of turkeys to go to families in need. The store has supported Save-On-Foods Canada in committing $60 million to children's hospitals across western Canada and $3 million in donations to local food banks each year. Murrell started his career with Save-On-Foods Kimberley (formerly Overwaitea) in 1984. He spent nearly three decades at the store in various roles starting as service clerk. "Once I got hired, I knew I was going to have a career... I just enjoyed the engagement of customers and team members. You get to meet so many great people along the way," he reminisced. During this time, he joined the Kimberley Fire Department and also worked with the Rotary and Chamber of Commerce. After he transitioned into management, he joined Save-On-Foods Nelson in 2013. It was here that his interest in giving back to the community really took shape. Since Murrell started working for Save-On-Foods Cranbrook in 2018, the store has won five Cranbrook Townsman Reader's Choice Awards. Murrell won the Chamber of Commerce's Business Leader of the Year award in 2025. Staff remember Murrell's dedication to helping the business and its employees thrive and his positive attitude. The store team certainly knows how to have a good time. Murrell organized regular staff barbecues and Fun Shirt Friday. Murrell had themed suits, shirts and ties for every occasion, patterned with Christmas snowmen, Hawaiian beaches, and even grocery store shopping carts. "Everybody wonders how much room is in my closet with all these suits," Murrell joked. As an avid cook and baker, he really enjoyed sharing recipes with customers and helping them find ingredients for their meals. Wild mushroom soup and an Italian cured meat product called Capicola are among his favourite treats. Murrell is getting ready to start a new chapter of his life. He plans to thoroughly enjoy his retirement and spend more time with his grandchildren, and focus on his hobbies. In April, he and his wife are off to enjoy the warm sun in Sardinia and Corsica. Always a friend of a good cause, he plans to continue to volunteer in the community. "I think I've given it my all over the years and now it's time for Ted. Can't wait to get out there and do all the exploring," he said.

The finishing touches are currently being put on Buy-Low Foods in the former Save-On location at Parkwood Place, left vacant after Save-On opened a new store at the Pine Centre Mall.