In 2003, McCurdy supported Bill Blaikie's campaign for NDP leader. McCurdy died on February 20, 2018 at the age of 85. He was survived by his wife, four children, and 10 grandchildren. McCurdy has received many awards, including the Canadian Centennial Medal in 1967, the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, and in 2001 the J. S. Woodsworth Award for Human Rights. In 2012, McCurdy was made a member of the Order of Ontario. In November 2012, McCurdy was designated a Member of the Order of Canada.