E.M. Sandy Murray's Obituary
Ernest Mitchell Murray
E.M. “Sandy” Murray passed away on January 7, 2017 at home in Auburn, Washington in the loving care of his wife, Shirley. Born April 1, 1928 to E.K. Murray and Mary Louisa (Wilson) Murray in Tacoma, Sandy was proud of his pioneer family’s legacy of service to Tacoma, Pierce County, and Washington State going back to the early 1800's.
After graduation from Stadium High and serving in the US Navy, Sandy graduated from the University of Washington Law School in 1953 with honors. He joined his father’s law firm (Murray, Scott, McGavick & Graves) and later the firm of Gordon, Thomas, Honeywell, specializing in corporate tax law. He served as chair of the Tax Section and the Estate Planning Council of the Washington State Bar Association, president of the Young Men’s Business Club of Tacoma, president of the University Place School Board and was a Mason. After retiring he became a successful professional photographer, serving as president of the Pierce County Professional Photographers Association and was an Associate Fellow of the Professional Photographers of Washington.
In 1950 he married Donalda “Donnie” Moncrieff, raising four children in University Place. Throughout his life, Sandy shared his passions for skiing, camping, boating, Husky football, gardening, photography, travel, and learning, with characteristic vigor. In his later years, he felt blessed to marry Shirley Brandt and to share stories, love and admiration with his children.
Sandy is survived by his wife, Shirley, sister Marilyn Douglas (Ohio), daughter Marilyn “Lyn” Murray Wilson (husband Bruce) of Milwaukee, OR, son John Russell (wife Cynthia) of Chehalis, WA, daughter Catherine “Katy” Murray (wife Patricia Williams) of Olympia, WA, grandson Keith Tyler Wilson (wife Tessie), many extended family members and friends, including his Sun Valley ski companions. He was preceded in death by his siblings Jeanne and Don, and his daughter, Marcia Murray Murphy.
A Memorial Service will be held Friday, February 17 at 1:00 p.m. in the Celebration of Life Center, Willow Room at Mountain View Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Lakewood.
In Lieu Of Flowers; at Sandy’s request, donations may be made to “The Marcia Murray Memorial Fund: Dedicated to Research on Suicide Prevention and Survivor Support” at the EMDR Research Foundation at 401 West 15th Street, Suite 695, Austin, TX 78701.
To learn more and to donate, go to,
www.emdrresearchfoundation.org/donate/marcia-murray-memorial-fund
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