Contents
- Welcome — a brief introduction
- Media — videos and photos
- Obituary — the formal obituary with details
- Additional Obituaries — other published obituaries
- Share and Comment — please leave a message
Welcome and thanks for visiting
My father, Dave W. Murray, was a science fiction and fantasy writer and editor, an elementary school teacher for 32 years, a photographer, a tour guide, and an amateur historian. At different times, he managed a shoe store and sold insurance. As an assistant Scoutmaster, he went the extra mile to earn the Woodbadge recognition. He was a elder in his church.
On May 17, 2012, he had successful open-heart surgery, but the next morning he suffered a serious stroke to the left hemisphere of his brain. About three weeks later at 1:46 AM on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, my father passed beyond this life to begin his next great adventure. If you are curious, I blogged the entire event. People also left encouraging messages for us during that time.
Family, friends and former students have asked for a place to leave messages about my father or to the family: messages of hope, memories of things they have done together, inspirational messages, and so on. I created this page just for that purpose.
Media
Dave W. Murray Memorial Video #1: 1940-1957
Dave W. Murray Memorial Video #2: 1958-1986
Dave W. Murray Memorial Video #3: 1987-2012
Obituary
MURRAY, Dave W.
On Wednesday, June 6, 2012, David W. Murray of Sacramento, age 71, entered into rest peacefully.
Born in 1940 in St. Paul, Minnesota, his family moved to Columbus, Ohio, when he was three and to Visalia, CA, when he was six. Dave attended schools in Visalia and graduated from College of the Sequoias and then Fresno State University. He earned his M.A. in Education from Pepperdine University.
His teaching career began at Pioneer Elementary (Hanford, CA) while earning a lifetime teaching credential. In 1968, he moved to Arroyo Grande, CA and taught grades 2-6 at Grover Heights Elementary (Grover City, CA) for 30 years. Fourth and fifth grades were Dave’s favorites to teach, sharing his love of California history and science with his students. He retired from teaching in 1995.
In 1999, Dave and Marlene, his wife of almost 50 years, moved to Sacramento. He suffered a stroke the following year but eventually made a full recovery. He worked for the California Dept. of Parks and Recreation as a tour guide at Sutter’s Fort, State Indian Museum, Governor’s Mansion, Leland Stanford Mansion, and California State Capitol Museum. He enjoyed sharing his knowledge with visitors and delighted in learning from guests who had lived in the mansions.
Dave had a life-long love of writing and reading science-fiction and fantasy. He was an active member of a Sacramento writers group, the Warped Spacers. He also had an avid interest in the natural world and made a study of biology, geography, astronomy, and geology. He loved camping and hiking, and he served as a staff member at a YMCA camp in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He was active in the Boys Scouts of America, and completed Wood Badge, the most advanced training available for Scout leaders. He was an ordained elder in the Presbyterian Church USA and enjoyed attending services at Westminster Presbyterian Church and The Experience in Sacramento when his work schedule permitted.
On May 18, he had a stroke following heart surgery and suffered from complications until his passing. His parents, Wm. Donald and Frances Murray of Visalia, preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife and son, Marlene and Will Murray of Sacramento, and his sister and brother-in-law, Lois and David Feleay of Cambria.
It was Dave’s wish not to have a public memorial service, but you may leave memories of Dave and comments for his family at http://WillMurray.name/dwm.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made on his behalf to the California State Parks Foundation at http://www.CalParks.org or The Nature Conservancy at http://www.Nature.org.
Additional obituaries
- The Tribune of San Luis Obispo, Thu. 14 June 2012
- Visalia Times-Delta and Tulare Advance-Register, Sat. 16 June 2012
Share and Comment
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Good Morning Dave!!
I have been re-reading all of our messages to each other so that I could see where we left off. We seemed to talk alot about family so I thought I would start there!!
As you know, Stan and I were married March<!– 30,–> 1990 in Grover City Park in the the gazebo. It seems so long ago, but not. We are still "hanging in there" with rough days and wonderful days. I don't think I would change a thing!!!
Stan took a week of vacation last week. It was wonderful to have him home every day!! We went camping for 4 days. The first night with 4 of the kids plus one "extra" then 3 kids then Stanley came home from college and there were 7 kids camping. What a wonderful wonderful time. I remember what you told me about enjoying the times and I sure did!!!
Our oldest daughter Nikkie (the one we adopted) earned her GED about 5 months ago. We got to watch her walk across stage this past Saturday in her cap and gown!! What an amazing day for her!! The goofy girl wore 3 inch heels (duh) so of course she fell as she got to the the woman with her diploma, lol. Stan and I took our three oldest out to lunch afterward and then grabbed all the grandkids and came home to swim and have dinner together!!
Poor Stan had to go back to work yesterday so the kids and I are "on our own" again.
