Brent Grose Murray's Obituary
Our father, Brent Grose Murray passed away on August 20th, 2023 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Dad was born on July 3 1952 to Freeman and Donna Murray in Ogden Utah.
He had a willful and independent spirit. He learned early on how to repair anything and everything that was broken (or not broken). Grandma said he drove her crazy by taking apart anything he could get his hands on. Our cars never saw a mechanic. Our home never saw a plumber, carpenter or electrician. He could do it all.
Our parents met when mom was 15 and dad was 16 years old. They never dated or loved any one else. After seven years of dating, mom finally convinced dad it was time to get married! Our dad married our mother, Judy Lee on June 19th, 1974 in the Ogden Temple. The four of us children quickly followed. When we were little our dad was full of laughter and fun. The four of us greatly anticipated dad‘s arrival from work. He was met with giggles and squeals as he threw us in the air and tickled us into submission.
Our dad was a big proponent of education. He graduated from Weber State College with a bachelors degree in economics. He went on to pursue an MBA at Utah State University. He encouraged our mother to go to college before they were married even though they planned on her being a homemaker. He wanted an “educated woman” teaching his children. His biggest source of pride was that all of his children pursued and obtained a higher education. His grandchildren now follow in his footsteps.
Our dad worked at Parker Hannifin Aerospace for many years. He loved his job and was devastated when he had to take disability at the age of 40 after M.S. made it too difficult for him to continue. At this point his children and then his grandchildren, became his most ardent hobby! He loved to brag about all our accomplishments to anyone who would listen! (We are so sorry!)
Dad spent many years volunteering as the treasurer for the local branch of the Red Cross. He loved serving in this role and was very proud of the good works he helped provided to those in need.
Dad loved to garden and proudly completed the Master Gardner Program through the Utah State University. He loved the science and chemistry of gardening. Mom was right there besides him weeding, hoeing and watering. We thoroughly enjoyed the fruits of their labors!
Dad and Mom loved to quilt. Him and my mom traveled often to fabric stores and quilt conventions. Dad relished in being the only male in the room! He called himself the “Man Quilter”. His forte was creating quilt patterns and choosing the perfect colors. He also learned how to clean and repair vintage sewing machines.
His later years were plagued by physical, mental and cognitive disabilities as his disease progressed. Our mother loved him through it all and was his consistent and enduring companion. She always saw the good in him. She has been our purest example of unconditional love and unwavering service.
Our dad was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints. His disabilities made it difficult for him to attend church. He was proud to serve in callings that he could manage from home. For years he created the sacrament programs and ward newsletters. He was also in charge of finding “volunteers” for the sacrament prayers. He delighted in using random phone numbers to trick ward members into answering the phone!
We know our dad is now in a body and mind that can no longer betray him. We are comforted in the knowledge that he is now in the arms of our Heavenly Father and the loved ones that have gone before him.
He is survived by the love of his life, Judy Lee Murray, his children, Michelle Murray, Melanie (Justin) Andrews, Misty (Trinton) Choate, Matthew (Tassie) Murray, his 11 grandchildren and his sister, Sharon Hales. He is preceded in death by his parents and his sister Susan Mason. He will be interred in the Hooper Cemetery in Hooper Utah.
We would like to express appreciation for dad’s healthcare professionals. He spent the last couple of years at Fairfield Village in Layton and we are grateful for their loving care. We also express thanks to the staff at Enhabit Home Heath, AMG, and the Rocky Mountain MS Clinic. We would especially like to thank his practitioner Katrina Bowden, his nurse Seong, and physical therapist Ken. Finally we would like to express love and appreciation to dads good friends Marv and Carl. You were always there for him when he needed you most.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America or the Red Cross.
A viewing for family and close friends will be held September 5th at 6:00 PM at Premier Funeral Services at 5335 S 1950 W, Roy Utah. A graveside service will be held September 6th at 11:00 AM at the Hooper Cemetery in Hooper Utah.
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