Montrose - Daily Press

March 23, 1922 — June 20, 2009

MONTROSE — William B. Murray, age 87, passed away June 30, 2009 of congestive heart failure at San Juan Living Center in Montrose, Colo.

He was born in Brockton, Mont. on March 23, 1922 to Isaac T. Murray Jr. and Adeline (Pipher) Murray. He graduated from Brockton High School and attended the University of Montana. He worked in the CCC camps in Montana and Idaho. He was in the Montana Army National Guard and was activated for World War II. He served in Guadalcanal and the Northern Solomons, where he was awarded two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge. Later, he was a Marksman Instructor and earned his Jump Wings in the Paratroops. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne as a Demolition Specialist and was Honorably Discharged after five years of service.

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Bill was part-time farmer, rancher, and cowboy. He was active in the Poplar, Montana Rodeo Club, and served as president of that organization and also participated in the rodeos by riding bareback broncos and bulls. He became a power plant mechanic for the Corps of Engineers at Fort Peck Dam, Mont. and later for the Bureau of Reclamation at Gavins Point Dam, Yankton, S.D., as well as Morrow Point and Crystal Dams in Montrose. He retired in 1985. He was an avid reader of daily newspapers and non-fiction books. He truly was a sports fan, especially the Colorado Rockies Baseball team. He enjoyed gardening, music, dogs and his grandchildren. He could make a good batch of fudge, and a great pan of beef hash. He was a good husband and a great dad and will be sorely missed by his family.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Maxine, and three sons, Todd (Jenae) of Avondale, Ariz., Kelly (Lisa) of Castle Rock, Colo., and Tim (Zida) of Montrose.  He also leaves eight grandchildren, Alexis, Sean, Jason, Kelsey, Heather, Tanner, Nicolas and Sydney; one great-granddaughter, Ariyahna. Also a brother, Robert Murray of Poplar, Mont.; sisters-in-law, Jean Bolstad of Wahpeton, N.D., Gloria McLeod of Camarillo, Calif.; brother-in-law, Darold Bolstad and wife, Nelida, Corcoran, Calif.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Elizabeth Vollertsen, and four brothers, Francis, Thomas, John and James Murray, as well as his only daughter, Deborah, who passed away Aug. 14, 2008.

Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held Friday, July 3, at 11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, where Bill is a member, with Pastor Mike Rime officiating. The family suggests memorials to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colo., P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO, or Zion Lutheran Church Remodeling Fund, 701 S. Junction, Montrose, CO. Arrangements are under the direction of Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, Montrose, Colo.

 

Comments

John Vollertsen wrote on Jul 4, 2009 8:45 AM:

" Uncle Bill was a tough, charming, humorous guy. He had so many qualities that made him a “real character.” Surviving a rugged upbringing in Brockton, the Great Depression, and then WWII–The Big One, he never held himself above anybody, yet was quick to respond if loved ones or country were ever wronged. I will miss his quick wit, his smile, and the sight of him proudly wearing his 82nd Airborne cap. To Aunt Mac and my cousins, you’ve endured so much since Deb, and now Uncle Bill. Thanks for your many visits to Montana. "




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uncle bob wrote on Jul 3, 2009 3:51 PM:

" Sorry couldn't be there for you. Hopefully we can all get together soon and tell some whoppers.
Love, Bob "




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