When you were my teacher you taught me soooo many things. As we grow older we realize how much we didn't pay attention and wish that we would have. I do believe you are the teacher that taught me the word procrastination though, hehehe. I love that you are still teaching me new things and reminding me what is important in life. You are the one that taught me that teachers could be patient and kind. You are the one that made me feel that I could do anything I wanted if I just paid attention and reached for it. I did do what I dreamed with my life. I have a great husband, 6 wonderful children and lots of grandchildren surrounding me. I try to be patient and kind with them like you were with me. I went back to college when I was 30 and completed my associates degree…. I am amazed at myself, lol!!!
Well… speaking of children it is time to start waking them for their school day.
Take care of yourself and get well soon!!! You are in my prayers daily and without ceasing!!
I love you,
Dori
Good Morning Dave…..
Just wanted you to know that your son is pretty awesome!! Before your surgery I asked that you please make sure that I am kept up to date on your recovery. Will has done that and has far exceeded what I had hoped for. So that tells me not only were you a GREAT teacher but a GREAT father as well.
John had his first T-ball game of the season last night. It is soooo cute to watch. Some of them are quite good, others have no idea which way to run or to put the bat down after they bat. Today is a slow quiet day! well i am hoping for some quiet anyway, lol. The little boys are almost finished with the school year. This is John's last week and next week is Taylors.
I know that you must be so frustrated with having a stroke after surgery, but I want to remind you…… This has happened before. You can overcome it. You can and will get better. After your eye surgery you were frustrated and aggravated because you felt that it was not healing quick enough. Now you have 20/20 vision again. Your heart has been fixed and is healing. Your body has been through a lot. Remember….. God is holding you in his hands. He is protecting and healing you. Please give Him time to do his job. He made us complicated and things have to time to overcome the trauma of surgery. My prayers for you today are for patience. You will heal. Try to choose one thing you want to work on and concentrate on that one thing, help our God to heal that thing. You can do this. You are a strong man. Lean on Jesus. Remember my friend that there are hundreds if not thousands of prayers for you each day, minute and hour.
I love you,
Dori
Dear Dave,
I am so happy you found me on facebook. My older sister was your 5th grade student in the 70's and I remember her coming home with cherished washers. I vowed that I wanted such a fun teacher as you from her praises. When I reached 5th grade and did not get assigned to you, I tried to switch to your class but was denied. I cried. I was sad. Now all of these years later we have become friends as adults and you have encouraged me through this process of Nursing School and your friendship is very dear to me. You shared with me your story of going through the first stroke you had and the battle to get back to good health. It was a long journey… but you DID IT.
You are on another long journey, but do NOT lose hope. You have no idea how many people are sending you love and light and healing in prayers EVERY DAY through this because of the Internet and because of your son, Will. People who have never met you are praying daily and some are letting me know. I am also sending healing prayers to you and your family daily. We pray for all of you to get through this one day, one hour, or one moment at a time… whatever it takes. You are not a quitter nor are you a weak minded person. You are a strong man and can get through anything given to you. You are bigger than a stroke. Even when it doesn't feel like it sometimes. You know it's not an easy path, but it's one you can negotiate. Focus on love and light and healing. Feel the love from your wife and your son daily… and try to feel all of the extra love that your friends, loved ones, and students are also sending daily. Let it strengthen you. Let it hold you when you are weak. We all have FAITH. Faith in God and Faith in YOU. I look forward to updates of progress from Will. We are all trying to also be strong for him and Marlene too, so they can be strong for you. Your family is wrapped in God's love. Feel it and find strength and tenacity in it. You are like me… you do NOT give up or give in. Dig deep and know that God doesn't give us more than we can bear.
Love,
Heather Holliday
Dave,
I have only fond memories of Grover Heights Elementary. I attended during my 5th and 6th grade years. I was fortunate to have you as my 5th grade teacher, and Ms. Heiney for 6th grade.
As I look back at those years, I have to laugh. We were good kids, but BOY could we get in trouble. Some of my VERY best friends, still to this day, went to school with me. Leaette Burton, Christy Harden, Marty Schulz Grace Deguzman, Heather Holliday, Robert Oliver ( my Hubby), Stephanie Steeber, Karen Randall, Jennifer Bancale, Rick Acosta, Clarence Cabreros, Joni, Dori, Sharla, Jamie, Sara, LaMar, Amber, Rhonda, Chad, Cheryl, Dana.. oh my.. I could go on and on and on. I am sure I missed another 15 or so !! What an amazing time.
I remember those days on the playground, playing Teather Ball and Kick ball. You and Mr. Lucero would stand out there, and joke with us kids. Sometimes yell at us ( always well deserved).. I really looked up to you, and soaked in ALL your advice.
Some 30 years later, you are still the same man I remember. Kind hearted, Intelligent and wise. I still listen to your advice! You and I have had many conversations over the past year. About kids, life, travel, politics, adventures.
