Murray Coell was mayor of Saanich for six years and municipal councillor for an additional six years. He is the past chair of the Capital Regional District and the CRD Health Committee and the Saanich Police Board. He was also the deputy chair of the B.C. Municipal Finance Authority.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria. He was a small business owner and is a registered social worker.

He is married to Corinne (Eckert).