Patrick Michael Murray, 65
Patrick Michael Murray, 65, died Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was under the care of Grace Hospice and died at home in the presence of his loving wife and daughter.
He was born March 26, 1942, to Bernard J. and Marie (Troy) Murray of Roseville, Mich. He attended Catholic school at Sacred Heart in Roseville. He was active in high school athletics and both loved and excelled in football and basketball where he earned varsity letters and accolades.
On Oct. 2, 1965, Patrick married Joyce Elaine Hawes, "the girl down the street," also of Roseville. Their ceremony took place at Sacred Heart Church in Roseville. Together, they became proud parents of three children, and eventually ecstatic grandparents to three grandchildren.
Patrick had various talents during his life and career. He started out driving heavy machinery/equipment, such as dump trucks, loaders, and even an 18-wheeler at one point. His true love was finish carpentry, especially custom cabinetry and Formica work. He was a talented builder/general contractor and had a way with numbers and measurements. Patrick was a perfectionist in his trade and never did anything "on a small scale." Many in the Flathead Valley cherish his woodwork.
Patrick had a love for motorcycles, especially Harleys. And, yes, that was "Big Murr" you saw riding the pearl white Harley all over town this summer and early fall. He was an excellent pool player and competed once in a tournament in Reno, Nev. He was dangerous at horseshoes and cribbage, it was best to be his partner and not his opponent. He loved hunting, fishing, boating and the outdoors, especially here in Montana. Patrick enjoyed the art of conversation and spending time with friends and family. He was a sports buff and a die-hard fan of the Rams, Dodgers, Lakers, and Grizzlies.
Patrick liked to be his own boss and had an independent nature. However, he did belong to the Carpenter's Union and the Eagles/Bald Eagles.
He was a loyal friend, devoted husband and father, proud grandfather, and all around good man. He was loved and adored by many, and earned numerous nicknames including: Big Murr, Papa Smurf, Big Teddy Bear, Papa Dog, Papa Murr, Meece, Big Daddy, Pat Baby, Honey Bunny and Patty Boy.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Patrick is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 42 years, Joyce, of Kalispell; son, Mark Murray, and wife Layne, and their children, Zachary and Taylor, of Fort Benton; daughter, Dawn Murray of Kalispell; son, Patrick Murray, Jr., and wife, Merisa, and son, Tanyon of Kalispell; sisters, Jeanne Murray and Grace Begg of Kalispell; brother, Bud and his wife, Diane, of Clinton Township, Mich.; sister, Joyce Crabtree and husband, Denny, of Commerce City, Colo.; sisters, Janet Hubbell of Phoenix, and Sharon Elie of Mesa, Ariz.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is planned for 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, at the Eagles at 37 First St. West, Kalispell. The family requests that guests wear green in honor of Patrick's Irish heritage. Please bring your lighthearted stories and anecdotes about Patrick to share at the celebration. If you would like someone else to read or tell the story for you, please put it in writing. We will greatly miss our "Big Teddy Bear."
Patrick's family would like to give special thanks for the outpouring of love and support they have received as well as the gentle and reverent care from Grace Hospice, Father Vic Langhans and Johnson Mortuary.