Robert Murray

Mar 16, 1925 -

Jan 24, 2020

Robert "Bob" Murray passed away on Jan. 24, 2020, at the age of 94. He was born on March 16, 1925, is survived by Jean, his wife of 56 years; his children, Jenny and Bill; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer; and granddaughter, Isabella.

He grew up during the Depression in Pennsylvania and struggled in school, only learning to read in the fourth grade, but compensated by becoming an extraordinary listener. After graduating high school, he joined the Army Air Corps and served as an armorer in a P-38 fighter plane squadron in Italy during World War II.

After the war, he earned a degree from the University of New Mexico, playing varsity football and baseball, and later received a master's degree in education from Ball State University in Indiana.

Despite, or perhaps because of his early learning struggles, Bob had a natural gift for understanding kids, which prompted him to work with young people. He taught school in Ohio and Indiana, and served as the director of Happy Hollow Children's Camp in Indiana.

With a spirit of adventure, he and Jean moved to Nome, Alaska, in 1966, where he took a position at William Beltz Boarding School. From 1969-1971, he taught at Ryan Junior High in Fairbanks, and then moved to Anderson, Alaska, to become the first Principal and establish the high school, where he remained for 18 years, retiring in 1989.

Always a gregarious person, he had boundless curiosity in people and learned to play the ukulele in group singalongs during his retirement. He was a gifted storyteller and could quickly disarm and charm total strangers. He enjoyed making friends, and he, in turn, was a trusted friend to many. Bob loved his family and friends, but most of all, Bob loved living. May he rest in peace knowing he made the world the better place for being in it.

Bob's family is planning a celebration of life later this spring. Please contact the family - or any of his friends - for more information.