I am so proud to be your former student. I am even more proud, to call you My Friend…
Get well My Friend. You are loved and cherished and in my daily thoughts. Thank you Will, for keeping us updated, and providing so many details.
May God Bless the Murray family. You are all in my prayers.
Love Krista ( Shanks) Oliver <3
Hi Will,
Kudos on your blog as it is well written and sincere. I would like to share with you a Winston Churchill quote that has helped me in tough times: "When you are going through hell, keep going." Regardless of the circumstances, our best option is to try and move forward. My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.
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In the a.m. I'm taking off to visit family in Minnesota. I will miss my dog and cat but they will stay here my boyfriend (whom they seem to like more than me) and enjoy the spoils of Walmart's pet treat section! I will keep checking your blog for updates.
–>
Prayers and peace to you and your family.
Sincerely,
Jen
I was in a writing group with Dave. He was always a bit shy in the group, but when he did speak up, he radiated warmth, friendliness, and good-naturedness. I never heard him say an unkind word. Although I didn't know him well, I feel I knew him well enough to say that he had a depth of knowledge and character that I hope to emulate. I regret that I didn't get to know him better when I had the chance. Thank you, Dave, for your friendship. You will be sorely missed. Hope to see you on the other side.
From the Wyatt family to yours Will, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and yours. There is nothing I can say that most others have not perfectly said already…Favorite teacher…many MANY great memories of my 5th grade year. One of the best teachers. Always warm and friendly when one would bump into him outside of school. In the past 10 years i enjoyed working with him on his book (at least in the sense of giving or helping with ideas)…Will never forget him either…
Will,
Thank you again for keeping us all so well informed. As you know, your dad was an awesome man full of warmth and love. Thank you for allowing all of us to be part of his last days, more importantly, thank you for letting him know how much he meant to me.
Know that you and your mom will continue to be in my prayers. Please let us know how she is doing.
Dori
so very sorry about your loss my friend…the Wyatt family sends it condolences to you and yours..
was not really wanting to wake up and hear this…he was a great and wonderful man, who impacted many students along the way…i know he was one of my favorite teachers…he will be missed
Sorry as well and Sad he was such a nice man. I will let your cousins know.
Will give your Mom a hug from the Fresno Puckett Family
Will, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad. My heart and prayers go out to you and family.
My condolences Will!
My heart goes out to you and your family Will.
Our condolences…
Things will seem surreal for a long time, hon…speaking from experience.
May you find all of the strength and comfort you need. Much love to you and your mom. ♥
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"Through many dangers, toils and snares…
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far…
and Grace will lead us home."
Though I only saw Dave at our writing group meetings and occasional parties, I feel like I've known Dave as dearly as any friend. I found him to be a man of few words, but those words were always important and warranted extra attention. My books wouldn't be as nearly polished nor as well thought out without Dave's canny insightful, and diligent input. But more than that, he was always a supportive friend–there when you needed him. I'm so happy to have been able to share this little corner of his life and so saddened to hear of his passing. He will be tremendously missed: as a colleague, but mostly as a friend. My heart goes out to everyone in his family.
Dave will be missed, and he now flies with great company since Ray Bradbury also passed on this morning. What great conversations the two of them will have, I can just imagine!
Will, Judy and I also send our thoughts and prayers for speedy recovery of your mom and are looking forward to seeing you both at a future writers group meeting.
We send our love and thought to you all.
Condolences Will- he's not gone brother, he's just gone on ahead and you will see him again- collectively mourning with you-
Will thoughts and prayers for you and your mom…
I just learned, today, that Dave has left us. I also found out that another great writer has also left us. I'm sure they are having a great time talking about all the stories they wrote and will continue to write in the great beyond.
Our writing group will miss his quite comments, warm smile and amusing stories of his volunteer services with some of the historic parks.
My condolences to the family he leaves behind. I know words cannot express the feelings of losing a loved one. Just know your friends are with you durning this difficult time.
Will and Marlene,
I am so sorry to hear the news about Dave.
There are no words that can comfort you at this time. But, know that people are thinking about you and Dave. He was a lovely man; I will miss him dearly, as you will.
I am a woman of faith, he’s with God now, and his pain is gone. We are the ones, left to suffer without him, and that’s tough, but, time will help.
May god be with you in your time of need,
Annie Lira
My thoughts and prayers to you and your family. He was a sweet man. I'm glad I got to work with him at Sutter's Fort.
You and your family are in my thoughts and my heart. Mr. Murray is a big part of what my life is. He gave so many lessons of life that I carry with me. Him and Mr. Lucero are the most influential teachers in my life and I am privileged to have had Mr. Murray as a teacher and person who taught me so many things besides academics. I would like to thank for allowing us to be a part of what you are going through. Thank you so much!
I am very sorry for your loss, Will. *hugs*